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Fed Govt orders partial closure of Keffi bridge

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The Federal Government has announced the immediate partial closure of the Keffi Bridge in Nasarawa State following damage caused by a heavy-duty vehicle that struck and dislodged parts of the structure.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to the incident, which involved an excavator-loaded truck hitting the bridge and causing a partial collapse.

According to the Minister, the closure became necessary to prevent further deterioration and to protect public safety. Umahi stated that only the affected carriageway, which sustained direct impact from the vehicle, would be shut down for now.

“We have directed the shutdown of the Keffi Bridge. But the shutdown is definitely the first carriageway that had direct impact with the excavator,” he said. “We are sending senior technical officers to work with the controller of that location, and then we will assess the second carriageway. If the beams of the second carriageway are affected, then the entire bridge will be shut down, and it becomes an emergency situation.”

The Minister explained that the ministry is working on an immediate design solution and will engage a qualified contractor with relevant expertise to carry out repairs. He emphasized the importance of complying with engineering standards in bridge construction, particularly the 5.6-meter standard headroom for flyovers.

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Umahi attributed recent incidents of bridge damage across the country to violations of traffic codes, particularly the use of high-bed trucks that exceed the designated height limits. He noted that these violations have led to structural failures and disruptions to traffic and commerce.

To address the recurring problem, the Minister said that a new standard headroom of 6.5 meters would be considered for future flyover designs, and the ministry would begin installing metal height restrictors at bridge entrances to prevent over-height vehicles from accessing them.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Olofunsho Adebiyi, also confirmed the incident, explaining that the excavator being transported by the truck struck the beam of the Keffi Bridge, severely compromising its structural integrity.

He said the impact of the excavator destroyed part of the bridge’s slab and displaced a section of the beam, rendering that portion of the structure unsafe.

“It has totally distorted and affected the structural integrity of the entire structure there,” Adebiyi said. “The public cannot be allowed to continue to do things that destroy our expensive infrastructure.”

The ministry has advised motorists and residents to cooperate with traffic officials and use alternative routes where necessary as assessments and repair work commence on the affected bridge section.

Climate Change: Foundation plants 100,000 trees in Jigawa

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The Partnership for Development Action (PADAC) Foundation has commenced the planting of 100,000 tree seedlings across Jigawa State as part of efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

The initiative, which is part of PADAC’s 2025 tree planting campaign, was flagged off on Thursday in Dutse, the state capital. PADAC is a focal group of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project currently being implemented in the state.

Speaking during the launch, the Executive Director of PADAC, Aisha Muhammad, said the foundation started the campaign with the planting of 1,500 tree seedlings within Dutse metropolis. She noted that the foundation is targeting the planting of 100,000 drought-resistant tree seedlings throughout the year, with the aim of mitigating the worsening effects of climate change in Jigawa.

Muhammad explained that the seedlings are being planted along selected roads and in communities that are particularly vulnerable to desertification and soil degradation. She urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project by protecting and nurturing the seedlings to maturity.

According to her, trees play a vital role in curbing environmental challenges such as erosion, excessive heat, and loss of biodiversity, all of which are becoming more severe due to climate change.

Read Also: Climate Change threatens women’s health in Nigeria, experts warn

Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Mr. Hatuna Aliyu, commended PADAC for the initiative and described it as timely and impactful. He said that tree planting enhances air quality, supports biodiversity, and prevents erosion. He added that members of the state legislature would replicate the exercise in their various constituencies to support climate action across the state.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, a council member of the Dutse Emirate Council, emphasized the role of trees as natural windbreakers and their contribution to improving overall air quality in the region.

One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Fagge, expressed his support for the initiative and called on fellow residents to take responsibility for the maintenance of the trees. He said he would personally ensure the protection of the seedlings planted in his area and encouraged others to do the same in order to maximize the benefits of the tree planting campaign.

The initiative is expected to help strengthen environmental resilience in the face of increasing climate challenges in northern Nigeria. It also aligns with national and global efforts to promote sustainability and reduce the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Climate Change threatens women’s health in Nigeria, experts warn

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Health experts have sounded the alarm over the growing impact of climate change on public health in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the disproportionate risks faced by women and vulnerable populations.

