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The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has informed prospective corps members deployed to Enugu and Osun that the orientation exercise for the two states will commence on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, and end on Monday, 18th May, 2026 – one week after commencement in the other 34 states and the FCT.

The NYSC management, in a statement signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, said the adjustment is due to the on-going extensive renovation of the camps by the state governments, which has necessitated the change in date.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Orientation Exercise for all other states and the FCT is scheduled to be held from Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 – Tuesday 12th May 2026,” the statement said.

“Affected Prospective Corps Members are to duly note these differing dates for compliance, please.”

The NYSC wished all prospective corps members a safe journey to their states of deployment.

NYSC announces new date for Enugu, Osun orientation camps

An activist, Emeka Ijere, Monday, predicted that Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State would not enjoy much support of the people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone during the 2027 general election.

THE WHISTLER reports that the zone is composed of Nsukka, Uzo-Uwani, Igbo-Etiti, Igboeze North, Igboeze South and Udenu local government areas, and forms the largest population of the three senatorial zones of the state.

Ijere, who spoke with our correspondent in the aftermath of a rally in support of the Mbah re-election in 2027, stated that the governor’s abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party under which he was elected was a major reason for his loss of support of the people of the zone.

He recalled that in the governorship election of 2023, Gov Mbah “won by only the skin of teeth”, adding that he was saved “by the intrinsic campaign flow long imbibed in our consciousness by our loyalty to the political fathers of the state”.

He stated that, “After the scratched victory, Gov Mbah in an incomprehensible turn ditched PDP – the party through which he ascended to power. He then joined Buhari-Tinubu’s APC; a poorly assembled party that is bereft of all Igbo values. And so, Mbah is now left bare of the support of mostly his avid followers.”

He said the reason offered by Gov Mbah for joining APC was unacceptable. “Gov Mbah had joined APC in what he called ‘Connecting to the Centre’, thereby unfortunately applauding that infamous clause terminology that was used by various extortionist administrators of miserable African colonies in their self-gratification to getting undue favours from the home land Britain.”

Ijere also alleged that Gov Mbah abandoned the senatorial zone which, according to him, “has always been symbolic in determining ‘who becomes what’” in the state.

“They will not allow themselves marooned within the APC’s wider political sphere,” he said. “Indeed, the good people of Enugu North have moved on; and now looking into the beautiful horizon of a possible new Nigeria through the prism of His Excellency Peter Obi’s ADC. It is here that our star rises and shines.”

He therefore predicted “a shock akin to tsunami” awaiting any other party that considers making Enugu North senatorial zone a ‘battle field’ of the coming gubernatorial campaigns.

He said, “The bottom-up grassroots campaign strategy of ADC and Enugu North people shall soon be set in motion like rolling stones down the many hills of Nsukka land. The fight shall this time be taken into the forte of those who have treated us as if we do not exist. Gov Mbah’s acclaimed lofty political stance shall be reduced to mere pedestrian narratives to be understood by every youth on the street and every woman in the market. And then, the second-term campaign shall no longer stand but collapse abysmally.”

He concluded that “The collective dream of Igbo race bestowed on Mr Peter Obi for Igbo presidency cannot be truncated by a small group of government ‘employees’ battling to save their jobs with their rented crowd playing hide and seek game.”

Ijere’s position is however differs with the stance of Gov Mbah’s Special Adviser on New Media, Reuben Onyishi. Onyish has maintained that Gov Mbah enjoys “organic support having ensured the presence of his administration in all the political wards in the state through the construction of Smart Green Schools and Type-2 health centres.”

THE WHISTLER reported that the Enugu West Senatorial District had Saturday donated N100m to Mbah to purchase the form for his second term. The zone was led by its senator, Osita Ngwu, during the presentation that held at Awgu. Similarly, Awkunanaw Clan in Enugu East Senatorial Zone held a rally in Gov Mbah’s honour, and banned any person from contesting against him come 2027.

2027: Activist Predicts Poor Outing For Gov Mbah In Enugu North District is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned a suit seeking to stop Senator l Ireti Kingibe from parading herself as member of African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The suit was adjourned to June 9, 2026, for hearing.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date following an application for adjournment by counsel for the plaintiffs, I. G. Ogugwa.

Ogugwa, who said the matter was not a pre-election case shortly when it was called for hearing, prayed the court for a longer date.

