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By Luminous Jannamike

The Nigeria Police Force has unsealed the National Secretariat of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) at Wadata Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja, along with Legacy House in Maitama, handing control back to the party’s National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Takushara, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, in compliance with court orders.

The move ends a high-stakes standoff over the party’s headquarters and signals that the Nyesom Wike-aligned leadership has regained control, both legally and physically, after days of internal tension.

The development was confirmed in a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, on Saturday.

“The Party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, as well as Legacy House, Maitama, have been unsealed by the Nigeria Police Force and handed over to the National Chairman, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, in full compliance with duly issued court orders.

“The party commends the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and adherence to the rule of law. This action is a clear demonstration of respect for constitutional order and due process,” Jungudo stated.

But it also issued a firm warning, highlighting how quickly tensions could flare again.

“The Party strongly warns that it will not condone any act capable of causing obstruction, disruption, or breach of peace at the secretariat again,” the party spokesman added, noting that security agencies had been alerted to act against violators.

The PDP said the development should reassure members that the crisis had been resolved, urging aggrieved factions to close ranks.

“This positive development reassures members that the recent challenges confronting the Party have been effectively resolved. We therefore call on all aggrieved members to sheath their swords and embrace unity in the collective interest of the Party,” Jungudo added.

He also acknowledged the role of party leaders and stakeholders during the crisis, singling out a key figure for support.

“In particular, we acknowledge the guidance and commitment of our National Leader, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, whose support has been invaluable,” Jungudo said.

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Nigerian actress Toyin Abraham has pushed back against criticism of her practice of kneeling to greet people at social events, maintaining that she has no intention of abandoning the gesture for those she believes deserve it.

The film star made her stance clear on Saturday via X while responding to a fan, Lady Victoria, who had cautioned her against what she described as excessive and unnecessary kneeling, arguing that it could be misinterpreted as seeking attention or diminishing self-worth.

“I’m a fan of Aunty Toyin Abraham but this her unnecessary kneeling down and greeting is becoming too much and looking like an eye service now. It’s ok to respect elders and cultures but those women she keep kneeling for are not so older than her,” Lady Victoria wrote.

“Aunty Toyin, you need to start packaging yourself now. That’s why they keep disrespecting you. They are not more than you, they are not bigger than you. Stop belittling yourself for them.”

The reaction followed a video from the 70th birthday celebration of former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel, where Abraham was seen kneeling to greet prominent businesswoman Shade Okoya, her husband Rasaq Okoya, and other notable guests.

Responding to the criticism, Abraham reaffirmed her commitment to the cultural practice.

“I won’t stop kneeling to people who value and deserve it, my darling. I will continue to go on my both knees to greet people who value and deserve it no matter the status,” she wrote.

The fan also referenced Abraham’s support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, which had previously sparked backlash online.

“We Nigerians have forgiven you for supporting City Boy in 2023. It’s time you forgive yourself too and carry yourself with pride and grace,” Lady Victoria wrote.

Abraham did not respond to that part of the comment.

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The management of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) says contractors of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will carry out maintenance work as part of upgrade efforts on the power line along its 276 km route.

YEDC said this in a statement issued in Yola, Adamawa State.

The statement disclosed that the planned outage will occur on the Jos–Bauchi–Gombe 330kV line from April 9 to May 22, 2026.

YEDC added that during the maintenance work, customers in Adamawa, Taraba, and Yobe States may experience daytime outages for at least four days each week between 09:00 and 18:00 hours.

The power distribution company, while appreciating customers for their patience, urged them to remain vigilant and safeguard transformers and other electrical assets within their communities to prevent vandalism.

DAILY POST reports that the power disruptions will come at a difficult time for residents of Yola, who are currently experiencing particularly high temperatures.

March to May each year is the hottest period in sun-soaked Yola, when residents endure intense sunlight and stifling heat, conditions made harsher by the absence of air conditioning and refrigeration to provide relief or cool drinking water.

Yola Electricity Company announces weeks-long power outage for maintenance

The Lagos State Government has placed residents on high alert following a surge in Lassa fever cases across Nigeria, announcing the commencement of a comprehensive awareness and prevention campaign.

The State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed that more than 660 confirmed infections and 167 deaths were recorded nationwide between January and mid-March 2026. The cases were reported across 22 states and 93 local government areas.

Abayomi expressed concern over infections among healthcare workers, revealing that 38 medical personnel had contracted the disease, including three fatalities. He described the development as alarming and called for stricter adherence to infection prevention protocols and a more rapid response system.

He explained that Lassa fever is a highly infectious zoonotic disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents and human-to-human transmission. Although Lagos is not classified as an endemic state, its large and densely populated environment increases the risk of rapid spread.

To mitigate potential outbreaks, the state has activated several emergency preparedness measures, including the operation of a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, strengthened disease surveillance, and targeted training for healthcare workers.

The commissioner urged residents to remain cautious, stressing that early detection and preventive practices are crucial in limiting transmission.

