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The Federal Government has announced that Friday, May 1, 2026, will be a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.

This was confirmed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo hailed Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st May 2026, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration.

“The Minister commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.”

Nigerian govt declares May 1 public holiday

The newly inaugurated Action Peoples Party (APP) Imo State chapter, has dismissed the purported nullification of party’s nationwide congresses by a Federal High Court sitting in Gusau, Zamfara state.

The report alleged that the court presided over by Justice Hamza Mohamed nullified all conducted and supervised congresses by the national office of APP led by Barrister Uchenna Nnadi, which by implication, affects the lmo state chapter.

Imo state chapter of the party had on Sunday, April 2026, with other states of the federation conducted its congress that produced Hon. Ernest Njesi as the state Chairman and other officers.

The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Ambassador Steve Nnadi in a statement issued on Wednesday night, stated no judgement or exparte order exists or emanates from any court in Zamfara state.

He stated that it was important to clarify that no court nullified APP congresses nationwide, including Imo state chapter, or deregistered APP.

Imo APP members and the general public should ignore and disregard the fake news from the pit of hell which is the handiwork of All Progressive Congress, APC-led government of Imo state.

“It is indeed a cacophony and blabbing of an outgoing failed government which must not be taken seriously in its entirety.

“To this end, let it be clear that the federal high court in Zamfara state lacks jurisdiction to entertain such exparte motion brought by a faceless Kelechi Anyanwu unknown to the party,” he said.

APP dismisses court nullification of party’s nationwide congresses

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest.

The President has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

This decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School. 

Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.

 

The Abia State Government has inaugurated the boards of various sports federations under the State Sports Council, charging members to reposition the sector as a key driver of youth employment, development, and economic growth.

Inaugurating the boards on Wednesday in Umuahia, Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the revitalisation of sports is a strategic step toward youth development and cohesion.

Governor Otti, who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said the inauguration of the sports federation boards was a tool for youth empowerment in Abia State.

Otti emphasised the transformative role of sports in Nigerian society, noting that it remains a powerful platform for engaging young people and instilling unity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

In his address, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the Abia State Government cannot continue to fund sports activities alone.

He warned association executives against unproductivity and redundancy, saying that days of existing only on paper were over.

Also speaking, the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, said the Abia State Government’s investment in the sports sector had resulted in the appointment of coaches from the state in national sports associations.

Abia inaugurates sports federation boards to drive employment , youth development

 

A gang of suspected Fulani gunmen attacked a resident of the Army Post Service Housing Estate Kurudu Abuja FCT in the early hours of Thursday 30th April 2026. 

The gunmen numbering about seven came into a compound in the estate in a bid to kidnap the resident. 

Luck ran out of the criminals when the soldiers deployed at the estate responded to distress calls by neighbors. 

A combined team of troops deployed at the estate and Policemen from Divisional Police post Kurudu foiled the kidnap and robbery attempt at Army Post Service Housing Estate Kurudu ( Phase 5) Abuja FCT

The ensuring gun battle resulted in the death of one of the gunmen while one escaped with gunshot wounds. 

The others escaped from the rear of the estate in disarray 

It was gathered that the Fulani gunmen actual target was a top business tycoon living in the estate

Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the gang members according to a resident spoken who to CKN News on condition of anonymity 

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…Strong Operational Gains, Asset Recovery Boost Ministerial Role Chances

…Presidency Weighs Technocrat-Led Options Amid Push For Improved Power Supply

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, may be announced as the replacement for Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned his appointment as the Minister of Power, THE WHISTLER can exclusively report.

Adelabu had on April 22, 2025, resigned his appointment to contest the Oyo State governorship election.

While there has been no official confirmation from the Presidency, multiple insider sources told THE WHISTLER that Adighije’s name has gained traction in recent weeks.

This, they attributed, to her background as a technocrat and hands-on experience in the power sector.

An insider said she could be considered to fill the vacant ministerial slot from Abia State, following the vacuum created by Nkeiruka Onyejeocha who resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

Onyejeocha, who is from Abia State, served as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, but resigned in early April 2026 to pursue a political return to the National Assembly.

Born on April 15, 1983, Adighije holds a B.Sc. in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Lagos, with an M.Sc. in wireless networks and telecommunications from Queen Mary University of London.

She is also armed with an MPhil from the Catholic University of Murcia, Spain, in 2025.

A source from the Presidency told THE WHISTLER that President Bola Tinubu may go for her because of her professional experience, adding that she had previously worked as a transmission maintenance engineer at the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

“The President we all know doesn’t play with experience. He usually goes for the best, and this time, he may not go for a novice or someone who is a politician without the right expertise. He wants the best to drive his agenda in the power sector. It is on this premise that Engr Adighije stands the better chance of succeeding Chief Adebayo Adelabu as the new Minister of Power,” the source said.

Speaking about her capacity to succeed Adelabu, a senior staff member of the power ministry who spoke to THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity, said Adighije, who was appointed by the President in August 2023, is a technocrat.

“The NDPHC MD is well experienced having worked at Globacom as an NSS specialist, then as head of operations. From 2018–2023, she served as a value engineer and cost controller at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s procurement department, followed by Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on entrepreneurship in communications, innovation, and digital economy.

“Under her leadership since 2024, NDPHC restored about 750 MW of generation capacity, recovered 110 abandoned containers of turbine parts, and completed projects like the Afam–Ikot Ekpene 330kV transmission line and Light Up Nigeria – Agbara cluster.

“She also secured over $10m in legacy debts and $15m in insurance claims, converted 180 contract staff to permanent roles, and added 625 MW to Nigeria’s grid in her first year,” the source said.

The source continued: “Under her leadership, the company has focused on reviving dormant generation capacity, improving financial health, and strengthening governance in Nigeria’s power-sector value chain.

“Her team has restored multiple turbines at key NDPHC power plants, including two turbines at the Ihovbor Power Plant, adding about 230 MW to the national grid; overall, NDPHC has added approximately 625 MW to Nigeria’s electricity supply under her watch.”

The NDPHC has also deepened focus on the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), advancing Phase II with an emphasis on renewable–energy-linked transmission and distribution assets.

The source said, “Infrastructure and special-purpose projects NDPHC completed key transmission and distribution projects in Borno and Delta States, including the Afam–Ikot Ekpene 330 kV double-circuit transmission line, which improves grid stability in the South–South.

“She initiated the ‘Light Up Nigeria – Agbara Industrial Cluster’ project to connect the Agbara Industrial Estate to the grid, and a 10 MW embedded solar project in an industrial area in Kano to support off-grid power needs for manufacturers.

“Adighije’s management rescued over 110–120 containers of critical turbine parts and heat-recovery steam-generator (HRSG) components that had been abandoned at Onne Port for more than nine years, reducing replacement-cost burdens for the company.”

Setting the agenda for the incoming Power Minister, the Executive Secretary of the Power and Energy Consumers Advocates of Nigeria (PECAN), Comrade Uket Obonga, said the new appointee should extract a commitment from the President before accepting the offer, adding that without Tinubu’s support, the new minister may find it difficult to deliver.

He said, “The person who has the capacity and the ability to give definitive instructions that I want for the power sector is Mr President. Even if you appoint every person who has all the necessary competencies and so forth, the final say ultimately rests with the President.

“For instance, the government has not really stamped its feet. No government so far, from Buhari we thought initially who came in May 2015, we thought late President Buhari was going to effect certain reforms in the power sector.

“But they lacked the political will and the courage to go about doing that. That was not done. So what is required in the power sector is a comprehensive review. What I mean by review of the entire privatisation exercise does not imply that I want it cancelled.

“The privatisation listing was supposed to be reviewed within five years and 10 years. But nothing of such was done. No government since Buhari to this point has warmed up to the proposal to do that.

“Ownership today of some of these privatisation entities that are in the hands or owned by those who have entrenched interests, those who are connected to the government in power.

“So what is a minister coming to do in the face of such a situation? To undervalue the equity shares of some of these Discos? The Discos that undervalue the shares at N15bn, meanwhile are raking between N25bn and N30bn every month.

“A minister can come and stamp his feet and pay a small sum. When they say he who pays the piper, dictates the tune. If we can have a minister who will be bold enough to tell Mr President the truth and it will work.”

Adighije’s NDPHC Performance Spurs Presidency Consideration For Power Ministry is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Arsenal were denied a late winning opportunity after a controversial VAR intervention in a gripping 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The defining moment came in the 78th minute when referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded Arsenal a third penalty of the night after Eberechi Eze went down under a challenge from David Hancko.

However, following a VAR review, the Dutch official overturned his decision, ruling that the contact was insufficient, much to the relief of the home crowd.

The Gunners had earlier taken the lead through Viktor Gyokeres, who confidently converted from the spot after being brought down by Hancko.

Atletico responded before the break, also from 12 yards, as Julian Alvarez calmly slotted home after Ben White was penalised for handball following another VAR check.

Arsenal, chasing just their second-ever Champions League final appearance, dominated large spells of the first half with composed possession and attacking intent. But Diego Simeone’s side came out with renewed energy after the restart, putting the visitors under sustained pressure.

Alvarez nearly added a second with a curling free-kick that drifted narrowly wide, while Antoine Griezmann rattled the crossbar in a moment that had Arsenal scrambling. Ademola Lookman also came close but fired straight at goalkeeper David Raya from a promising central position.

Atletico’s momentum was briefly halted when Alvarez was forced off with an apparent injury, allowing Arsenal to regain control and push forward in search of a winner.

That opportunity seemed to arrive when Eze was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box late on, only for VAR to intervene once more and overturn the decision. The reversal sparked loud celebrations inside the stadium, while Arsenal players were left visibly frustrated.

Despite the setback, the visitors continued to threaten, with substitute Cristhian Mosquera testing Jan Oblak with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in London. Arsenal will take confidence from the result, though they may feel aggrieved at the missed late opportunity to secure an advantage.

The winner of the tie will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Speaking after the match, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres acknowledged the challenge of the encounter while remaining optimistic ahead of the return leg.

“I think in the first half we controlled the game quite well. We had a few good opportunities and managed to score,” he said.

“In the second half they started much better and managed to get a goal. Towards the end we had a few okay chances. Overall it was a tough game, it’s a tough place to come, but it’s only half-time.

“I didn’t see either of the penalties so it’s difficult to say, but that’s football. I don’t know why they turned the second penalty down, it looked like contact, but it’s the referee’s decision.

“We know when we play at home with our fans it’s going to be different. We just have to do our job and be at our best.”

UCL: Arsenal Hold Atletico To 1-1 Draw In Semi-Final is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States government has charged the sitting governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offences, in a sweeping indictment unsealed Wednesday in a Manhattan federal court.

The most prominent defendant is Rubén Rocha Moya, who has served as governor of Sinaloa since November 2021. Authorities allege that Rocha and the other defendants played essential roles in helping the Sinaloa drug cartel ship fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. As of Wednesday, none of the defendants were in custody.

The indictment alleged that the accused were closely aligned with the faction of the Sinaloa cartel run by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former cartel leader now serving a life sentence in a US prison. Some of the defendants, according to the indictment, personally participated in the cartel’s campaign of violence and retribution.

Among those indicted, at least three officials including Rocha, the mayor of Sinaloa’s capital, and a senator were affiliated with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s party, Morena.

Rocha was also a staunch ally of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his “Hugs, Not Bullets” policy, which avoided direct confrontation with drug cartels.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated that the Sinaloa Cartel has flooded American communities with dangerous drugs for decades, adding that the cartel would not operate as freely or successfully without corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials on its payroll.

DEA head Terrance Cole said the indictment exposes a deliberate effort to undermine public institutions and put American lives at risk, adding that the charged officials used positions of trust to protect cartel operations.

Rocha flatly rejected the accusations, saying he categorically and completely denies all charges and described them as baseless. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that any U.S. investigation targeting individuals in Mexico must have its evidence reviewed by the Mexican Attorney General’s Office.

The charges follow a statement last week by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson, who said the US administration would launch an anti-corruption campaign targeting Mexican officials linked to organised crime.

This is not the first time a senior Mexican official has faced U.S. drug charges. Former public security secretary Genaro García Luna was convicted in 2023 of accepting bribes to protect the Sinaloa Cartel and was sentenced to more than 38 years in prison.

U.S. Charges Mexican Governor, Nine Officials With Drug Trafficking is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026 as a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

The minister commended Nigerian workers for their hardwork and dedication to national development, noting that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.

He also encouraged workers to be patriotic, productive, and dedicated to their duties for the country’s sustainable development.

Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favorable environment for economic growth.

He further urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding, and use the occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hardwork in building the nation.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has declared immunization a non-negotiable responsibility, urging residents to treat it as an urgent duty to protect every child and safeguard communities from preventable diseases.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, at the flag-off of the 2026 World and African Immunization Week at the Primary Health Care Centre along Peter Sarki Road, Tunga, the governor described the event as a decisive call to action rather than a routine ceremony.

“Behind every vaccination is a life protected and a future secured,” he stated, aligning with this year’s theme, “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work.”

Bago underscored the proven impact of vaccines globally, noting that they have saved millions of lives, eradicated smallpox, and pushed polio to the brink of extinction.

He stressed that these milestones represent real human stories—children who survived, families kept intact, and communities spared needless suffering.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor said all 25 local government areas are fully mobilised for the exercise, assuring residents that vaccines are free, safe, and effective.

He charged parents and caregivers to ensure that no child misses out on routine immunization.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government and former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mustapha Jibril, challenged community leaders to confront misinformation head-on and drive acceptance at the grassroots level.

He stressed that achieving the state’s target of vaccinating over 80 percent of children will require sustained efforts by the Ministry of Health and its development partners, particularly in reaching hard-to-access communities.

Dismissing widespread myths about vaccines, Jibril pledged that all 25 local government chairmen would align with the state’s health agenda to ensure every eligible child is immunized.

Delivering a goodwill message, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Team Lead, Grace Odeyemi, reiterated that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in preventing childhood diseases.

She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Niger State in identifying and reaching zero-dose children.

Voices from the community further highlighted the impact of immunization. An expectant mother, Aisha Isa, called on women to prioritise vaccination, noting that consistent antenatal care has provided her with guidance and confidence throughout her pregnancy.

A nursing mother, Katumi Aliyu, also shared her experience of regular clinic visits, describing how continuous medical support has strengthened her trust in the healthcare system.

‘No excuses’ – Bago orders full immunization coverage across Niger