DAILY POST reports that Justice Lifu had, on April 2, 2026, refused to grant an application seeking an interim order restraining Kingibe from parading herself as an ADC member.

The judge, in a ruling, rather ordered the plaintiffs in the suit to put Kingibe, who currently represents the FCT at the Senate, on notice to show cause why the reliefs sought should not be granted.

He then adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for hearing of all pending applications, including a preliminary objection filed by counsel to the lawmaker, Marshall Abubakar.

Two executive members of the ADC in Wuse Ward, Abuja, had sued Kingibe as sole defendant.

The plaintiffs; Mr Okezuo Kanayo, Chairman of ADC, Wuse Ward, and his Secretary, Mr Isaiah Sameul, had filed the ex-parte motion through their lawyer, Kolawole Olowookere, SAN.

In the motion, dated March 17, 2026, and filed same day, the plaintiffs sought an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from performing any functions or participating in any activities reserved for ADC’s members in any capacity, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

In their seven grounds of argument, the plaintiffs submitted that Kingibe, though a sitting senator, is first a member of ADC and is bound by the party’s constitution.

Their lawyer, Olowookere, said following substantiated allegations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and the physical confiscation of the ward’s statutory records, the Wuse Ward Executive Committee, on March 10 suspended her.

According to Olowookere, the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee.

He said Kingibe had continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member.

The lawyer alleged that the lawmaker also utilised her security details to intimidate the ward executives, thereby creating a state of anarchy.

ADC crisis: Court adjourns suit against Ireti Kingibe till June 9

Former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was on Monday reportedly prevented from gaining access to the venue of the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District.

The meeting, held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, was scheduled for 11 a.m.

A notice of the meeting cited by our correspondent reads, “This is to invite the following categories of stakeholders in our party, APC, to attend an emergency senatorial meeting scheduled to hold tomorrow, Monday.”

Those expected included past chairmen, past and present National Assembly members, and councillors, among others.

However, the former governor’s convoy in a video circulating on social media was prevented from entering the venue.

In one of the clips, the senator’s supporters were seen, chanting”OGD, OGD, OGD” as Daniel’s security personnel engaged individuals at the gate in an attempt to gain access.

Daniel later addressed his supporters from his vehicle, saying, “We are here for our caucus meeting, and I got here by 10 a.m. They said we shouldn’t enter the venue in Ijebu-Ode.

“Therefore, if they do anything here today without my presence, it is an exercise in futility. So, their actions will amount to self-deceit.”

When contacted, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed the incident and described the meeting as a gathering of loyalists of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

“What we know is that his loyalists are gathered and preventing others from gaining access.

“It’s not only OGD they bounced. As long as you are not Dapo Abiodun’s loyalist. They threatened Otunba Onayemi, a former local government chairman, and former chairmen also expected to be part of the caucus meeting,” he said.

As of the time of reporting, the APC state publicity secretary, Femi Nuberu, had not responded to inquiries.

Sources indicated that party leaders at the meeting may be considering endorsing a consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial district ahead of the next election.

The development comes amid a growing political rivalry between Daniel and Governor Abiodun over the 2027 senatorial ticket.

Ex-gov, Gbenga Daniel denied access to Ogun East APC meeting

Nigeria is one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital markets, with a large and steadily expanding internet user base. A significant majority of users access the web through mobile devices, making smartphones the primary gateway to online content and entertainment. From social media to video streaming, and increasingly gaming, mobile-first behaviorcontinues to shape how Nigerians spend their time online.

However, despite improvements in connectivity, certain limitations still influence how digital content is consumed. Mobile data remains a recurring expense for many users, often purchased in small, controlled amounts rather than through unlimited plans. At the same time, entry-level and mid-range smartphones continue to dominate a large share of the market, meaning storage space and device performance are often constrained.

These factors directly affect mobile gaming habits. Many modern mobile games require large downloads, frequent updates, and significant storage capacity. It is not uncommon for a single title to take up hundreds of megabytes, and in some cases, several gigabytes of space. For users balancing multiple apps, photos, and videos on their devices, installing such games is not always practical.

As a result, a gradual shift toward browser-based gaming is becoming more visible. Instead of downloading apps, users are increasingly accessing games directly through their mobile browsers. This approach removes the need for installations, reduces storage pressure, and allows users to move from discovery to gameplay with minimal delay.

Platforms like Y8 are part of this ecosystem, where a wide variety of games can be accessed through a browser without requiring installation. This model aligns closely with the needs of users who prefer quick and flexible access to entertainment.

