Home Blog Page 3

Osun Poll: Security Personnel Descend on Assembly Speaker’s Home

coic
-
0
Osun Poll: Security Personnel Descend on Assembly Speaker’s Home

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has raised an alarm over the heavy deployment of armed security operatives to the residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, early this morning.

In a statement by its Spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, TICC alleged that security operatives arrived at the Speaker’s residence in more than 10 black Hilux vehicles and have surrounded the premises.

According to the council, the security operatives have sealed off the residence, with everyone inside reportedly prevented from leaving.

“We have received reports that the residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has been surrounded by armed security personnel who reportedly arrived in more than 10 black Hilux vehicles.

“We have also been informed that the residence has effectively been sealed off, with everyone inside reportedly prevented from leaving the premises,” TICC stated.

It stressed that it had not independently confirmed the purpose of the security deployment, saying it remained unclear whether the operatives were deployed to provide security or were carrying out routine official duties.

The campaign council of Governor Ademola Adeleke called on the relevant security agencies to immediately explain the reason for the deployment and clarify reports that movement in and out of the Speaker’s residence had been restricted.

According to the TICC, it attempted to contact the publicly available official telephone line of the Commissioner of Police responsible for the election, but the calls were not answered.

It added that calls were also made to the publicly provided contact line of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the election, but there was no response.

The council further said it attempted to reach the Police Situation Room, but the publicly provided telephone number was reportedly switched off.

It added: “On this Election Day, the people of Osun State deserve an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation.

“Security deployments must inspire confidence and protect the integrity of the electoral process.”

While urging security authorities to provide an immediate explanation, it stressed that, “the people of Osun State must be allowed to come out peacefully and decide their future according to their own conscience, without intimidation or interference.”

South Africa Knock Nigeria Out of FIFA World Cup Race

coic
-
0
South Africa Knock Nigeria Out of FIFA World Cup Race

Banyana Banyana of South Africa ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil as they beat the Super Falcons 2-1 in their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play-off match.

Banyana Banyana were already out of WAFCON contention before the semi-finals but put up a hard fight against the Super Falcons to inch closer to a spot at the global showpiece.

South Africa threatened first in the seventh minute with a shot from distance by Linda Motlhalo, but the effort went over the crossbar. Nigeria replied three minutes later when Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot from outside the penalty area drifted wide of the target.

South Africa Crush Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup Hopes

The first half was a fiercely fought contest, with both sides fighting for control but unable to find the breakthrough before the interval.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute when South Africa launched a quick counter-attack. Hildah Magaia delivered the last pass to Thembi Kgatlana, who kept her cool to slot the ball home and give Banyana Banyana the lead.

Moments later Kgatlana almost doubled South Africa’s advantage but her close-range effort was kept out.

Nigeria kept probing for a reply and almost found one in the 75th minute when Kaylin Swart came up with a Woman of the Match performance to thwart Uchenna Kanu’s header after she rose highest to meet a cross.

South Africa struck again, just a minute later. Refiloe Jane struck a loose ball in the box and fired a shot thru a packed penalty area to make it 2-0.

Banyana Banyana almost got a third just after the restart, but Magaia couldn’t keep her effort down after meeting a delightful delivery into the area.
With defeat staring them in the face Nigeria threw more men forward in search of a route back into the contest, and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. After a VAR review, the Super Falcons were awarded a penalty when Jane had been adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area.

The South African midfielder was dismissed after a second yellow card and Christy Ucheibe, on as a substitute, calmly converted from the spot.

Nigeria pushed for a dramatic equalizer in the final seconds, but South Africa held firm to secure a memorable win and keep their FIFA Women’s World Cup hopes alive.

The result sees Banyana Banyana advance to the next stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification pathway where they will continue their quest for a place at the global finals in Brazil in 2027.

South Africa Ends Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup Hopes

For the first time in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will not be in the mix when next year’s tournament is played in Brazil.

