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.

NDLEA intercepts over 9 tonnes of illicit drugs, arrests 260 at Lagos airport

 

In a massive crackdown on narcotics at Nigeria’s busiest aviation gateway, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command in Ikeja has intercepted 9,058.543 kilograms of illicit drugs and apprehended 260 suspects from 2025 to date.

Command Commander, Mohammad Ahmad disclosed these figures on Friday, noting that the agency also successfully secured the conviction of 101 offenders during this period.

The announcement coincided with the command’s commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is observed globally every June 26 since its establishment by the United Nations in 1989. This year’s event was held under the theme “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” focusing heavily on strengthening international cooperation to combat trafficking and address emerging challenges.

 

Ahmad attributed these significant achievements to the consistent application of innovative drug law enforcement strategies designed to safeguard the nation from the perils of trafficking.

He emphasized that the results reflect the command’s dedication but stressed the need for sustained collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and key stakeholders to effectively manage the illicit trade flowing through the airport.

This call for unified action was echoed by retired Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics Ibiba Odili, who urged Nigerians to actively support anti-drug campaigns, framing collective action as a vital shield against the rising threat of substance abuse.

Additionally, event participants like Chibuzor Osakwe highlighted the critical need for continuous public enlightenment, specifically targeting the youth who remain highly vulnerable to drug abuse.

The robust numbers coming out of the Lagos airport command align with a broader, high-intensity offensive by NDLEA against major drug syndicates, suppliers, and kingpins nationwide. Newsscroll.

Tinubu appoints Namdas BCDA DG, names Obahiagbon and reappoints Umeoji at NDPHC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas as the new Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency, BCDA. The appointment was contained in a press release signed on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Namdas takes over from Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George, who resigned to contest for an elective post in his home state. The change is effective immediately, according to the Presidency.
A former member of the House of Representatives for Ganye/Jada/Mayo Belwa/Toungo Federal Constituency in Adamawa State, Namdas served as spokesperson of the 8th House of Representatives. He was also an aspirant in the just-concluded Adamawa State governorship primary election.
Described as a seasoned journalist and public relations practitioner, Namdas previously served as Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Boni Haruna of Adamawa State. The Presidency said his background will support BCDA’s mandate in border communities.
In a related move, President Tinubu appointed Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon as Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial, of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC. He replaces Engineer Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who resigned to pursue political aspirations in his home state.
Obahiagbon has served in both the Edo State House of Assembly and the National Assembly. His appointment is also effective immediately.
President Tinubu also reappointed Mr. Chukwuma Umeoji as Executive Director, Corporate Services, of NDPHC. A former member of the House of Representatives for Aguata Federal Constituency, Anambra State, in the 9th National Assembly, Umeoji had resigned to pursue political ambitions in his home state before returning to the role.
The Presidency stated that all three appointments take effect immediately, as it moves to fill key vacancies and reinforce leadership in agencies focused on border development and power sector delivery.

Deregistration: NDC rejects Court order, heads to Appeal Court

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected Friday’s ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja setting aside its earlier registration, insisting that the party remains legally recognised and will immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the National Chairman of the party, Distinguished Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe described the ruling as legally unsustainable and assured party members, supporters and candidates that the NDC had not been deregistered.
“The Peace Movement Party (PMP) is not a registered political party in Nigeria. They claimed in a motion (not even a substantive suit or appeal), that the court should set aside it’s earlier judgement on the purported ground that, in 2015, they had sought registration as  political party with the victory sign as their symbol and were denied.
“The court having delivered a final judgement in our suite against INEC, had become functus officio. The court had also dealt with all related issues concerning associations claiming they wanted to use the same symbol and colours. The court, in it’s judgement, overruled INEC when those issues were raised, and there is no appeal against that judgement” he said.
According to the chairman, the Federal High Court had, in December 2025, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC after upholding its constitutional right to freedom of association.
It maintained that the Peace Movement Party ought to have appealed the original judgment if it was dissatisfied, arguing that attempting to overturn it through a motion after the appeal window had closed amounted to an abuse of court process.
“Our party is on course. The NDC has not been deregistered and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible,” he said.
He went further to report that the party has conducted ward, local government, state and national congresses, held its national convention, conducted primaries in line with the electoral timetable, participated in INEC activities and fielded candidates in recent by-elections.
He added that candidates had already been nominated for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential elections and were in the process of being formally submitted to INEC.
The NDC argued that the latest ruling merely set aside the court’s earlier judgment and did not expressly order the deregistration of the party.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order”.
Responding to questions from journalists, the party’s National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu declined to disclose the lead counsel handling the appeal but said that court processes would be filed by Monday.
The legal representatives described the ruling as lacking legal precedent and expressed confidence that the appellate courts would overturn it.
“We have a strong conviction that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man in Nigeria,” the legal adviser said. “The court that delivered the ruling is not the highest court in the land. We will pursue this matter to its ultimate conclusion.”
The party also dismissed suggestions that the ruling would affect its participation in the 2027 general elections, insisting that all its candidates would remain on the ballot.
The chairman assured supporters that preparations for the elections would continue uninterrupted, disclosing that immediately after the press conference he would proceed to INEC to obtain the party’s candidate-upload code.
He further alleged that the court action formed part of wider attempts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and weaken opposition parties, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting the NDC’s activities.
“We are firm, we are strong. Democracy must stand. There is no amount of intimidation that will stop us,” he said.
The NDC called on its members and candidates nationwide to remain calm while the legal challenge proceeds, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling and affirm the party’s legal status.

Lokoja Court ruling on NDC: Remain focused, we’ll overcome – Obi tells supporters

 

 

Presidential Candidate of the NDC, Mr Peter Obi has urged his supporters to remain focused and committed despite Friday’s ruling by a Court in Lokoja, Kogi state on the legal status of the NDC.

In a statement on Friday, the Peter Obi Media Office said: “Our March to a New Nigeria Cannot Be Halted, a detour, yes, but destination is certain* -POMR

“Peter Obi Media Reach. POMR has been bombarded with calls from the newsrooms and other concerned persons on the strange court ruling from a High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State. Below are our initial responses to inquiries pending legal views on it.
​”We have received the news of today’s bizarre ruling from the court in Lokoja regarding the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“While our legal teams are thoroughly reviewing the judgment to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures, our Principal urges all our supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to remain absolutely calm and focused.

​”We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours.
“Today’s ruling is a hurdle, not a stop sign. Our commitment to providing a transparent, legitimate, and formidable alternative for Nigerians remains unshakeable.

“The platform we are building is robust, and our legal rights will be vigorously pursued. Do not be discouraged; the vehicle may face a temporary breakdown, but our destination remains non-negotiable.”

​
June 26, 2026

Senate passes Bill establishing State Police in Nigeria

 

The Senate has passed constitutional amendments to establish state police in Nigeria.

The bill was passed on Wednesday by the lawmakers following a clause-by-clause consideration of the provisions of the bill.

 

The Senate plenary was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

As earlier reported, the Senate adopted manual voting for the consideration of the State Police Bill after the electronic voting device developed technical issues during plenary on Wednesday.

The decision followed concerns that some lawmakers could be disenfranchised if the chamber proceeded with the faulty device.

Under the manual voting arrangement, each senator had to stand up, announce his or her name, and openly state his or her position on the proposed bill for establishing state police.

 

President Bola Tinubu had earlier transmitted a constitution amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police to the Senate as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

The legislation seeks to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police across the federation.

 

The move follows repeated calls by the president for constitutional reforms that would enable states to play a more active role in securing their territories.

Before the law becomes fully operational, it must also be approved by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, meaning a minimum of 24 states must pass it. Newspot.