Category Archives: News

I take responsibility for Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, says NRC MD

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The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has taken full responsibility for the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment that occurred on Tuesday.

Opeifa, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the ongoing investigation into the incident would be transparent.

“Let me say, beyond apologising to Nigeria, I want to say as the managing director and chief executive, I take full responsibility. And in the case of safety, there is no indifference.

“Once it happens, the chief executive must take responsibility. In this case, I am taking responsibility,” Opeifa said. 

Read Also: Tinubu celebrates NDDC boss Ogbuku at 50 ‎

The NRC boss further stressed that while the derailment should not have happened, measures were being put in place to prevent a recurrence.

“I want to assure Nigerians that an incident like this is not expected, is not prayed for, should not be happening, but where it does, it is to bring out the best in us.

“And I assure Nigerians that just as we are doing currently on the Warri-Itakpe, which he (the analyst) also mentioned, we shut down the Warri-Itakpe (route) three weeks ago.

“I ordered the shutdown for safety reasons, and if you see the level of work the men have been doing on the track, cutting it off and replacing it is to make sure things like this don’t happen,” he added.

The derailment occurred on Tuesday along the Kaduna corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja at about 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna.

Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with many scrambling to safety.

NDLEA seizes 2.318 tons of marijuana in Kwara

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it has intercepted and  seized 2.318 tons of cannabis in the last one week in Kwara.

The NDLEA Commander in the state, Hajia Fatima Popoola, said this at a news conference in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Popoola said that the cannabis were intercepted during two operations along Offa and Omu Aran axis of the state command at about 3:00 am and 5:30 am.

She said that four suspects arrested in connection with the seizures, concealed the drugs among sacks of saw dust.

“This is one of the biggest seizures we’ve made in a single week in recent time, and the street value of what we seized runs into at least billions of naira.

“This shows just how serious the drug use and trafficking have become in Kwara,” she said.

Popoola said that one of the suspects, a driver, was caught with 1.2 tons of cannabis, another suspect with 300kg of cannabis, while the remaining 720kg seizure was linked to two suspects.

Read Also: NDLEA arrests notorious drug kingpin in Delta

The drugs were reportedly concealed in Canter trucks and disguised as ordinary goods with sacks of saw dust to deceive NDLEA officials at the check points.

“A J5 vehicle was checked, which appeared to be empty, but we found it loaded with cannabis, and these operations took place mostly between 3:00 am and 5:30 am, when traffickers often move to avoid detection,” she said.

The commander, who noted that drugs are at the root of many criminal activities, added that, “no sane person wakes up to commit inhumane acts or violent crimes, most of the time, there is drug influence behind it.”

She said that security challenges in such places like Kaiama, Chikanda, Patigi, Edu, and Omu Aran were drug-related.

The commander said that while only two tons of drugs were seized in 2024, the command has seized over 2,000 kilograms between January and August  2025.

She attributed the feat achieved to the synergy among sister security agencies, saying that, “the NDLEA is not working alone. We are working with the police, army, civil defence, and traditional rulers.”

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the agency for the feat, adding the arrests and seizures reflected the commitment of his administeation to eliminate drug abuse in the state.

Represented by Alhaji Saadu Salahu,  the Senior Adviser/Counsellor,  AbdulRazaq said the state was working closely with the NDLEA in mobilising traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and religious institutions to create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We need to educate the younger generation on the health implications of involvement in drugs,” he said.

He urged residents of the state to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking requires everyone’s support.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the event was attended by the representatives of traditional rulers, military and para-military agencies.

(NAN)

Fire razes 15 houses in C’River community

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No fewer than 15 houses were on Tuesday razed by fire in Agbokim Waterfall village in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the affected buildings was the residence of the council’s Vice Chairman.

The fire was reportedly triggered by Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in one of the houses.

An eyewitness, Mr John Agbor, said a leakage from one of the drums of PMS spilled into a nearby fire, sparking the inferno that spread through the community.

