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UN Breaks Silence on Reported PFIPC DG Appointment to Youth Office

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UN Breaks Silence on Reported PFIPC DG Appointment to Youth Office

The United Nations (UN) has refuted claims that it appointed Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew to a post in the UN Youth Office.

Adeyemi, who allegedly self-styled himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), had no appointment, employment or affiliation with the organization and had never been authorized to represent the office or the United Nations in any capacity, it was reported that the UN Youth Office said.

The clarification was given in a letter dated 27th July 2026, reference number UNYO-2026-0017 issued by the UN Youth Office thru the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York.

The letter came after Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN sent a note on July 1 seeking clarification over Adeyemi’s purported appointment and documents purportedly linked to the position.

The UN Youth Office responded that Adeyemi “holds no appointment, employment, or affiliation of any kind with the Office.”

Read Also: Kwara Universities Must Lead State’s Development, Oloyede Says

It also said he had never been authorized to act or speak on behalf of the office or the wider United Nations system.

The development was disclosed by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, who said the UN’s response had settled questions surrounding Adeyemi’s alleged appointment.

He said the clarification also put to rest controversies surrounding documents allegedly linking Adeyemi with the organization.

The controversy had also led to allegations of forgery against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over documents purportedly linked to Adeyemi’s alleged appointment.

Ibrahim argued that the official position of the UN effectively eliminated any basis for portraying Adeyemi as a recognized appointee or representative of the UN Youth Office.

The Nigerian envoy called on journalists and members of the public to depend on official communications from the United Nations and relevant authorities in reporting international appointments.

“Relying on unverified documents or claims can lead to misinformation and damage the reputation of individuals and institutions,” he warned.

Kwara Universities Must Lead State’s Development, Oloyede Says

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Kwara Universities Must Lead State’s Development, Oloyede Says

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Consortium of Universities in Kwara State (KU8+), Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede has challenged universities in the state to be the state’s “developmental brain box” by offering research-driven solutions to the state’s economic and social challenges.

The immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) made the call in a goodwill message at the weekend during the opening of the Fourth KU8+Conference at Summit University, Offa.

He urged the universities to join together their expertise to transform agriculture, revive dying industries and give the government objective advice on policies that can lead to sustainable development.

Mr Oloyede said universities should be apolitical and offer independent and objective advice to governments, which he said was a sanitizing role.

He recalled that when he was Vise Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, he was offered an appointment as a Presiding Officer in a national election but he turned it down because he felt that universities should be neutral and be there to mediate when political actors are at loggerheads.

He called for collaboration of the KU8+ institutions in developing innovative solutions that will improve agricultural productivity and economic growth saying Kwara is home to several Federal Government institutions with mandates in the agricultural sector.

Among these are the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, National Center for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Faculty of Agriculture and others.

Oloyede said agriculture was one of the state’s greatest strengths and the concentration of agricultural institutions was an opportunity for the universities to come up with solutions to the challenges facing the sector.

He also mourned the collapse of major industries in the state such as Bacita Sugar Company, Jebba Paper Mill and Tobacco Company.

Oloyede urged the universities to leverage research and innovation to revive such industries and re-invent the state’s economy.

He said universities should be helping governments plan for the future by generating new ideas and practical solutions to emerging challenges, rather than simply reacting to events.
The former JAMB Registrar, however, praised the Vise Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Chairman of KU8+, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole for the formation of the consortium.

He said the consortium was an initiative of the Egbewole administration contrary to claims in some quarters that he founded KU8+. During my tenure as Vise Chancellor, the University of Ilorin pioneered some of the earlier collaborative initiatives like AWAU and U6+.

Read Also: Borno: Military Airstrikes Neutralise Nine Terrorists in Fresh Operation

Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the Olofa of Offa also spoke and congratulated the organizers, describing KU8+ as a laudable initiative that was redefining collaboration among universities in the state.

He commended the university leaders for coming together to promote educational development, and expressed hope that the collaboration would enable Kwara to produce some of the best students in Nigeria thru shared programs and initiatives.