South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stands against the Super Falcons and victory in their FIFA World Cup playoff game in Casablanca, the only way left for both teams to continue the race to Brazil thru the Inter-Confederations Playoff phases.

Brazil Launches Response to New US Tariffs

coic
-
0
Brazil Launches Response to New US Tariffs

The Brazilian government has begun a process that could result in reciprocal measures against the United States in response to the tariffs recently imposed by Washington on Brazilian goods.

Relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate, and the government on Thursday said the first step would be to seek further diplomatic consultations with U.S. trade officials.

Brazil described the US tariffs as “unjustified and arbitrary” and said it would continue to defend its position thru all appropriate channels.

The United States imposed tariffs of 25% on some Brazilian products in July, citing alleged unfair trade practices. It also imposed 12.5 per cent tariffs on goods from several countries, including Brazil, citing weak enforcement of restrictions on forced labor.

Earlier, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vowed to take whatever steps are needed to apply the country’s Reciprocity Law, which allows for retaliatory measures beyond tariffs on US imports.

Brazilian authorities have warned that such measures could disrupt supply chains and stoke domestic inflation.

Sources said the government was considering options including restrictions on US audiovisual companies and suspension of pharmaceutical and farm patents.

North Korea Warns of Strong Response to US-South Korea Drills

coic
-
0
North Korea Warns of Strong Response to US-South Korea Drills

North Korea has condemned upcoming military exercises by the US and South Korea, saying they are more provocative than last year’s drills, state media said.

Pyongyang has accused Washington, Seoul and Tokyo of turning their military cooperation into a nuclear alliance and warned it would boost its deterrence capabilities in response to what it sees as a threat.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercises will take place between Aug. 17-27. The drills will involve training to counter drone operations, GPS interference and cyberattacks, reflecting concerns about North Korea’s advancing military capabilities.

The Unification Ministry in Seoul said the statement was Pyongyang’s first official reaction to this year’s exercises. North Korea has repeatedly condemned the exercises, accusing them of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Pyongyang also pledged to strengthen its nuclear deterrent, saying the United States had adopted a nuclear strategy that could lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.

North Korea says the alleged US strategy could push international security toward the risk of nuclear conflict. It also condemned US nuclear cooperation with South Korea and its extended-deterrence commitments to Japan.

The latest warning comes after North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast Wednesday.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was fired from the Wonsan area, about six days after another ballistic missile was launched from the same location.

U.S. Mission Announces New Consul General for Lagos

coic
-
0
U.S. Mission Announces New Consul General for Lagos

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the appointment of Brandon Hudspeth as the new Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.

Hudspeth begins a three-year assignment as the senior U.S. government official overseeing 17 states in southern Nigeria. He replaces Rick Swart, who retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in July.

A career diplomat and member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, Hudspeth is returning to Lagos for a second tour, having previously served as Political-Economic Section Chief at the consulate from 2020 to 2022.
“I am honored to return to Lagos as the U.S. Consul General,” said Hudspeth.

I know firsthand the strength of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership, and the extraordinary energy, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that Nigerians and Americans share.

“I look forward to reconnecting with old friends, forging new partnerships and working with Nigerians to expand trade and investment, promote innovation and enhance cooperation in the technology and creative industries,” he said.

He said the efforts would create new opportunities and drive shared prosperity between Nigeria and the United States.

Read Also: Food Aid Crisis: South Sudan Refugees Face Imminent Cutbacks

Hudspeth has nearly two decades of diplomatic experience in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Washington.
Before his assignment in Lagos, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek, Namibia.

His previous assignments include Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, where he directed U.S. civilian assistance programs to support law enforcement, rule of law, counter-narcotics efforts, and maritime security cooperation.
He was also Political-Economic Section Chief in Bamako, Mali; Nonimmigrant Visa Chief in Havana, Cuba and Political-Military Officer in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In Washington, D.C., Hudspeth has served in the State Department’s Operations Center, on the Secretariat Staff supporting the Secretary of State, and as a Desk Officer in the Bureau of African Affairs.