Another important factor behind this shift is changing user behavior. Casual gaming has increasingly moved toward shorter, more flexible sessions. Rather than committing to long periods of play, many users now prefer quick experiences that fit into small gaps in their daily routines.

In Nigeria, this pattern is particularly relevant. Whether during commutes, study breaks, or moments between tasks, short gaming sessions are becoming more common. Games that can be started and stopped easily without long loading times or complex onboarding processes are naturally better suited to these habits.

Fast-loading, skill-based games are leading this trend. Titles like Slope, a reflex-driven endless runner, and Moto X3M, a physics-based bike racing game, have gained attention for their simplicity and immediate gameplay. Both games focus on quick interaction, allowing players to engage instantly without extended setup or tutorials.

Both titles can be found on platforms such as Y8, where they are commonly played through a browser.

One of the defining advantages of browser gaming in markets like Nigeria is accessibility. These games do not require high-end hardware or large amounts of storage, making them compatible with a wide range of devices, including older smartphones. This lowers the barrier to entry and allows more users to participate, regardless of their device specifications.

In addition to device compatibility, browser games generally reduce the need for large upfront data usage. While overall data consumption depends on usage patterns, the ability to start playing without downloading large files makes these games more practical for users who manage their data carefully.

Browser-based access also removes several layers of friction associated with traditional app-based gaming. There is no need to visit app stores, wait for installations, or manage frequent updates. For users seeking immediate access, this streamlined experience can be more appealing than traditional alternatives.

This shift is not limited to Nigeria. Across the global gaming industry, there is growing interest in lightweight, easily accessible experiences. While high-end console and mobile games continue to dominate headlines, simpler and faster-loading games maintain a steady and widespread audience.

Platforms such as Y8 reflect this broader trend by focusing on browser-based access and quick gameplay experiences that prioritize convenience.

Another aspect contributing to the growth of browser gaming is ease of discovery. Users can explore multiple games within a short period, trying different genres without committing to downloads. This encourages experimentation and allows players to find content that matches their preferences more efficiently.

For students, this model offers a flexible way to engage with games without affecting device performance or storage. For working professionals, it provides a convenient option for short breaks during the day. In both cases, the ability to access and exit games quickly plays a significant role in adoption.

As mobile usage continues to grow and internet access expands further, the demand for fast and accessible digital experiences is expected to increase. Browser gaming fits naturally into this environment, offering a practical alternative to more resource-intensive forms of gaming.

Looking ahead, this shift is likely to continue as users prioritize efficiency, convenience, and flexibility in their digital habits. The ability to access games instantly, without downloads or ongoing maintenance, is becoming an increasingly important factor in how people choose to engage with entertainment.

In this context, browser gaming is no longer just an alternative. It is becoming an integral part of how users interact with games, particularly in mobile-first markets where accessibility and ease of use are key considerations.

No downloads, no stress: Why instant browser games are growing in Nigeria

Retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and their families on Monday blocked a gate of the Presidential Villa in Abuja in protest against their continued inclusion in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The protesters, under the aegis of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF), described the scheme as “fraudulent, illegal, inhumane, and obnoxious,” calling on President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Police Exit Bill.

According to the retirees, the bill passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and transmitted to the Presidency on March 16, 2026, would remove police personnel from the CPS if signed into law.

Leading the protest, the National Coordinator of PROF, CSP Raphael Irowainu (retd.), said the demonstration was aimed at urging the President to act on the legislation.

“Our major aim here is to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign our bill the bill exiting the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme passed by the National Assembly on 4th December 2025 and transmitted to him on 16th March, 2026, into law, nothing more than that,” he said.

Irowainu lamented that while other security agencies have been removed from the scheme, police personnel remain included.

“The soldiers have been exited, the SSS has been exited, the Air Force has been exited, the Navy has been exited, the National Intelligence Agency has been exited. The police, who are the father of them all, are trapped in this obnoxious Contributory Pension Scheme,” he added.

The retirees argued that the CPS has adversely affected their welfare, describing it as a “slavery and untimely death-inducing pension scheme.”

Monday’s protest is not the first by retired police officers over the issue. In July 2025, retirees staged a similar demonstration at the National Assembly, demanding their removal from the scheme.

Some of the demonstrators, many of them elderly, also protested at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, decrying what they described as poor pension conditions under the CPS.