However, the second lead paper presenter, Emeritus Professor of Science Education, Olugbemiro Jegede, urged KU8+ members to improve collaboration thru a credit transfer system which would allow for the smooth movement of students among the member institutions.

Jegede also suggested that staff and student exchange programs, joint degree awards and collaborative teaching and research initiatives should be implemented to achieve greater academic integration among the universities.

He suggested a consortium-wide Learning Management System (LMS), virtual campuses, shared high performance computing facilities and cloud infrastructure as one academic ecosystem.

‘Pooling resources will cut down on unnecessary duplication, improve efficiency and make quality teaching, learning and research facilities accessible to all member universities,’ he said.

“Academic integrity, technological innovation, evidence-based practices and institutional collaboration would determine the future of higher education,” Jegede said.

He called on universities to break down the silos by connecting research, teaching and community engagement to promote a vibrant and inclusive higher education system that can drive national development.

Borno: Military Airstrikes Neutralise Nine Terrorists in Fresh Operation

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OPHK, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has neutralized nine suspected terrorists and destroyed three carts believed to be conveying weapons and logistics in a precision air strike at Dumba in Borno State.

The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 8 following credible intelligence on terrorist activities around the Dumba area, security expert, Zagazola Makama posted on X.

The operation took place during an armed reconnaissance and air interdiction mission, Zagazola said.

“The aircraft established overhead Dumba around 2:58 p.m.,” he said. following intelligence reports of suspected terrorists in the area.

Read Also: Defence Minister Says Political Stability Is Key to National Security

He said upon arrival at the target location, the aircraft allegedly sighted a group of three suspected terrorists walking along a road and another group of six terrorists pushing three carts suspected to be laden with weapons and other logistics.

“They monitored and shadowed the terrorists instead of engaging immediately until the two groups met and halted at a place within the bush,” he said.

Defence Minister Says Political Stability Is Key to National Security

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Defence Minister Says Political Stability Is Key to National Security

The country’s political stability and institutional harmony are prerequisites for sustaining the country’s security, the Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (Rtd) has said.

This was disclosed by General Musa in a congratulatory message issued by the Ministry on the occasion of the 58th birthday of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

In a statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Defense on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Minister described Yilwatda as a scholar, administrator and statesman whose leadership of the ruling party transcends partisan politics.

Read Also: Arsenal Welcome Bruno Guimarães After Completing Newcastle Transfer

Political stability and cordial relations between institutions and stakeholders were important to create an environment conducive to national development and security, he said.

Musa acknowledged Yilwatda’s position as the head of the APC, noting that strong political institutions and accountable political participation could help in national unity and in fortifying the wider security structure of the nation.

The Minister therefore used the occasion to stress the nexus between effective political leadership, institutional stability and sustainable national security.

He congratulated Yilwatda on his 58th birthday and wished him wisdom, courage, good health and strength in his service to the party and the country in continuation.

Arsenal Welcome Bruno Guimarães After Completing Newcastle Transfer

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Arsenal Welcome Bruno Guimarães After Completing Newcastle Transfer

Arsenal announced Saturday they have signed Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United on a four-year contract with an option for a further year, the Premier League champions announced.

The North London club have agreed to a deal for the Brazil international, reported by British media to be worth around 75 million pounds, adding one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal Completes Deal for Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United

Guimaraes said in a statement, “From the first moment I spoke to (Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea) Berta and Mikel, I was excited.

“I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and I think to be an Arsenal player is going to ​be an exciting challenge in my life,”

“I can’t wait to begin. “We have tough games to play this season so the squad is going to be very, very important and I’m hopeful we can achieve our dreams,” he highlighted.

The midfielder joined Newcastle from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s standout players, playing a vital role in the northeast club’s rise over the past three seasons.

He has been a regular in the national team in recent years and featured for Brazil at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

This is another blow to Newcastle after the exits of key players Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali and manager Eddie Howe who stood down from the role and was replaced by German coach Matthias Jaissle.