Hudspeth is from Texas and holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Morehouse College. He also earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, where he was a Distinguished Graduate.

His new assignment, the U.S. Mission said, would serve to further strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.

Food Aid Crisis: South Sudan Refugees Face Imminent Cutbacks

coic
-
0
Food Aid Crisis: South Sudan Refugees Face Imminent Cutbacks

More than 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan could be cut off from food aid in the coming weeks because of a severe funding gap, the UN said on Friday.

South Sudan was facing one of the world’s worst hunger crises with more than 7.8 million people – over half the population – suffering from acute food insecurity and 2.2 million children acutely malnourished, the World Food Program (WFP) and UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

South Sudan also receives around 3,000 refugees and returnees weekly from neighboring Sudan, where a conflict that began in 2023 has caused one of the world’s largest displacement crises.

The UN agencies said unless urgent funding is secured the last food distributions for the most vulnerable 240,000 refugees in South Sudan are expected in September.

The 240,000 are the last refugees still on food aid, which has already been reduced to half rations as WFP cut back on assistance due to funding constraints.

This is not a future scenario. “Sadly, that is a reality that will be within weeks,” WFP Deputy Country Director in South Sudan, Adham Effendi, told reporters in Juba.

UNHCR Deputy Representative Mesfin Degefu said that without funding, no refugees in South Sudan would receive food assistance from October.

Families are already cutting meals, selling belongings, pulling children out of school and going into debt to survive, Degefu said. Women and children are also more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Some refugees have asked UNHCR to help them facilitate their return to Sudan, although the agency says the conditions there are not safe for return.

WFP needs $37 million to keep refugee operations going from October to December. Effendi said that food assistance for some 180,000 internally displaced people is set to expire from October and that some 600,000 people in famine-risk areas could lose life-saving support by November.

UNHCR said it had received just 28 per cent of the $286 million needed for its operations in South Sudan this year, threatening programs aimed at helping refugees become self-reliant thru farming, vocational training and other livelihood activities.

25,000 Tricycles Registered as BOTMA Strengthens Traffic Safety Measures

coic
-
0
25,000 Tricycles Registered as BOTMA Strengthens Traffic Safety Measures

The Borno State Traffic Management Agency (BOTMA) says it registered about 25,000 tricycles and recruited 300 youths since its establishment in 2020 to boost traffic management and promote safer roads across the state.

The General Manager of BOTMA, Baba Shehu Tijjani told the Voice of Nigeria in Maiduguri in an interview.

Tijjani said the agency was set up to deal with transportation management issues that had arisen from the increased use of tricycles popularly known as Keke NAPEP following the restriction on motorcycles over security concerns in the state.

He said the increasing reliance on tricycles had made it necessary to have a dependable system of registering and identifying owners and operators.

“The increasing reliance on Keke NAPEP makes necessary proper system of registration and identification of owners and operators,” Tijjani said.

He said the agency had registered about 25,000 tricycles operating in the Jere and Maiduguri Local Government Areas.

He said the registration database holds information on owners and operators, their residential areas and next of kin.

“The database has been useful in tracing lost property and supporting investigations into complaints and allegations involving tricycle operators,” said Tijjani.

He said the database has proved useful when a passenger reports losing something inside a tricycle, and also in cases involving allegations against operators.

He said the Borno State Government, under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, further empowered the agency by approving the recruitment of 300 youths.

The recruits, he said, were trained in a police college before deployment and the government also provided operational vehicles to improve their effectiveness.

Read Also: SEC Orders Asset Freeze on Six Individuals, Three Companies Over Terror Financing

“The recruitment has boosted our manpower and at the same time created jobs for our youths in the state,” he said.

Tijjani expressed optimism that continued improvement in the security situation would allow the government to recruit more personnel and extend BOTMA’s operations to additional local government areas.

