TCN, AfDB sensitize project-affected-persons, provide livelihood support in Kano

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Kano Region, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has conducted a two-day sensitization programme for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the ongoing Mando–Rimin Zakara 330kV Quad Transmission Line Project.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ndidi Mbah, TCN General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, the programme, held on June 25 and 26, 2026, at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus, engaged PAPs from Kiru, Rimin Gado, Kabo, and Tofa Local Government Areas of Kano State.

As part of efforts to support livelihood restoration, the exercise featured the distribution of agricultural support packages to beneficiaries, including improved maize and bean seedlings as well as fertilizers, to enhance productivity and support economic recovery among affected communities.

Speaking during the event, the Assistant General Manager, Transmission Services, TCN Kano Region, Engr. Ibrahim Aliyu, highlighted the strategic importance of the Mando–Rimin Zakara 330kV Quad Transmission Line Project in strengthening grid stability and improving electricity supply across the region.

Engr. Aliyu encouraged beneficiaries to make effective use of the agricultural inputs provided and urged all PAPs who have received full compensation to immediately vacate the transmission line Right-of-Way (RoW). He cautioned that continued occupation or construction of structures within high-voltage transmission corridors poses significant risks to lives and property.

The sensitization programme reflects the commitment of TCN and AfDB to meaningful stakeholder engagement, responsible project implementation, fair compensation, and sustainable livelihood restoration in the delivery of critical power infrastructure projects.

 

2027: PDP counters Akpabio, says party stronger than ever

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the party is “dead,” insisting that it remains vibrant, united and increasingly attractive to politicians across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP said its history over the past 27 years demonstrates its resilience and ability to overcome political challenges.
According to the party, it is undergoing a period of renewal and rebuilding, stressing that it remains “alive, healthy and growing stronger.”
The PDP cited what it described as growing national momentum, pointing to the decision of Iyabo Obasanjo to identify with the party, the defection of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, its victory in the Adamawa State local government elections, its win in the Rivers State Senate bye-election, and the influx of political leaders from Katsina, Jigawa, Imo, Oyo and other states.
The party said these developments contradict recent remarks by Senate President Akpabio, who reportedly described the PDP as “dead” while urging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to “allow what is dead to remain dead.”
While expressing respect for the Senate President and his office, the PDP described the comments as “political wishful thinking” that do not reflect the realities on the ground.
The opposition party also argued that the project at whose inauguration Akpabio made the remarks was conceived and executed under the supervision of the FCT Minister, whom it described as a distinguished PDP member currently serving in the APC-led administration.
According to the statement, the minister’s performance is evidence of the competence and leadership tradition associated with the PDP.
“One cannot commission the achievements of a PDP man in the morning and suggest that the PDP is dead and no longer relevant in the afternoon,” the statement said.
The party further stated that the ruling party’s comments reflected growing anxiety over the PDP’s resurgence as it continues to consolidate internally and expand its support base nationwide.
It expressed confidence that Nigerians would once again entrust it with the responsibility of governing the country, promising purposeful, inclusive and people-oriented leadership.
The PDP also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for his efforts in delivering infrastructure and public services in Abuja, describing his performance as a reflection of the party’s enduring culture of competence and excellence in governance.
Reaffirming its position, the party declared that it remains politically relevant and well positioned to contest and win future elections.
“The PDP is not dead. The PDP is alive. The PDP is healthy. Above all, the PDP remains a beautiful bride on hot demand,” the statement added. Authority.

My Presidency will unite Nigeria for robust human capital development -Obi

 

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Wednesday placed uniting Nigeria as his top priority for robust human capital development.
Writing on his X handle to unveil his vision for a “productive and prosperous Nigeria.”
Titled ” My Vision for a Productive and Prosperous Nigeria”, Obi said, “When I decided to contest for the office of President of Nigeria, I pledged to place Nigeria on the path of unity and national transformation. Now, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, I will, in the coming weeks and months, provide insights into the roadmap that I am confident will help curb abuse in government, halt the decline in the quality of life of Nigerians at all levels, and usher in an era of unity, peace, sustained progress, and prosperity.

“This vision is anchored on a commitment to unity, inclusion, social justice, equity, and the freedom of every citizen to pursue lawful dreams.
Central to this proposed roadmap are significant reforms in education and healthcare, which are at the core of human capital development.
“A robust human capital is indispensable infrastructure for national progress. It serves as the fundamental capital upon which daily life, economic expansion, and the delivery of essential public services depend.
“They are foundational areas that we must reform with energy and determination if we are to reap the demographic dividend of our youthful population.

“From the outset of my presidency, we will establish a task force dedicated to drastically reducing the menace of out-of-school children. We will place greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to support our drive for massive industrialisation, anchored on our agricultural endowments and value addition across value chains organised around industrial parks to be located in development zones across the geopolitical regions of the country.