ARSENAL SQUAD DEPTH

Guimaraes’ arrival ​at The Emirates is yet another major statement of intent from Arsenal as they look to defend their Premier League crown and bolster their ​European challenge.

The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the league’s most complete midfielders, combining defensive solidity with creativity and attacking output.

Read Also: Nigeria Customs Reports Major Enforcement Breakthrough at Lagos Port

He made 195 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions, scoring 31 goals, and helped end a long wait for domestic silverware by captaining the side to League Cup success in 2025.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (L) with Bruno Guimaraes (C) and Andrea Berta (R).
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (L) with Bruno Guimaraes (C) and Andrea Berta (R)
“We have all seen that Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder and box-to-box midfielder. “He mixes quality with quantity and gives his team goals and assists every year,” Berta said.

“Bruno will help Mikel to further develop our style of play and will also improve our internal competitiveness, which is crucial if we are to maintain the standards that are necessary when we are looking to win big trophies.

The Brazilian’s versatility might be especially helpful. Guimaraes would also give Arsenal more tactical flexibility and control – just as comfortable as a holding midfield player.

He joins Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and captain Martin Odegaard as another elite option for Arteta in midfield.

Guimaraes’ signing will also help Arsenal to manage the workload of key players more effectively, particularly that of Rice, who became the foundation of the side last season as they lifted their first league title in 22 years. While increasing competition for places,

Arsenal begin the new campaign at home to promoted Coventry City on August 21st.

Nigeria Customs Reports Major Enforcement Breakthrough at Lagos Port

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Nigeria Customs Reports Major Enforcement Breakthrough at Lagos Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has scored a major enforcement success at the Tincan Island Port Command in Lagos with the seizure of concealed pump-action rifle parts and cannabis-infused products with a duty paid value of N373.8 million.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, told newsmen at the Tincan Command that the seizures were a show of the intelligence-led strategy of the Service in combating smuggling and other transnational crimes.

One of the containers intercepted, TEMU 184536/9, had arrived Tincan Port on July 8 on board a vessel, MV VELIKA, Adeniyi said.

“The container triggered the Customs risk management system and was soon under close surveillance,” he said.

“A physical examination conducted at the Customs Enforcement Station revealed concealed wooden crates containing disassembled parts for JoJeff pump-action rifles,” he said.

“The recovered parts of the firearm are undergoing detailed technical assessment and inventory to establish the exact quantity and specifications,” said the Comptroller-General.

The probe into the consignment saw the arrest of a suspect on July 31, 2026 at the Migfo Bonded Terminal as he was allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container, he said.

Preliminary investigations, he said, showed documentary, financial and telecommunications evidence connecting the suspect to the consignee mentioned in the import documents.

Evidence included a N10,000 transfer from a company account associated with the consignee on the day of the arrest.

Adeniyi said two suspects were in custody while another principal suspect was on the run and being trailed by security operatives.

In a separate operation, Customs officers seized two 40-foot containers of cannabis-infused products hidden among other imported products.

The goods were hidden with the help of two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, polypropylene spunbond fabric, tubular batteries and thunder arrester cables.

“Recovered from the containers were 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis infused pre-roll cookies, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis infused gummies and 73 cartons of cannabis infused cookies,” he stated.

Read Also: DSS Arrests Three Additional Suspects Over Kidnap of Nasarawa University Dean

The Customs Service said the total street value of the cannabis products seized was N373,802,640.

“The seizures underscore the increasing sophistication of criminal networks who use legitimate trade channels to smuggle weapons and illicit drugs into the country,” Adeniyi said.

He assured that all those involved in the illegal shipments would be identified, apprehended and prosecuted as provided by the law.

The Comptroller-General praised officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism, insisting that the Service remains dedicated to securing Nigeria’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade.

DSS Arrests Three Additional Suspects Over Kidnap of Nasarawa University Dean

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DSS Arrests Three Additional Suspects Over Kidnap of Nasarawa University Dean

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested three more suspects in connection with the abduction of the Dean of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Prof Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor.

The latest arrests brought the number of suspects reportedly arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the university lecturer to five.

Gunmen abducted Mr. Okunsebor in the early hours of July 15, 2026 at Mile Uku, a community between Lafia and Nasarawa-Eggon local government areas of Nasarawa State.

Two days after that, he was rescued by DSS operatives in an operation that led to the arrest of two suspects including a woman.

Read Also: Bishop Adegbite: Cardinal Onaiyekan Declined to Recognise Tinubu as President

“The other three suspects were arrested Friday nite at a local brothel near Mararraban Akunza on the Lafia-Makurdi highway, a security source said.

The suspects were identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar alias Black or Starboy, Usman Abubakar Mairiga, 37, and 27-year-old Sale Babauro Abubakar.

The operation was based on intelligence obtained during the investigations into the kidnapping, the source said.

The source told The Nation that the three suspects are in the custody of the DSS Nasarawa State Command for further investigation.

“The source said they were arrested under a proper arrest warrant obtained from a magistrate court.

Earlier, two suspected gang members were arrested by the DSS during the operation that led to Okunsebor’s rescue.

Bishop Adegbite: Cardinal Onaiyekan Declined to Recognise Tinubu as President

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Bishop Adegbite: Cardinal Onaiyekan Declined to Recognise Tinubu as President

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has said that Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan refused to recognize him as president after the declaration of Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election until the legal challenges at the Supreme Court were cleared.

The disclosure was made by Adegbite while fielding questions on TVC, it was reported. Adegbite is a Methodist bishop.

Adegbite quoted Onaiyekan as saying that he would not recognize Tinubu as President until the Supreme Court rules on the 2023 presidential election petitions.

He said, “In 2023, when President Tinubu was declared winner, Cardinal Onaiyekan said he would not recognize Mr President until the Supreme Court gives its verdict.

But we said Nigerians have voted and we have a President and till the decision is upturned by the Supreme Court that is when you can talk. But for him to say we don’t have a president, we told him at that time that we have a president.”

Read Also: 2027: Tinubu Not Focused on Re-Election, Nigerians Must Unite to Oust Him – Buba Galadima

The NCPC boss called on political actors and their supporters to promote their choice candidates without attacking opponents.

“You can have your own candidate, but don’t run down somebody else’s candidate,” he said. Sell your own candidate . “Let the people see what your candidate has done to deserve to be the President of Nigeria.”

He added that the performance of the Tinubu administration would also influence the decision of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election. “The Tinubu administration is currently rolling out infrastructure projects across the country. “Projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sagamu-Benin Expressway are projects that could shape the public perception of the Tinubu administration.

“The work of Mr President will speak for him,” he said.

He further condemned the growing trend of political prophecies by religious leaders, alleging that some clerics make such declarations to attract public attention and increase their social media following.

Adegbite stressed that some clerics who predicted the outcome of the 2023 presidential election were proven wrong.

“They just want attention,” he said. “They want to bring traffic and crowds to their social media handles.

2027: Tinubu Not Focused on Re-Election, Nigerians Must Unite to Oust Him – Buba Galadima

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2027: Tinubu Not Focused on Re-Election, Nigerians Must Unite to Oust Him – Buba Galadima

Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said President Bola Tinubu is not thinking of contesting the 2027 election with any opposition candidate.
Galadima was said to have addressed the inauguration of the NDC National Reconciliation Committee set up to resolve post-primary election disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He accused Tinubu of making it difficult for other political parties to field candidates, adding that Nigerians must unite and vote him out.

Read Also: Presidency Defends EFCC Boss Olukoyede, Dismisses Resignation Demands

Furthermore,Buba Galadima also said that President Tinubu conceived and perfected the Electoral Act before it was taken to the National Assembly.

“Tinubu is just protecting himself and the APC and preventing other parties from fielding candidates,” he said.

“The president has no intention of a contest with anyone, but we will not allow it. Even if it’s an empty coffin, all Nigerians must unite and throw him away for the sake of the country.” “

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, has talked about his decades long political disagreement with Galadima.

He said that he still maintains good relations with Galadima despite their differences.

Utomi made this in Abuja shortly after the inauguration of the National Reconciliation Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) set up by the party to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders after its nationwide congresses, convention and primaries.

Utomi said he believed the NDC could bring together its aggrieved members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee was inaugurated 48 hours after the party announced its constitution, as part of efforts to address grievances and litigation arising from the just concluded primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

The committee chairman, Utomi, said at the inauguration that the assignment was a privilege and a major responsibility, adding that the panel would work toward restoring unity in the party while keeping its focus on the future of the country.

Presidency Defends EFCC Boss Olukoyede, Dismisses Resignation Demands

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Presidency Defends EFCC Boss Olukoyede, Dismisses Resignation Demands

The Presidency has dismissed reports that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, may be sacked over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s account few days before the governorship election.

The calls for Olukoyede’s removal intensified on Friday as opposition parties decried the anti-graft agency’s action as politically motivated, alleging the commission had displayed partisanship ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Recall that the EFCC on Wednesday ordered a Post No Bill on the Osun State Government’s account with First Bank over suspicion of shady transactions.

The commission said it had been investigating the account since March 2026 and it had the power to freeze an account for 72 hours on reasonable suspicion.

But on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu told the EFCC to unfreeze the account and dismissed the commission’s move as embarrassing.

“Resign Olukoyede”
Major Agbo (retd.), the National Chairman of the NNPP, told Punch that he was worried about the alleged loss of independence of the EFCC, and insisted that Tinubu should have allowed the commission to complete its investigations rather than interfere.

Read Also: Tinubu Approves 3,252 PTA Teachers to Strengthen Education Sector

He said, “I was surprised when I saw the President’s order directing that the account be unfrozen. If I were him, I would have allowed the EFCC to do its job. When it acted doesn’t matter. The timing might have been wrong, but what matters is that it was doing its job.

The EFCC’s call for the unfreezing of the account does not indicate the independence of the commission. It means it gets instructions from the President.”

When asked if he supported calls for Olukoyede’s resignation, Agbo said, “Yes. Unfortunately it has to happen.”

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko also advised Olukoyede to consider stepping down to save his reputation.

Tinubu’s order, Tanko said, created the impression that the EFCC chairman was under political influence.

He said, “Ultimately, if I were Olukoyede, to save my reputation and integrity, I would leave when the ovation is loudest. Otherwise, there will be more problems for him soon enough;

“The kind of response I got from the EFCC shows Olukoyede tried to assert his independence. It appears a higher authority directed him to act like a puppet.

“The problem is not the person who is carrying out the directive, but the person who is giving it,” she says.

Olukoyede Still Has Job
But Punch spoke with Presidency sources who said the frustration was about the timing and optics of the EFCC’s action and not on Olukoyede’s leadership of the commission.

“No, he still has his job,” said one official familiar with the case. It does not mean that the President will sack him (EFCC chairman) because he said he was embarrassed by the move.

Another source said he also spoke directly with the EFCC chairman on Wednesday nite, saying, “I spoke with him last nite. He’s still got his job. Do you get fired when you disagree with your boss? No, it doesn’t mean he’ll be sacked.

“Somebody had to take the fall and in this case, it is the EFCC Chairman. That in itself is not a ground for dismissal.”

Also, a fresh court document has revealed that the EFCC obtained an order freezing three bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government over allegations of diversion of public funds and money laundering.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, gave an order authorizing the anti-graft agency to freeze transactions on the accounts until the conclusion of its investigation and any prosecution thereafter.

The development gives more details on the extent of EFCC’s action which has created controversy ahead of the Osun governorship election on August 15.

Justice M.G. Umar granted the ex parte application in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1750/2026, according to the court document obtained by SaharaReporters.

The case was titled: ‘In the Matter of an Application by the Executive Chairman of EFCC.’

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