“The agency also generates revenue for the state and runs regular media sensitization programs to educate residents on traffic regulations and responsible road use,” he said.

The General Manager admitted that BOTMA faced initial resistance from some members of the public due to lack of understanding of its mandate.

“We had difficulties at the beginning because people did not understand us but gradually the public started to understand our work and cooperate with us,” he underlined.

He said traffic offenders were fined and made to pay thru designated banks or Borno state board of internal revenue.

Tijjani also said collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Federal Road Safety Corps is key to the agency’s operations.

Legislative Support, Challenges

The general manager said interference by passengers during enforcement operations and attempts by some persons to use personal connections to evade traffic laws are major challenges.

“Social status and connections should be no excuse for breaking traffic laws,” he said.

Tijjani said the Borno State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation had recently visited the agency and commended its work.

He said the committee promised to support BOTMA with higher funding in the proposed 2027 state budget.

Tijjani called on BOTMA staff and the general public to keep cooperating with the agency, stressing that observance of traffic rules was key to ensuring safer and more orderly roads in Borno State.

SEC Orders Asset Freeze on Six Individuals, Three Companies Over Terror Financing

coic
-
0
SEC Orders Asset Freeze on Six Individuals, Three Companies Over Terror Financing

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked capital market operators to immediately freeze funds, assets and other economic resources connected to six individuals and three entities designated as terrorist financiers by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee.

This was disclosed in a circular issued to all Capital Market Regulated Entities on Friday. It said the designations were in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

The six are Babangida Muhammed Adamu Hammajam, Abdullahi Umar Usman, Ibrahim Abubakar, Adamu Chiroma, Muktar Muhammad Adamu and Yakubu Ogirima Ibrahim.

The three entities are Nine to Nine BDC Ltd, Generation Currency BDC Ltd and Abbal Bako and Sons Bureau de Change.

On June 18, 2026, the commission marked Hammajam for sanctions for allegedly engaging in terrorism financing and supporting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Usman was named for allegedly providing material support to a designated terrorist organization thru repeated financial transactions.

Read Also: Akwa Ibom Targets Stronger Aviation Sector Through Investment

The SEC said Abubakar was sanctioned for alleged terrorism financing and membership of ISWAP while Chiroma was accused of using Bureau De Change operations and associated corporate entities to facilitate the movement of funds allegedly linked to terrorist activities.

Muktar Muhammad Adamu was listed on June 15 for allegedly providing financial support and facilitating transactions linked to the financing network of the ISWAP Okene cell.

Yakubu Ogirima Ibrahim was also listed for allegedly supplying material and financial aid to the ISWAP Kogi cell.

The three BDC entities were listed for their alleged roles in facilitating and channeling funds associated with the ISWAP Okene financing network.

The SEC directed regulated entities to immediately identify and freeze, without notice, all funds, financial assets and other economic resources of the designated persons and companies.

Operators were also told to report frozen assets, attempted transactions and any other compliance actions to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee.

The commission also urged operators to file suspicious transaction reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit for further probing of the financial transactions involved.

The commission said capital market operators should treat name matches involving the listed individuals and entities as suspicious and report them, regardless of when the transactions took place in relation to receipt of the sanctions list.

Further, the regulated entities were advised to stop dealing with the designated persons and organizations and to undertake ongoing surveillance of transactions involving them.

The SEC said any findings should be forwarded to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee thru its designated reporting channel.

The directive was effective immediately and failure to comply would constitute breach of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025, and its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism rules, the commission said.

Violations could lead to penalties including fines, suspension of operations or revocation of registration, it said.

The SEC also reminded operators of the capital market of their obligation to report all unusual or suspicious transactions to the NFIU immediately.

Akwa Ibom Targets Stronger Aviation Sector Through Investment

coic
-
0
Akwa Ibom Targets Stronger Aviation Sector Through Investment

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated its commitment to the full operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo and the expansion of the Ibom Air fleet.