“Funding and improved equipment of TVET institutions, through partnerships among government, the private sector, and social entrepreneurs such as faith-based educators, will facilitate apprenticeship opportunities in the private sector, similar to the German dual education system.

“The situation in which unemployment remains high while Nigerian entrepreneurs establish businesses elsewhere because skilled labour is scarce must be confronted decisively. Doing so is essential for the common good and for facilitating our transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one.

“Character and civic education, emphasising the values that foster trust—an essential ingredient for enterprise and leadership—as well as shared national values, will receive significant attention within the tripartite approach to governance that we propose.
A New Nigeria is Possible.

 

‘What should be our priority? ‘, Obi queries political leaders as he fills INEC form?

 

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Monday in Abuja filled the inquiry form of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as his name is upheld on the Commission’s server, but has a poser for the nation’s political leaders.

 

Writing on his X handle on Tuesday, Obi asked a very pertinent question to the nation’s political leaders: “What truly should be our priority now as leaders of a Nation?”

 

The former Anambra State Governor explained that “this question has become necessary given where we are today as a nation and where we are supposed to be.”

 

While completing my INEC nomination form yesterday, Section E, Question 1 caught my attention. It asks: “Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?” The answer is either Yes or No. That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting characteristics of a sound mind? When our children are being abducted into the bushes, when citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, and when several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from; when several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects. In such adverse circumstances as we are, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?

 

A leadership exercising a sound mind would have convened an emergency meeting of political leaders across various parties and other critical stakeholders to confront these existential challenges facing our nation today. The survival of Nigeria should have been prioritised over the pursuit of political advantage.

 

“Further, in the same Section E, Question 6, was “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?” Again, the answer is either Yes or No.

“This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and for public confidence in our process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?

“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust.

 

“Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service. A new Nigeria is possible.”

Alleged Gbajabiamila bribery scandal: Indifference is not an option

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has advised President Bola Tinubu to lead by example by holding his own appointees accountable for their actions.
Reacting to the N400 million bribery allegations against Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Atiku explained that Gbajabiamila’s claim that the agency didn’t exist has only created more credibility gaps for the Chief of Staff.
According to Atiku, “how can you allocate N27.4 billion in the budget to a government agency that doesn’t exist without leaving more questions than answers.”
The ADC presidential candidate explained that the Chief of Staff’s claim only created more problems for the government.
According to him, allocating N27.4 billion to an agency that doesn’t exist puts questions marks on credibility of the entire 2026 national budget.
The Waziri Adamawa said this alleged colossal budgetary fraud cannot be swept under the carpet by weak and unconvincing explanations by the Chief of Staff.
The former Vice President recommended that the Chief of Staff should be suspended, and an independent investigation be carried out to establish the whole truth about this national scandal.
“Good governance is based on transparency and accountability and you can’t achieve that by protecting your family and friends. President Tinubu must lead by example by holding his Chief of Staff to the same standards of accountability as other public officials. N27 billion is not a joke. The rule of law must prevail in this issue. Let President Tinubu prove to Nigerians that he is sincerely committed to accountability in his administration,” he advised.

NYSC: Civilian to replace soldier as head 

 

*As Tinubu approves major overhaul

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing far-reaching changes aimed at modernising the scheme, improving corps members’ welfare, and aligning the programme with current national development goals.

 

As part of the reforms, the NYSC will now be led operationally by civilians, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.

 

The President also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to reflect the approved changes and ensure their immediate implementation.

 

The reforms include the introduction of a technology-driven call-up process, a risk-sensitive deployment system to enhance the safety of corps members, and a redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career pathways.

 

The new framework also provides for skills-based primary assignments that align with graduates’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations, improved orientation camp standards through a national grading and certification system, and a redesigned NYSC uniform to reflect professionalism and national pride.

 

In addition, the traditional Passing Out Parade will be replaced with a new graduation ceremony as part of the comprehensive restructuring of the scheme. Guardian Newspaper.

Tinubu, APC will be defeated massively in free, fair contest —Senator Seriake Dickson

 

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Plastics Congress (APC) would be defeated in the 2027 general elections if the polls are conducted freely and fairly.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Dickson said widespread dissatisfaction with the APC-led administration would translate into electoral defeat for the ruling party.

“As leader of the NDC, and as a Nigerian who knows the feelings and yearnings of Nigerians, and who also knows that their aspirations have not been met, we believe that the APC government, the APC as a party, not just the President, will be defeated massively,” he said.

He called for an open democratic process, urging authorities to allow all political parties to participate in the elections without interference.

“Allow every party that wants to contest. You can only defeat them in an electoral contest. So, let us have a free and fair election,” Dickson added.

The former Bayelsa State governor also said the NDC remained open to discussions with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, although he expressed hope that any eventual coalition would support the party’s candidates.

“As an opposition leader, our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space,” he said. “We hope that whatever discussions take place will lead to the NDC candidates being backed because we know the value of the candidates we are putting forward.”