Read Also: Fire guts Fresh FM Ibadan studio

“It was hell of a fire, and the whole community was covered with fear as the fire spread and thick smoke billowed into the sky.

“The worst is that there is no fire service close, and we were all left to our fate to bring the fire under control, but by then the damage had been done,” Agbor said.

Agbor said the PMS was meant for transit to Cameroon from Agbokim.

Contacted, Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Dennis Ajom, who confirmed the incident, said he had mobilised saying officers ti the scene of incident.

Contacted, the Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Dennis Ajom, confirmed the incident, saying he had mobilised officers to the scene.

“I am aware. I directed officers from our Ikom office to move there, and I am awaiting a detailed report from them,” he stated.(NAN)

Why Nigeria refineries are failing – PENGASSAN

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 The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has identified the reasons why the Nigeria’s state-owned refineries are failing.

The association said that the refineries are not failing because Nigerians lack the skills, but as a result of political interference which denied workers the tools, resources, and enabling environment to deliver effectively.

Mr Festus Osifo, the association’s President who stated this on Friday at the ongoing 4th PENGASSAN and Labour Summit (PEALS 2025), also identified widespread corruption and mismanagement as reasons for the failure of the refineries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the three days summit holding in Abuja is themed, “Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria: Advancing HSE, ESG, Investment and Incremental Production.

Osifo said Nigeria’s energy future require more than skilled manpower and there is the urgent need for tools, policy stability, and supportive reforms to drive growth in the energy sector.

Read Also: Nigeria ranks 5th in countries with cheapest Petrol in Africa

According to him, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigerian workers successfully operated offshore platforms after expatriates departed.

He said the development had proven that the country possessed skilled manpower capable of sustaining global-standard energy production without disruption.

According to Osifo,  policy inconsistencies and political interference undermine investor confidence and cripple the nation’s oil and gas sector.

He also expressed concerns over frequent changes to petroleum laws, warning they discourage vital investments.

He added that predictability in fiscal regimes is key to attracting petrodollar into Nigeria’s economy and long-term infrastructure development.

“We must have an industry that investors can predict in five or ten years. Constantly changing policies will only chase away investors and delay sectoral growth,” he said

On training, Osifo urged both indigenous and international operators to prioritise worker capacity building.

He said it would ensure that Nigerians remain globally competitive and prepared for the changing demands of the energy and labour markets.

In a goodwill message the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Nuhu Toro, commended PENGASSAN’s foresight, describing the summit as a model platform for strategic dialogue in the energy sector.

“This summit, is a testament to the foresight and strategic thinking required to navigate industry dynamics and their implications for organised labour,” he said.

Toro urged other unions under the TUC to emulate PENGASSAN’s initiative.

He said that modern engagement, dialogue, and innovation remain vital tools for advancing workers’ welfare and strengthening collective bargaining power.

(NAN)

Benue Assembly suspends deputy chief whip, the other members over chaos

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The Benue State House of Assembly, presided over by its Speaker, Hyacinth Dajoh, has suspended four members, including the Deputy Chief Whip, Mr Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North), for three months for attempting to cause chaos in the house.

The other suspended members were Mr Shimawua Emmanuel (APC/Tiev), Mr Cyril Ikong (APC/Oju II) and Mr Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa).

The suspension followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer (APC/Mbagwa), during plenary on Friday in Makurdi.

Tiseer enjoined the house to suspend them for six months for attempting to cause chaos in the assembly.

The majority leader disclosed that the 10th Benue Assembly, like any other legislature, was a hallowed assembly of honourable members, whose words were their bonds.

He recalled that on Wednesday, Aug. 20, the house, in the spirit of unity, passed a vote of confidence on its leadership as well as Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

Tiseer said that he was worried that barely three days after the house adopted resolutions on the matter, Berger and three others went behind to mobilise other members to cause chaos in the house.

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The majority leader stated that the actions of the suspended members were inimical to the peaceful co-existence of the house and should not be tolerated.

He emphasised that the house condemned in the strongest terms the dishonourable actions of Berger and his cohorts.

Tiseer recommended that the house suspend the members for indulging in dishonourable actions capable of casting aspersions and causing acrimony in the house.

The motion was seconded by Mr Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), saying that their actions were condemnable.

Audu further encouraged his colleagues not to allow non-state actors to use them, disclosing that the non-state actors had been intimidating the speaker and the house leadership.

Contributing, Mr Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) said that he felt pained that a member who was a leader in the house would indulge in actions capable of jeopardising the peace and unity of the house.

The speaker, in his ruling, suspended the deputy chief whip and the three others for three months.

Dajoh further announced the dissolution of all committees and appointed Mr Elias Audu as the Chairman of the Information Committee.

He also appointed Mr Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) as the new Deputy Chief Whip and Mr Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) as the new Deputy Majority Leader.

(NAN)

ASUU decries poor retirement package for university lecturers

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says it is deeply concerned about the poor pension package for its retired members.

The National President of the union, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, made the remark at a news conference in Jos on Thursday.

Piwuna said that it was particularly disturbing that the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2024 negatively impacted on the welfare package of its retired members.

Read Also: Cuppy launches university hardship fund at King’s College London

“Our retired colleagues continue to bear the brunt of government’s unpopular policies, manifesting in the galloping inflation and rising cost of electricity, transportation, housing, food, and medication, amongst others.

“We are not pleased with the situation, where those who fought for the sustenance of our universities will be treated with disdain.

“A situation where a senior academic, who served for over 40 years ends up with a N150,000 monthly salary is unacceptable in the current economic realities.

“Many of our retired colleagues are battling chronic conditions, taking care of their spouses, caring for their children and grand children with a paltry amount as pension,” he said.

The ASUU boss said that the union’s position for a university-based pension fund administration was to address such existing anomaly.

He called on the Federal Government to reverse the trend towards a better welfare package for retired lecturers. (NAN)

Ogun ends free entry at Olumo Rock

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The Ogun government says safety concerns informed its decision to introduce entry fees at the renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Complex.

Free entry to the site, which began after its relaunch, will end on Saturday, Aug. 23.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Gov. Dapo Abiodun.

The governor thanked tourists and visitors for the unprecedented turnout recorded after the reopening of the complex.

He said the turnout underscored his administration’s commitment to repositioning the rock as a world-class tourist destination.

Abiodun explained that the free access initiative aimed to help tourists rediscover and appreciate the cultural and historical significance of Olumo Rock.

Reda Also: Ogun APC suspends Gbenga Daniel, one other

“This objective has been fully achieved with thousands of visitors taking advantage of the initiative,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns about overcrowding and public safety during the surge of visitors.

“At certain points, the crowd posed risks that could have led to a stampede but for the swift intervention of security agencies and on-site personnel,” he added.

The governor therefore directed that the free entry initiative will end on Saturday, Aug. 23.

“The Ogun government regrets any inconvenience this adjustment may cause and assures the public of its commitment to a safe and memorable experience,” Abiodun said.

(NAN)

Alaafin’s ultimatum to Ooni an empty threat from a dead empire — Ooni’s Spokesperson

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The ongoing tension between two revered Yoruba monarchs took a new turn on Tuesday after the Ooni of Ife’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, as “an empty threat from a dead empire.”

The Alaafin had earlier demanded that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, withdraw a chieftaincy title allegedly conferred on Ibadan-based businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi, insisting that the Ooni had no authority to bestow the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland. He argued that only the Alaafin, backed by a Supreme Court ruling, holds the right to confer such titles covering the entire Yorubaland.

Reacting via his WhatsApp status, Olafare dismissed the warning, describing those behind it as “jokers.”

“The Ooni is busy setting up businesses and creating jobs for youths across Yorubaland, while some people are fighting supremacy battles through an expired empire. Their 48-hour ultimatum will soon lapse. We are waiting. Dead empire,” he wrote.

Read Also: 11 celebrities who are traditional title holders in Nigeria

He added that while Ooni is preparing for the groundbreaking of the Ojaja Smart City in Ibadan, touted as Africa’s biggest, others are “wasting time issuing empty threats over a title that doesn’t even exist.”

Meanwhile, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti and paramount ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, has also weighed in on the controversy. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Akogun Banjo Ayinde, the monarch clarified that there is no evidence that Ooni ever created or bestowed the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ooni has never conceived it, talk less of installing anybody as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland. Anyone with verifiable evidence to the contrary should present it,” the Oore declared.

He further described the Alaafin’s claims as baseless, stressing that the Ooni, as the “Natural Father of the Yoruba race and spiritual head of the Oduduwa race worldwide,” holds the authority to bestow relevant traditional titles when necessary.

The clash has sparked widespread debate across the Southwest, with many observers urging caution to prevent the matter from escalating into a deeper traditional rivalry.

NBA condemns assault on Corps member in Anambra

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the assault of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, by security operatives in Anambra State, describing the act as “barbaric” and a violation of her fundamental human rights.

In a joint statement signed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe, and National Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the association said the treatment meted out to Elobor was inhumane and unacceptable.

“The NBA commends the Anambra State Government for swiftly identifying and arresting the operatives responsible for this shocking incident. However, accountability must not end at arrests. The perpetrators must be promptly and diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement read.

Read Also: Ogun seals Gbenga Daniel’s house, hotels over alleged planning violations

The incident, which occurred in Oba community, went viral on Monday after a disturbing video showed members of Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, assaulting and stripping Elobor. The operatives had accused her and other corps members of fraud, despite her pleas and presentation of her NYSC identification card.

The video sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, drawing condemnation from the NYSC, politicians, civil society groups, and concerned citizens. The Anambra State Government has since confirmed the arrest of the culprits, with investigations currently ongoing.

The NBA stressed that the assault highlights the urgent need for better training and reorientation of security operatives across the country.

“Respect for human rights, professionalism, and restraint must be at the core of security operations. The government must ensure such violations never recur and reassure citizens that security agencies exist to protect, not abuse them,” the statement added.

The association further pledged to pursue justice for Elobor and to ensure that the case serves as a deterrent against future abuses.

Ogun APC suspends Gbenga Daniel, one other

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The All Progressives Congress Working Committee in Ogun has affirmed the suspension of  Sen. Gbenga Daniel and  Kunle Folarin, by their respective wards for alleged anti-party activities.

This is contained in a statement by Nuberu Olufemi,  the Director of Publicity, Ogun APC in Abeokuta.

According to the statement, the State Chairman of the party, Yemi Sanusi, chaired the meeting held on Tuesday, with 16 members present.

It stated that  the meeting considered the reports of the Disciplinary Committees investigating allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against the two members in Ward IV Ward VI of Sagamu Local Government, respectively.

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” Ward IV, Sagamu local government, set up a disciplinary committee on the alleged misconduct bordering on anti-party activities committed by Daniel.

“Similarly, Ward VI set up a disciplinary committee on the allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities allegedly committed by  Folarin.

“They wrote to the members under investigation, inviting them to the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be heard and allowed to present evidence in their defense or request pardon from the party.

” However, both members failed to respond to the invitations extended to them in writing, failed to provide a written defence, and also failed to attend the disciplinary meetings at which they were to be given the opportunity to defend themselves.

” In view of their deliberate and unexplained absences, the committees deliberated as scheduled, heard from the available witnesses, considered the available documentary evidence, and deliberated on the allegations,” It stated

The party added that upon due consideration, the committees suspended the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the outcome of the committees’ inquiry.

It explained that copies of the letters of indefinite suspension had been sent to the state chairman for consideration and approval of the State Working Committee.

“The SWC has ratified the suspensions. The meeting demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its constitution,” it stated.

(NAN)