The warning came during a high-level panel session held on Thursday in Abuja, themed: “Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Health.” Stakeholders from health, policy, and civil society sectors convened to explore locally driven solutions, equity-based partnerships, and climate-resilient health systems in Africa.

Dr. Amina Dorayi, Regional Director at Pathfinder International, highlighted how extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves disrupt access to essential reproductive and maternal health services.

“Pregnancy does not pause for climate disasters,” Dorayi said, stressing that mobility challenges and supply chain breakdowns during emergencies often prevent women from accessing antenatal care and family planning services.

Dorayi further emphasized that climate-informed programming is crucial to safeguard women’s health during crises. She called on governments, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize women in climate response strategies by embedding health into climate policies and scaling up early warning systems.

Also speaking at the event, Mashishi Mokgadi of Organon, a global women’s health pharmaceutical company, stated that excluding women from climate-related health strategies undermines their effectiveness.

“If women and girls are not part of the climate conversation, how do we know what problems we are solving?” Mokgadi asked, urging the use of simplified, community-relevant language to ensure that even grassroots women are active participants in climate action.

She advocated for accessible policy implementation that ensures women are not just represented, but actively involved in shaping climate-health interventions.

Dr. Edwin Edeh, WHO Nigeria’s Coordinator for Public Health and Environment, said that health outcomes provide the most visible evidence of climate change’s impact

Read Also: How climate change ignites wildfires

“Whether it’s in Lagos or Malawi, the impact of climate change shows up at the health facility,” he noted.

Edeh revealed that a nationwide assessment by WHO and Nigeria’s Ministry of Health found that 21% of the national disease burden is linked to climate change—equivalent to one in five deaths in the coming years, many of which are preventable with effective interventions.

He said Nigeria is already piloting solar-powered health centres, reducing both operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and has launched training programs for a climate-smart health workforce.

“Climate resilience must be built with the people, not just for them,” Edeh stressed, urging investment in community engagement, data generation, and innovation.

Dr. Morires Atiko, CEO of the African Business Coalition for Health, urged the private sector to go beyond corporate social responsibility and integrate climate and health financing into core business operations.

“Climate activities are buried in social reporting and disconnected from health. This must change,” Atiko said.

She called for measurable climate action in business reporting, including tracking carbon footprints, adopting eco-friendly logistics, and investing in sustainable health infrastructure.

Atiko also emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration, involving innovation hubs, policymakers, and financial institutions in co-creating lasting solutions.

How $12m was swapped in 10 days in SunTrust Bank -EFCC witness

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 Mr Suleiman Ciroma, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s witness, on Thursday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja how the sum of 12 million dollars was swapped in SunTrust Bank within 10 days.

Ciroma stated this while being led in evidence by EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, before Justice Emeka Nwite, in the ongoing trial of Halima Buba, the Managing Director/CEO of the bank.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buba and her co-defendant, Innocent Mbagwu, the Executive Director/Chief Compliance Officer of SunTrust Bank, are being prosecuted on money laundering offences to the tune of $12 million.

The duo, in a six-count charge, was alleged to have aided high-value cash transactions without routing them through a financial institution.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 21(a), 2(1), and 9(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

The defendants were, on June 13, arraigned by the anti-graft agency.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts, and admitted to a N100 million bail with one surety, each in like sum.

Upon resumed hearing on Thursday, Ciroma, the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), told the court that he is a businessman and had worked as a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator before.

“I have a travel agency,” he said.

The witness, who identified Buba, said though he had never met Mbagwu one-on-one before, he said they talked on phone.

The PW-1 tendered in evidence a bundle of documents to support his testimony before the court.

He narrated how the defendants facilitated the release of the $12 million at branches of the bank in Abuja and Lagos State, within 10 days.

He said the transactions commenced on March 10, after he got a call from Aisha Achimugu, an oil magnate, who informed him that she had some forex transactions to carry out with the bank.

The witness told the court that he immediately called Buba, who confirmed that she was aware of the proposed transactions.

Read Also: Alleged 27bn fraud: Court overrules Darius Ishaku’s admissibility objection

The PW-1 told the court that later on the same day, a man named, Iliya called to notify him that he was at a branch of the bank in Abuja for payment of $1 million in cash as a swap to be paid to Achimugu through the account of a company, Oceangate Energy Oil & Gas, domiciled in Zenith Bank.