He further noted that recent trends suggest Lassa fever is no longer confined to seasonal outbreaks, with cases now occurring throughout the year due to environmental changes and increased human interaction with rodent carriers.

According to him, approximately 70 per cent of infections are mild or show no symptoms but can still be transmitted, heightening the risk of unnoticed spread, particularly in urban areas.

He added that about one in five symptomatic patients may develop severe complications, especially when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Abayomi said the ongoing campaign would prioritise public awareness, improved case management, and closer collaboration with national health authorities to effectively curb the spread of the disease.

Lagos issues red alert over rising lassa fever cases nationwide

The Ebonyi State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has re-elected Mrs Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, as a consensus Chairman of the Party to serve for another term of four years.

Adibe-Nwafor, who stood unopposed was re-elected through a consensus vote by delegates who participated in the congress.

Others who were also elected alongside the Chairman were Okpara Emmanuel, Deputy Chairman, Udoma Victor Uduma, Vice Chairman South, Ebe Kingsley, Vice Chairman Central, Onyeka Urazi, Vice Chairman North and Mgboroko Chukwudi N, the State Secretary of ADC, among others.

Addressing ADC party faithful, the electoral committee Chairman, Ebenyi Ikechukwu said the congress affords members of the party opportunity to elect credible leaders to lead the party for the next four years.

The Electoral Committee Secretary of ADC in the state, Nwafor Joseph, disclosed that a total of one thousand, two hundred and twenty-four, 1224, delegates were accredited for the congress, but a total of one thousand, two hundred and thirteen, 1213, after head count, participated in the congress.

Speaking earlier, the re-elected Chairman said she re-contseted for the position after being elected in May 2022, noting that her tenure was supposed to elapse in May 2026, but for the provisions of the Electoral Act that primaries be conducted between April and May.

She thanked members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for their commitment and dedication to ensure the success of the party in Ebonyi State.

Ebonyi ADC re-elects Adibe-Nwafor as Chairman

Real Madrid legend, Toni Kroos, has named Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer as the best goalkeeper of all time.

Kroos and Neuer were former teammates at Bayern Munich in the past.

“Manuel Neuer is the best GK of all time. It’s certain. Manu has his own GK game. Only he has that. Only GK who’s fun to watch,” Kroos said via Madrid Zone as quoted by Sportskeeda.

“He has an unbelievable aura with his movements and elegance. For the WC, he is also still the best German GK by far. No debate.”

Neuer, 40, has been putting in excellent performances for Vincent Kompany’s side this season.

He has made 543 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, keeping 245 clean sheets.

Neuer has won 12 Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, among other trophies.

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos names best goalkeeper of all time

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $200 million loan to support Nigeria’s digital infrastructure expansion and job creation under the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D‑VIBE) Project.

The initiative, also known as Project BRIDGE, aims to close connectivity gaps and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy. It will expand the national fibre backbone from 30,000 kilometres to 120,000 kilometres, linking all 774 local government areas to high‑speed broadband.

The bank said that the loan would fund the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project, a flagship initiative aimed at closing connectivity gaps and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.

“Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and West Africa’s largest market, is expected to benefit from improved broadband access, productivity and employment under the project.

“The initiative will expand the country’s national fibre backbone from about 30,000 kilometres to approximately 120,000 kilometres, connecting all 774 Local Government Areas.

“The expanded network will link schools, health facilities, agro-industrial zones, rural communities and commercial hubs to high-speed broadband services.

“It will also establish cross-border fibre connections with Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad to boost regional digital integration,” it said.

Schools, health facilities, agro‑industrial zones, rural communities, and commercial hubs will benefit, alongside cross‑border fibre connections with Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Structured as a public‑private partnership, the project will combine sovereign financing with private investment.

The AfDB loan forms part of an $800 million package that includes $500 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Additional support comes from EU grants and development partners, bringing total financing to $2 billion.

The project is expected to generate up to 2.8 million jobs and raise broadband penetration from 45% to 70% by 2030. AfDB Nigeria Office Director‑General Abdul Kamara said the investment would “make high‑speed connectivity a reality for every Nigerian community,” equipping young people with digital tools and addressing barriers to adoption through affordable devices, skills development, and cybersecurity measures.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 2050, National Development Plan, and Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and AfDB’s 10‑Year Strategy for inclusive growth and sustainable development. (NAN)

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Distributed systems researcher Moritz Platt examines how Nigerians use new payment methods and connects this trend to broader debates around trust, energy consumption, and digital infrastructure.

Platt, affiliated with Google and King’s College London and named a Visiting Research Fellow in 2026, focuses on ensuring digital systems are secure and fair, despite misaligned incentives.

Platt’s research work spans several areas related to distributed computer systems, like blockchain consensus mechanisms, digital identity systems, and the energy consumption of decentralized networks.