Dickson, however, said it was too early to predict the outcome of any coalition talks.

“We are not claiming superiority. After the nomination process has ended, we will move into another phase of discussions. Whether there will be an agreement, I don’t know. We will try. Where it will lead, I don’t know, but all those are options that remain open,” he stated.

His comments come amid ongoing efforts by opposition parties to forge alliances ahead of the 2027 polls following political realignments involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Dickson also dismissed a lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the NDC, describing it as “frivolous” and politically motivated. He maintained that the legal challenge would not affect the party’s participation in future elections, insisting that all its candidates would be on the ballot. Dailyblast.

Boko Haram terrorists kill teacher, abduct NECO candidates

 

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Monday attacked Lassa town in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting students taking the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations and several teachers, while killing at least one teacher.

 

The attack took place on a busy market day, sending residents into panic as heavily armed insurgents, reportedly dressed in military camouflage and riding motorcycles, stormed the town without resistance.

 

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the terrorists attacked the community while students were writing their NECO examinations, abducting an unspecified number of candidates and teachers to an unknown location.

Sources said at least one teacher was killed during the attack, though the exact casualty figure remains unclear as residents continue to search for those still missing.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who alleged that the Nigerian military troops stationed in the area had reportedly left on a patrol to nearby Uba, about 16 kilometres from Lassa, before the insurgents struck.

“The soldiers were not around when the terrorists invaded. They arrived in large numbers, firing indiscriminately and causing panic throughout the community. They abducted students sitting the NECO examinations along with their teachers,” an eyewitness said. Newspot.

SMEDAN unveils N500m interest-free fund to unlock MSME growth

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has unveiled a N500 million interest-free financing scheme aimed at easing access to capital for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as the agency intensifies efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s small business ecosystem and stimulate enterprise growth.
Speaking during an engagement with journalists in Abuja on Friday as part of activities marking the 2026 World MSME Day, SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, said the newly introduced Grow Fund would operate as a revolving facility targeted at organised business groups rather than individual entrepreneurs.
According to Odii, the intervention will be channelled through cooperatives, trade unions, business membership organisations and other recognised associations to improve transparency, repayment performance and ensure genuine business operators benefit from the scheme.
He explained that the financing initiative responds directly to one of the most pressing constraints limiting the expansion of small businesses across the country.
“We visited traders at one of the markets today to engage directly with them because it is not enough to sit in offices and make policies without understanding their realities.
“Many of the challenges they raised border on financing, which is why we are launching the Grow Fund for Small Businesses in Nigeria,” he said.
Odii said the facility would enable eligible businesses to strengthen their working capital, secure business premises and acquire equipment needed to expand operations.
“We are not giving the money to individuals directly. We are giving it to associations that understand their members and can manage the funds responsibly,” he said.
He added that repayment arrangements would be determined in collaboration with each participating association, noting that the flexible structure would enable the revolving fund to support a larger number of entrepreneurs over time.
The SMEDAN boss further disclosed that the initial N500 million pool is expected to grow through collaboration with state governments, development partners and other institutions willing to provide matching funds.
Beyond financing, Odii said the agency is finalising a review of the National MSME Policy, which will be submitted to President Bola Tinubu for approval after another round of stakeholder consultations.
He noted that the revised policy proposes key reforms to improve the operating environment for small businesses, including access to single-digit interest loans, reserving 30 per cent of government procurement opportunities for MSMEs and removing age restrictions from government intervention programmes.
Odii also said SMEDAN would continue discussions with relevant regulatory agencies to address compliance issues affecting small businesses, including concerns over advertising registration requirements.
He called on state governments to collaborate with the agency in establishing more enterprise development centres to equip MSMEs with the capacity to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Authority

Plot to deregister NDC: Tinubu’s dangerous one-party state – Atiku

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has described the attempt to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), through judicial means,  as  evidence of the desperate determination of President Bola Tinubu to impose a de facto one-party state in Nigeria, against the democratic wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said that he is not surprised by the disturbing situation, which may have grave consequences if the sinister plot to weaken opposition parties in order to help Tinubu have his way in the 2027 election, comes to fruition.
According to Atiku, the participation of citizens in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy and any attempt to stifle such freedom of choice could be a trigger to chaos and anarchy.
The ADC Presidential candidate explained further that: “Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections.”
The Waziri of Adamawa urged Tinubu to borrow a leaf from the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who despite being a retired military officer turned politician, never deregistered any opposition party. Ditto for former President Goodluck Jonathan,  who lived by a non-violent mantra that political ambition should not be worth the blood of any citizen.
“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku reminded Tinubu.
 “Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.”
“You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027,” Atiku stated.
The former Vice President also advised judges “to resist being used by dishonorable politicians who are bent on destroying the hard-earned democracy in the country.
“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice. The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility  and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre.
“There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords on the hands of politicians, are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary,” Atiku said.