“I then contacted my friend, Hassan Dantani of Ashrap Ltd, who sent Tijjani Adamu for the collection of the cash payment,” he said.

He told the court that on the same day, Abdulkadir Mohammed collected another $1 million cash payment from a branch of the bank in Abuja, while another $2 million was also received by a man he identified as Kabiru.

Ciroma disclosed that the defendants helped to swap the $12 million cash payments into the account of Achimugu’s company, in tranches, between March 10 and March 20.

“In all the transactions, I made a profit of N15 million,” he told the court.

Asked if he knew the reason behind the alleged illicit transactions, the PW-1 said: “Aisha Achimugu told me that she wanted to buy an oil block and would need dollar inflow into Oceangate Energy Oil & Gas account.”

He told the court that while Buba facilitated the transactions that took place in Abuja, Mbagwu handled the ones that occured in Lagos.

Ciroma, through the lawyer, tendered some exhibits, including the printout of WhatsApp conversations he had with Buba in relation to the transactions, as well as a certificate of identification he signed.

Buba’s counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, and Mbagwu’s lawyer, Mr. M. S. Ibrahim, SAN, though opposed to tendering the evidence as exhibits, they reserved their reasons till the final address stage.

Justice Nwite then admitted and marked the evidence as Exhibit P1.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until July 18 for continuation of trial.

(NAN)

Yahaya Bello’s passport not with us – FCT Court

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has clarified that it does not have custody of the international passport of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, amid an ongoing money laundering case involving the ex-governor.

Justice Maryanne Anenih, presiding over the matter, made the clarification during Thursday’s proceedings in the N110 billion fraud case filed against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court was expected to rule on an application by Bello seeking the release of his international passport to enable him to travel for medical treatment. However, Justice Anenih declared the application incompetent, stressing that the travel document was not in the custody of the FCT High Court, but rather with the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“The international passport cannot be in two places at the same time,” she said, dismissing the notion that the document could be retrieved from the FCT court.

Read Also: Yahaya Bello in court as judge frowns at rowdy supporters

The judge noted that the bail conditions issued to Bello required him to submit his international passport or swear an affidavit if the passport was in the possession of another court. Bello had deposed an affidavit stating that the travel document was currently with the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, where he faces a separate criminal charge.

The court also pointed out that although earlier court records seemed to show the passport was to be deposited with the registry of the FCT High Court, a review confirmed that it was never submitted to the court.

Justice Anenih emphasized that, had the passport been in the FCT court’s custody, the application might have been granted after due consideration.

Background: Yahaya Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, was arraigned on November 27, 2024, on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation of public funds and property fraud totalling ₦110 billion.

The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had urged the court to grant Bello’s request based on medical grounds, arguing that his client needed to travel for urgent health care. Daudu supported the application with a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed by the former governor.

However, the EFCC filed a counter-affidavit, urging the court to reject the application on the grounds that Bello is facing serious criminal charges and might jump bail if allowed to travel.

Following Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Anenih adjourned the trial to October 8, 2025, for continuation.

Alleged Drug Trafficking: Court adjourns Ahmadu Abubakar’s trial to July 24

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the trial of Ahmadu Abubakar, who is facing charges of drug trafficking, to July 24, 2025.

Presided over by Justice Isaac Dipeolu, the case was earlier scheduled to continue on Thursday, but the proceedings were stalled following a request for adjournment by the defence counsel.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is prosecuting Abubakar for allegedly importing 164.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa into Nigeria. According to court filings, the drugs were smuggled from Canada and hidden inside eight jumbo suitcases.

Read Also: Appeal Court affirms Olaoye as Soun of Ogbomoso

In its submission, the NDLEA claims Abubakar conspired with Ughenu Nnaife Francis, who was convicted for a similar offence in May 2024, and another alleged accomplice known simply as “Black”, who is reportedly still at large.

The agency further stated that Abubakar procured Francis to assist in the illegal importation of the banned substance.

The charges levelled against the defendant are in violation of Sections 11(c) and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The case will now continue on July 24, as the court awaits further submissions from both the prosecution and the defence teams.