Pension scheme: Retired police officers block Presidential Villa gate

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has urged mothers to play active roles in promoting love within their homes and stand against bad behaviour in the society.

Mrs Otti stated this on Sunday, while celebrating the 2026 Mother’s Day with Catholic women at Mater Dei Cathedral in Umuahia.

Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, she said motherhood is very important and comes with a lot of responsibility.

“The theme, ‘True Love in Action,’ reminds us that motherhood is a divine responsibility that calls for commitment, sacrifice, and genuine love,” she stated.

She encouraged mothers to raise their children well, teach them good values, and help make society a better place.

Mrs. Otti, called on women to speak up against gender-based violence and protect their homes and communities. She added that the government values the role of women and calls on men to support and appreciate their wives.

She further commended the Catholic women for initiating the construction of a pilgrimage centre aimed at strengthening spiritual growth and hosting religious gatherings.

The Bishop of the Diocese, Michael Kalu Ukpong, highlighted the importance of women in nurturing their children and shaping the moral direction of society.

“Mothers play a big role in raising children and guiding them in the right way,” he said.

He further encouraged people to always appreciate their mothers and not take them for granted.

The President of the Catholic Women Organisation, Dr. Lillian Obikpe, said mothers should focus on raising children who will grow up and become ambassadors of Christ in the future.

“Our duty as mothers, is to raise children who will grow to become responsible individuals and ambassadors of Christ,” she said.

She noted that even as the group prays for unity and peace, it is also urging the government and other stakeholders to assist in completing the pilgrimage centre project.

Abia First Lady Urges Women To Prioritise Home Training is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria, highlighting ongoing cooperation across key sectors including security, trade, health, education and culture.

The Mission, in a statement shared on its official channels, said people-to-people connections and private sector partnerships remain central to the relationship between both countries.

It noted that the United States and Nigeria continue to maintain enduring ties that support mutual prosperity and development.

The reaffirmation comes amid ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen practical cooperation, particularly through the US-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership, a five-year framework designed to boost trade, attract investment and promote private sector-led growth.

Recent engagements under the framework, including ministerial-level meetings in Lagos co-chaired by US officials and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, have led to the establishment of working groups focused on agriculture, the digital economy and infrastructure.

These initiatives are aimed at translating policy discussions into tangible outcomes such as job creation, innovation and expanded commercial opportunities.

US officials, including Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern and Political and Economic Chief Michael Ervin, have reiterated America’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Nigeria, describing the country as a key partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond government-level engagements, the Mission also highlighted continued collaboration in education, public health and cultural exchange programmes that connect citizens of both nations.

Analysts say such reaffirmations serve as important diplomatic signals, particularly at a time of evolving global and regional challenges, with Nigeria remaining a strategic partner for the United States in areas such as counterterrorism, regional stability and economic development in West Africa.

The statement comes days after security and commercial discussions involving the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, where officials reiterated support for businesses operating across both economies.

U.S. Mission Reaffirms Strong, Enduring Partnership With Nigeria is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade in Calabar, have destroyed over six hectares of cannabis farmland in Uwet community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. The operation, which followed credible intelligence on illegal cannabis cultivation in the area, led to […]

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned proceedings in the protracted Kano Emirate dispute to April 19, 2027, signalling a continuation of the high-profile legal battle over the traditional institution in Kano.

The adjournment followed the latest hearing, during which parties involved in the case presented arguments relating to the structure and leadership of the emirate.

The dispute, which has attracted widespread attention, centres on administrative decisions affecting the Kano traditional council.

The case was initiated by Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, who is challenging the Kano State Government and State Assembly over the repeal of the 2019 Kano Emirates Law, the dissolution of the five emirates created under the Ganduje administration, and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was dethroned in 2020.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the session, Dan Agundi expressed confidence in the judicial process and affirmed his acceptance of the court’s position so far.

“We are satisfied with the position of the Supreme Court, and we believe its actions are in line with the law. However, after reviewing the outcome, we may consider applying for the adjustment of the timeline given,” he said.

He added that consultations with legal advisers and key stakeholders, including members of the traditional council, would guide their next course of action.

Observers note that the adjournment leaves the emirate tussle unresolved, with implications for leadership dynamics and the administrative structure of the Kano Emirate Council. The next hearing is expected to further clarify legal positions in the ongoing dispute.

Supreme Court adjourns Kano Emirate dispute to April 2027