Leading the world in stablecoin adoption, Nigeria has established itself as a blueprint for the future of digital payments. While wealthier economies treat digital assets as tools for financial speculation, Nigerians adopt them out of practical necessity to navigate the complexities of the traditional banking sector. This sharp contrast shows the importance of ongoing research for Nigeria’s national development. Consequently, the international arena is watching Nigeria to learn how utility-driven digital finance works in practice.

One of Platt’s studies surveyed Nigerian cryptocurrency users about Bitcoin’s energy consumption. This 2023 study, “Energy Demand Unawareness and the Popularity of Bitcoin”, involved participants in Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states, revealing that many, including self-described experts, underestimated the energy required by digital currencies.

It also found that respondents with a more accurate understanding of digital currency energy use were more likely to support measures to improve sustainability. The paper argued that consumer education should play a larger role in cryptocurrency sustainability policy than bans or restrictions targeting operators.

https://mplatt.de/

Nigeria was central to the study due to its rapid adoption of digital money. Findings show citizens increasingly use alternative assets to manage inflation and payment challenges, making the country a valuable field research setting for digital assets.

Platt’s earlier research on blockchain consensus mechanisms compared proof-of-work with proof-of-stake systems, finding that proof-of-work networks consumed more energy.

The electricity demand of proof-of-stake systems varies by validator design, hardware, and network structure.

Another recent study led by Platt found that providing users with energy labels, an approach similar to appliance ratings used in Nigeria, decreased their preference for energy-inefficient digital assets.

This finding supports calls for more transparency and sustainability metrics in digital finance.

Platt works at Google as a Technology Manager and maintains academic ties to King’s College London, where he researches trust, resilience, and fairness in digital systems. He holds a PhD from King’s College London and degrees from TU Berlin and Birkbeck, University of London.

His work is part of a broader discussion about the energy demands of cryptocurrencies; a debate the remains highly timely for Nigeria, where the rapid adoption of alternative financial tools is reshaping everyday life. Consequently, public discourse is focused on crucial issues such as easing payment friction, building confidence in new digital systems, and ensuring that modern payments networks remain resilient.

Platt’s work illustrates Nigeria as more than just a major market for alternative payment systems; it also shows how everyday users understand the systems they rely on. The future of digital finance depends on empowering users with the knowledge to make educated choices.

Researcher Moritz Platt examines Nigerians’ use of digital payment systems

Ryan Alebiosu registered an assist as Blackburn Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City in their Sky Bet Championship clash.

Alebiosu set up Adam Forshaw for the game’s opening goal in the 21st minute.

It was the 24-year-old’s fourth assist of the season for Rovers.

The right-back has also scored once in 36 league appearances.

Alebiosu, who was in action for the entire duration of the game was cautioned on the stroke of half-time.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalised for Stoke City in the 57th minute.

Championship: Alebiosu grabs assist in Blackburn Rovers’ draw at Stoke City

Carlos Alcaraz lined up a blockbuster Monte Carlo Masters final with chief rival Jannik Sinner after the Spaniard ended the run of local boy Valentin Vacherot in the last four on Saturday.

Alcaraz saw off Vacherot 6-4, 6-4 to stay on track to defend his title and set up a Sunday showdown with Sinner for the world number one ranking.

It will be the first meeting this season between the world’s top two players and will decide who will be world No.1 come Monday when the new ATP rankings are released.

“I think it’s the dream spot for everyone I would say. I’m fighting for a second Monte Carlo title, he’s fighting for his first one,” said Alcaraz of Sunday’s final.

“It’s going to be a really special one. The No.1 is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special.”

The 22-year-old Alcaraz is trying to keep hold of top spot and holds a 10-6 lead over Sinner in the head-to-head series.

Alcaraz broke Vacherot three times to wrap up victory in 84 minutes and is bidding for his third title of the season after winning the Australian Open and in Doha.

“I’m just happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin,” said Alcaraz.

“He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now, playing in his hometown. It was really tough to get the win, but I’m really excited about my first meeting with Jannik in 2026.”

– Sinner dispatches Zverev –

Sinner eased his way into the Monte Carlo final for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semi-final win over Alexander Zverev earlier on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Italian becomes the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015.

Roger Federer, in 2006, and Rafael Nadal, 2011, are the only two other players to achieve the feat.

“I’m very happy,” said Sinner.

“We came here trying to give myself some feedback (on clay) and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me.”

Sinner said he had felt in top form right from the outset of the match against his German opponent, ranked third in the world.

“Obviously every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning.

“When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match, so very happy and let’s see what’s coming in the final.”

As in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner, 24, had the measure of Zverev who has not prevailed in their meetings since the round of 16 at the US Open in September 2023.

Extremely aggressive from the start, Sinner blew the German away in the opening set, breaking him three times and wrapping it up in 34 minutes.

In the second set, Zverev put up more resistance, finding his first serve again, but he still had to battle every time to hold.

He finally folded after 82 minutes on another blistering forehand from Sinner, who has lost only one set in his last 21 matches at Masters 1000 events.

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