APC shrugs off impact of Atiku’s exit from PDP

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the political significance of Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a desperate move that will not impact the party’s stronghold or national dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to Atiku’s resignation on Wednesday, APC’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Seye Oladejo, said the former Vice President’s reported alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not change the political landscape.

“Atiku’s actions reflect ambition without principle, not driven by ideology but by relentless personal pursuit,” Oladejo said in a statement issued in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atiku officially resigned from the PDP on Wednesday, citing deep-seated divisions and the party’s inability to function as a credible opposition. His resignation comes after repeated signs of dissatisfaction with the PDP’s post-election direction.

Although Atiku has not formally joined ADC, political observers say his coalition has adopted the party as a potential platform for the 2027 elections — a move interpreted as preparation for another presidential bid.

Read Also: APC chieftain Jesutega Onokpasa dies

Oladejo, however, dismissed the development as another episode in what he called Atiku’s “recycled political playbook.”

“This exit only confirms PDP’s internal collapse and Atiku’s ongoing pattern of inconsistency,” he stated.

The APC spokesman emphasized that the ruling party remains the most viable political force in the country, citing achievements in governance, infrastructure, and economic reforms.

“Whether PDP, ADC or another, Nigerians are politically discerning and will not be swayed by political theatrics,” he added.

“The APC stands as the only party delivering real governance, economic gains, and purposeful leadership.”

Oladejo urged APC loyalists in Lagos and across Nigeria to remain focused, united, and active at the grassroots level, assuring them that the party’s performance record and people-oriented development agenda will secure victory in 2027.

He further argued that political instability often trails Atiku, and his repeated defection history should raise concerns about his leadership consistency.

“Nigerians deserve visionary leadership, not theatrical comebacks. APC is prepared to lead and win,” Oladejo concluded.

This latest development follows reports that some opposition figures — including ex-members of PDP and the Labour Party — are rallying around the ADC in anticipation of a broader coalition for the next general election.

For continuous updates on Nigerian politics and 2027 election developments, stay with News Access NG.

FAAN launches inter-regional sports to boost staff fitness, teamwork

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing staff wellness, unity, and productivity through sports, as it flagged off the maiden Inter-Regional Football Competition in Abuja.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, emphasized the importance of physical fitness and interdepartmental collaboration within the organization. Kuku, who was represented by Mr. Rindap Domtur, Acting Regional Manager, North Central, said the initiative is part of the authority’s broader strategy to promote workplace harmony and employee well-being.

“There’s an old saying: ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ It’s not every time we focus solely on work. While we carry out our duties, it’s equally important to keep fit and remain happy,” she said.

Kuku noted that football and other sporting activities encourage staff interaction across different regions, providing a unique platform for networking and personal development.

“By participating in football and other sports, FAAN workers can develop valuable skills, build meaningful relationships, and improve their overall well-being,” she added.

According to her, the sporting initiative has already begun to foster unity among staff, especially as it offers many employees from outstations their first opportunity to visit the nation’s capital.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Omotosho Oyinye, FAAN’s General Manager of Welfare Management Services and Chairperson of the Sports Committee, noted that beyond physical fitness, the programme also helps to build emotional resilience and mental toughness, which are critical to workplace productivity.

She acknowledged some initial challenges in coordination but said such hurdles were expected in events of this scale.

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“The minor issues we faced during preparation were not unexpected. For a programme of this magnitude, such challenges are part of the process,” she said.

Mr. Adeleye Taiwo, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, highlighted that this is the first time FAAN’s internal football competition is being extended beyond Lagos to involve regional airports.

“We’ve had this competition in Lagos for over 12 years, but the outstations were never included,” Taiwo said. “Now, with this inter-regional structure, we are discovering fresh talents across the country.”

Taiwo added that the competition, which began on July 13, will end on July 22, 2025, and also serves as a talent hunt ahead of the Federation of Civil Service Games, in which FAAN participates annually.

With growing enthusiasm among staff and more regions participating, FAAN’s sports initiative is poised to become a permanent fixture for promoting unity, wellness, and excellence across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Stay tuned to News Access NG for continued coverage of FAAN events and public sector activities nationwide.

Davido’s ‘Timeless’ album earns silver certification in UK

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Nigerian Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has added another major milestone to his decorated music career, as his fourth studio album “Timeless” has officially earned a Silver Certification in the United Kingdom.