Governor Umo Eno made the commitment in high-level meetings with SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

These were to build the technical and maintenance capabilities required to support Ibom Air’s expanding fleet and to bolster Akwa Ibom’s standing in the aviation industry.

Governor Eno held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, Constant Van Shani, where the duo discussed a strategic partnership to manage and operate the MRO facility.

He said the administration was looking for a pragmatic partnership that would enhance the state’s aviation infrastructure, technical capabilities, skilled employment and build a sustainable local aviation workforce.

The Governor said his administration has put a lot of money into making sure the MRO facility is finished. He recalled his team’s visit to SAMCO’s facility and said he was impressed by the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards.

Read Also: Wizkid Set to Lead Detty December Festival Lineup

He stressed that the proposed relationship should go beyond the normal consultancy, with discussions on aircraft maintenance and technical support especially for the Ibom Air fleet as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.

“Developing indigenous aviation expertise will reduce our dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the MRO at Victor Attah International Airport and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom”, Governor Eno said.

In response, Van Shani welcomed the Governor’s commitment to the proposed partnership.

Governor, we are glad to know that you are ready to work with us. “We’re here to get it done beyond consulting,” he said.

SAMCO Aviation Services B.V. is a Dutch aviation maintenance company. Headquartered at Maastricht-Aachen Airport, it specializes in the repair and maintenance of civil aircraft and aerospace equipment.

Governor Eno also held discussions with the Vise President of Sales for Africa of Airbus, Hadi Akoum, thanking the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and for its efforts at ensuring the delivery of the new aircraft.

The Akwa Ibom State Government, Governor Udom Emmanuel told Airbus, is still very committed to Ibom Air and described the airline as a strategic economic asset to the State.

He said Ibom Air remained at the core of the administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment, stressing that “it is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function.”

“The state will continue to make the necessary strategic investments to ensure the airline remained commercially viable, operationally strong and capable of supporting Akwa Ibom’s broader economic ambitions,” Governor Eno added.

Akoum, for his part, described Ibom Air as a big Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that the Airbus currently produces about 14 aircraft monthly with a production backlog of about 9,000 aircraft.

He also spoke about the A220-300’s ability to carry around 120 passengers and its cargo capability.

The discussions highlighted the need for continued collaboration among Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State Government as the airline grows its fleet and network.

Wizkid Set to Lead Detty December Festival Lineup

coic
-
0
Wizkid Set to Lead Detty December Festival Lineup

Organizers of Detty December Fest 2026 have announced Grammy-winning music superstar Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, will headline the opening nite.

Wizkid is billed to perform on December 18, kicking off the 13-day festival of music, culture, food, fashion and entertainment in Lagos, which will run until December 30.

A second performance stage will be introduced this year as part of an expanded program for the annual festival, organizers said.

“Wizkid will headline the main Festival Stage and the newly launched Pulse Stage will give emerging artists, new sounds and breakthrough talents a platform to shape the future of African music.”

The 2026 edition will have a wider mix of music, culture and entertainment experiences to showcase Africa’s creative industry, according to the organizers.

The festival follows the 2025 edition which attracted over 40,000 people and featured a mix of international and African music stars.

Performers at the last edition included Busta Rhymes, Gunna, Shenseea, Tiwa Savage, Diamond Platnumz, Phyno, Wande Coal, Fave, Young Jonn, Qing Madi, Ice Prince, Jux and Wizkid.

Organizers said the introduction of the Pulse Stage will create more opportunities for emerging artists and help highlight new talents shaping the future of African music.

Detty December Fest is one of the most notable cultural and entertainment events in Nigeria during the festive season.

The annual festival has become a major attraction, drawing visitors from within and outside the country, and contributing to Lagos’ reputation as a center for Afrobeats, nightlife and cultural celebrations all thru December.

1234...2,825Page 3 of 2,825
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv