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The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday, urged public relations practitioners to communicate government reforms and policies clearly to build public trust.

Shettima gave the charge in Kaduna during the third Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Week 2026 hosted by Governor Uba Sani.

The Vice President said policies and reforms of the Bola Tinubu administration would only succeed if citizens understand their benefits. According to him, public relations plays a critical role in governance, especially in explaining policies and addressing public concerns.

“As a government, we regard public relations as a strategic function of governance. It is integral to building trust, managing uncertainty, and sustaining reform. We must communicate not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it, how it serves the public good, and what place the citizen occupies in the success of that effort.” he said.

He added that policies must be properly explained in simple terms for citizens to understand their relevance and impact.

Speaking on food security, Shettima said the Tinubu administration has placed feeding the nation at the centre of its economic agenda. He further listed measures taken to address food insecurity, including mechanisation, agricultural funding, dry-season farming and input subsidies.

The Vice President said the success of the policies would be measured by their impact on farmers, markets and households. He also urged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to uphold professionalism and ethical standards.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described the Vice President as a strong supporter of the administration and said the state would continue to invest in agriculture.

On his part, President of African Public Relations Association (APRA), Arik Kirani, urged Nigerians to always tell their stories confidently because the country has greatly improved in all facets.

Kirani praised Nigeria’s new visa processing process, which he said has greatly improved, adding that the airport procedures for foreign visitors are also seamless.

The keynote speaker, Dr Brahim Chisunge from South Africa, commended Nigeria’s progress in food security, maintaining that it is a matter of national security and economic stability.

Chisunge noted that while Nigeria has a lot of agricultural potential that must be harnessed, policy implementation gaps must be addressed to achieve food security.

In his welcome address, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, said the NIPR Week was part of the Institute’s intervention to contribute to good governance, noting that the idea is to partner with the government to build Nigeria.

Neliaku revealed that Nigeria will be hosting the global summit on public relations in November this year, where 160 nations will converge, expressing optimism that Nigeria will continue to rise.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of a newly built banquet hall at the Kaduna Government House, by the Vice President, who also described the achievement as a step towards strengthening governance and infrastructure in the state.

He further commended Sani, saying. “And so we must applaud His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, for matching words with works, for giving visible expression to his convictions, and for proving through steady action that leadership is validated by delivery.”

Also, the state governor said the construction of the world class edifice was a deliberate effort towards strengthening institutions and governance in the state, stressing that the building would be used for high level diplomatic interactions that will further showcase the state to the world.

Shettima Urges Clear Communication Of Govt Policies is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Government of Nigeria spends approximately N2.2 billion (about $150 million) annually on the procurement of vaccines for routine immunisation programmes aimed at protecting children from preventable and life-threatening diseases.

The immunisation programme is jointly financed by the Federal Government and international development partners, including the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, which supports vaccine access in developing countries.

In addition, about N70.6 billion has been disbursed between 2023 and 2025 under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs, nationwide, with the goal of strengthening service delivery at the grassroots level.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, is also scaling up its intervention programme, increasing the number of facilities benefiting from the Health Care Provision Fund from 8,309 to 13,512. Out of the planned 5,200 additional centres, 3,789 have already been identified, while coordination with state and local governments is ongoing to ensure equitable distribution across the country.

The Executive Director of the agency, Dr Muyi Aina, disclosed this during the first quarter 2026 media briefing held in Abuja, noting that implementation work has commenced in more than 4,113 primary healthcare centres, with over 3,000 already completed in terms of infrastructure upgrades.

He further explained that utilisation of primary healthcare services has recorded significant growth nationwide.

According to him, average attendance rose from 29 million per quarter in mid-2023 to about 46 million, with 45.4 million recorded in Q4 2024, and an even higher figure in 2025.

Dr Aina also highlighted major progress in disease control, revealing that Nigeria recorded a 48 per cent decline in circulating variant poliovirus outbreaks between 2023 and 2025, attributing the improvement to strengthened immunisation coverage and sustained public health interventions.

Nigerian govt spends N2.2bn annually on vaccines – NPHCDA boss

The Kebbi State Government has denied allegations linking it to the ongoing court case involving two factional chairmen of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the state.

The rebuttal was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, in Birnin Kebbi.

The government said it has no affiliation with the ADC and is not involved in the internal crisis rocking the party.

“Our attention has been drawn to publications alleging that the Kebbi State Government is behind the court case between two factional ADC chairmen.

We categorically state that the government is neither a member of the ADC nor affiliated with the party,” the statement said.

It noted that the dispute is an internal matter within the ADC, which has been grappling with a prolonged leadership tussle leading to court actions by rival factions.

The government also criticised some media reports on the issue, accusing them of lacking balance and professionalism.

According to the statement, some of the reports were one-sided and not reflective of fairness and ethical journalism, adding that the authors were allegedly not present during court proceedings.

It urged journalists to adhere strictly to professional standards in their reportage and avoid publishing unverified claims.

The government further dismissed allegations by one of the factional chairmen accusing it of influencing the court process, describing the claim as baseless.

“This is not an APC affair but an internal dispute within the ADC, which should be resolved through internal mechanisms rather than unfounded accusations,” the statement added.

The crisis in the ADC in Kebbi involves rival factional chairmen, Abdulrasak Abubakar and Sufiyanu Bala, who are currently in court over alleged contempt.

The state government maintained that it has never victimised members of any political party and described the allegation against it as false.

Kebbi govt denies involvement in ADC leadership dispute

Former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, has warned that alleged court interference in political party affairs and perceptions of partisanship within the electoral body could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Igini described the situation as “regrettable and most unfortunate,” noting that the electoral management body (INEC) is facing controversy at a critical period ahead of another election cycle.

“Perception matters a lot… all actions and inactions of an EMB official must be seen to exhibit the highest principle of ethical standards so that people can have faith and confidence in the process,” he said, urging the commission’s leadership to address issues that could erode public trust.

Igini maintained that while INEC is expected to operate as a neutral umpire, politicians often accuse the commission of bias when outcomes do not favour them.

“One of the things politicians always do is to call an umpire partisan when they fail to have their way,” he noted, recalling that similar accusations were made during his time in office.

He expressed deep concern over the growing role of the judiciary in electoral matters, warning that the courts are increasingly determining outcomes that should be decided by voters.

“Today, it is the courts that are now conducting elections in our country,” Igini said, stressing that such a trend threatens the foundation of democracy.

“A democracy without a courageous, independent judiciary has in it a virus that will lead to its death,” he added.

Drawing from Nigeria’s electoral history, Igini argued that judicial decisions have, at critical moments, failed to uphold the sanctity of the ballot, thereby weakening public confidence in the system.

He also warned that ongoing crises within opposition parties, alongside judicial involvement in internal party disputes, could weaken Nigeria’s multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 polls.

“The institution of multi-party democracy will have no future if there is no institutionalised opposition,” he said.

Igini cautioned against any attempt to suppress opposition voices, describing such actions as dangerous to democratic development.
“Any attempt to stifle opposition will be tantamount to shooting the heart of democracy,” he said.

He further raised concerns about provisions in the 2026 Electoral Act, which he said could create loopholes capable of undermining the electoral process if not addressed.

“The 2026 electoral act already has provisions that could undermine the 2027 election,” he stated, citing concerns over sections that may limit the role of key electoral officials in tribunal proceedings.

Igini also decried what he described as rising political intolerance, including reports of opposition parties being denied access to public venues and media platforms.

“We have already entered a season of intolerance… these are clear violations of the electoral law,” he said.

He emphasised that democratic progress depends on fairness, adherence to the rule of law, and responsible conduct by political actors.
“If we don’t fix our politics, we can never fix our economy,” Igini added.

He called on stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy through accountability, ethical leadership, and respect for democratic principles.

“The greatest promise of democracy is the peaceful transfer of power… nobody should do anything to undermine that,” he said.

Court Interference, Partisan INEC Threaten 2027 Polls – Igini is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian singer, Qing Madi has called out her former record label, JTon Music, accusing it of attempting to sabotage her career.

The 19-year-old called out the label on Tuesday after it reportedly took down her new song with Zinoleesky, ‘Pepper Me’, from streaming platform, Spotify.

Qing Madi said her ex-label, which she recently departed following disputes, has now resolved to sabotaging her career after losing a $1m-suit they filed against her.

She lamented that the same people who attempted to destroy the career of Cynthia Morgan are now after hers.

On her Instagram page, she wrote, “My ex label the same people that tried to destroy Cynthia Morgan are trying to do same to me.

“It’s paining you that I didn’t give up even after suing me for 1 million dollars and losing your case.”

Qing Madi vowed to do all within her powers to ensure that the song is restored on Spotify.

Meanwhile, JTon Music is yet to react to the allegations.

My ex-label trying to destroy me after suing me for $1m – Qing Madi

Controversial self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO, has deleted all cancer-related posts on her Instagram page.

The development came two weeks after she deactivated her account.

DAILY POST reports that Blessing CEO and IVD, her lover, disabled their social media accounts amid her stage 4 cancer claim controversy.

However, Blessing CEO secretly returned to Instagram on Tuesday to delete all cancer-related posts.

DAILY POST recalls that Blessing CEO had solicited financial help for treatment.

Reacting to her alleged medical report, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, called for her arrest for doctoring a report of a cancer patient to back up her false claims.

Blessing CEO returns to IG, deletes all cancer-related posts

A group in Cross River State, the Akpabuyo Youth Movement (AYM) has called on Governor Bassey Otu to consider Akpabuyo Local Government Area for the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general election, citing what it described as 24 years of political exclusion. The group made the call at a gathering of youths from […]

The post After 24 years, Akpabuyo youths urge Otu to consider LG for Rep seat appeared first on Tribune Online.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, warned counsel appearing before her against engaging in conduct capable of stalling proceedings, threatening to invoke the court’s contempt powers where necessary.

The warning came during proceedings in a matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over properties linked to him.

At the hearing, counsel to the EFCC, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that he had earlier received a call from lead defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, notifying him of his engagement at the Court of Appeal on time-sensitive matters and indicating that a representative would attend with a letter to that effect.

“My Lord, I came and met the letter which was given to us, showing that he is before the Court of Appeal in two matters involving the PDP.  But before then, My Lord, I had written to the learned senior counsel expressing my profound displeasure over the manner we have been treated in this matter,” Okutepa said.

In her response, Justice Abdulmalik emphasized the need for strict compliance with court directives, noting that the interim forfeiture order had been published for fourteen days to enable interested parties to show cause.

“My directive is that this interim forfeiture was placed in a newspaper for fourteen days for parties to show cause. I am going to give a definite date for hearing. Any counsel whose processes are not in will be deemed to have shut himself out,” she said.

The judge further warned against any form of misconduct in court, stating: “If you are not satisfied with my decision, you can approach the appellate court. But at the next adjourned date, this matter will be heard. If your processes are not filed, they will be deemed abandoned. I will not entertain any rascality from any lawyer who decides to be unruly in my court. If need be, I will cite you for contempt, dock you and jail you.”

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently ordered all parties and interested persons to file and serve their processes on or before April 27, 2026.

“All parties and interested parties must file and serve their processes on or before April 27, 2026. Any defaulting party has shut itself out. Any process served after that date will not be recognized by this court,” she ruled.

She added that responses must be filed within stipulated timelines to ensure readiness for hearing.

The matter was adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.

Former Premier League champions Leicester City have been condemned to League One just 10 years on from their Premier League title win, with back-to-back relegations for the Foxes confirmed after they drew with promotion-chasing Hull City on a subdued night at King Power Stadium.

Dropping into the third tier for just the second time in their 142-year history completes an unwanted full-circle for the East Midlands club, as their 5,000-1 success of 2016 came just seven years after they ended a one-year stay in League One.

Leicester needed to beat Hull to give themselves any chance of survival but, rather than rattle the Tigers in the first half, they gifted the visitors the opener – with a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Asmir Begovic finding Liam Millar – who kept his cool to finish.

A second-half Jordan James penalty, after Abdul Fatawu was brought down by Lewis Koumas, restored a sense of belief for the Foxes before Luke Thomas’ close-range volley had the previously dispirited crowd in raptures.

Those feelings of hope were dealt an ultimately shattering blow when Oli McBurnie slammed home the Tigers’ leveller, although Leicester pressed on in search of late salvation with Patson Daka hitting the woodwork, Aaron Ramsey squandering chances and Thomas having a stoppage-time effort blocked by Semi Ajayi.

Hull pushed for a winner themselves but had to settle for a draw that means they drop out of the play-off places on goal difference.

When the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League for the second time in three seasons last year, Hull were hit with a transfer embargo after narrowly avoiding dropping out of the Championship.

Relying on free agents and loan recruits, head coach Sergej Jakirovic has got the Tigers pushing hard to end their nine-year Premier League absence – one which also took them all the way down to League One in 2020.

Leicester have had to deal with a more severe punishment this season, having been docked six points for historical spending breaches, but not even a full complement of points would get them out of the drop zone at this stage.

There were jeers around the ground when relegation was confirmed at full-time, when 10 years ago it was Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli that provided the iconic soundtrack to Leicester City’s previously unfathomable Premier League title win as he sang Nessun dorma and Time to Say Goodbye during the club’s trophy celebrations.

Ex-EPL Champions, Leicester City Relegated To League One is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Senator Ted Cruz has accused officials of the Nigerian government of facilitating violence against Christians in the country.

The lawmaker, who spoke on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, lamented that despite the government’s promises to tackle the security crisis, more Christians are being killed.

He said while some states are still practicing sharia law, the Federal Government has decided to “look the other way” as terrorists continue to launch mayhem on unsuspecting citizens.

He said, “more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world.

“Since 2009, the Islamic jihadists have murdered more than 50,000 Christians in Nigeria, more than 20,000 churches, schools and religious institutions have been destroyed.

“Scores of Christians and several others were kidnapped. Nigerian officials have, unfortunately, been complicit in facilitating these atrocities. The government looks the other way at the violence.

“The result is unsurprisingly more Islamic jihadists violence”.

Nigerian govt officials complicit in facilitating terrorism – Ted Cruz tells US Senate