According to Chart Data, a reputable platform tracking global music achievements, the certification was awarded after the album surpassed 100,000 unit sales in the UK — making it eligible for the highly coveted silver plaque.

Released on March 31, 2023, Timeless is a 17-track body of work that showcases Davido’s versatility and evolution as an artist. The album blends a range of genres, including Afrobeats, highlife, dancehall, reggae, konto, and Afropop, and features collaborations with several top-tier artists such as Asake, Skepta, Dexta Daps, Fave, The Cavemen, and Angelique Kidjo.

Upon release, Timeless shattered multiple streaming records across digital platforms, including Spotify Nigeria, Audiomack, Boomplay, and YouTube, positioning it as one of the most commercially successful Afrobeats albums to date.

Among its standout tracks, “Unavailable” emerged as a global anthem and also received Silver certification in the UK. The song went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best African Song Performance.

Read Also: Davido to host livestream concert for fans to mark 32nd birthday

Another fan-favorite, “Feel”, was also recognized with a Grammy nomination in the Best Global Song Performance category — a clear testament to the international appeal of Davido’s sound.

The album itself was nominated for Best Global Album at the Grammy Awards, further affirming Davido’s status as a global force in music.

Following the album’s success, Davido embarked on the “Timeless Tour”, which took him across North America and Europe, with sold-out stops in major cities including Washington D.C., New York, Toronto, and London. The tour further cemented his legacy and connected fans across continents to the energy of his new sound.

With the Silver Certification now added to its accolades, Timeless continues to break boundaries and expand the reach of Afrobeats on the global stage.

For more updates on Nigerian music and entertainment, keep it locked on News Access NG.

Fans flood social media with tributes as Wizkid turns 35

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Nigerian music superstar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, widely known as Wizkid, marked his 35th birthday on Tuesday, July 16, and fans across the globe have taken to social media in massive numbers to celebrate the Afrobeats icon.

Using trending hashtags like #WizkidAt35, #StarBoy35, and #WizkidDay, supporters flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and other platforms with heartfelt messages, rare throwback photos, and performance clips to honour the singer’s remarkable journey in music.

From fans referring to him as the “Greatest of All Time (GOAT)” to others hailing him as the man who “changed the sound of Africa,” the outpouring of love reflects Wizkid’s immense cultural impact.

“Happy Birthday to the Greatest to ever do it. Wizkid FC loves you forever,” wrote @itzbasito.

Another fan, @dammiedammie35, tweeted, “35 years of greatness. Happy Birthday to our GOAT, Machala himself! Starboy forever!”

@omojuwa posted, “Wizkid’s impact on the culture is unmatched. Legend living.”

Read Also: Wizkid drops new album ‘Morayo’ in tribute to late mother

Clips of his early interviews, award-winning performances, and historic shows from Lagos to London and Paris made the rounds as fans reminisced on his growth from a teenage star to a global music force.

“You gave us Ojuelegba, and the world listened. Long live the king,” @drealofficial wrote, while @itz_KingBryan added, “Happy birthday to the man who changed the sound of Africa. May your reign never end, Big Wiz!”

Wizkid, born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, began his musical journey at the age of 11, singing with his church choir group, Glorious Five. He shot to fame in 2010 with the release of his debut single “Holla at Your Boy” after signing with Banky W’s EME Records. A year later, he released his acclaimed debut album “Superstar,” which launched him into national and continental stardom.

Over the years, Wizkid has grown into one of Africa’s biggest music exports, known for his genre-blending sound that fuses Afrobeats, R&B, pop, and dancehall. He has won numerous international awards, including a Grammy Award, BET Awards, MOBOs, MTV EMAs, and more. His landmark collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl” won a Grammy in 2021, further cementing his place on the world stage.

His discography boasts successful albums such as Ayo, Sounds From The Other Side, Made in Lagos, and More Love, Less Ego, with hit tracks including Ojuelegba, Essence, Fever, and Soco. His ability to continuously evolve while staying true to his African roots has earned him a loyal global fanbase.

As fans across continents continue to celebrate him, one thing is clear — Wizkid has not only transformed Nigerian music but has helped redefine Africa’s place on the global music map.

For more updates on your favourite celebrities and entertainment news, stay connected with News Access NG.