WE ARE SET TO GO” -WIKE SPEAKS ON PREPAREDNESS FOR MARATHON COMMISSIONING

The Outer Southern Expressway maina carriageways, Abuja, ready for commissioning on Thursday

“WE ARE SET TO GO” -WIKE SPEAKS ON PREPAREDNESS FOR MARATHON COMMISSIONING

-      SAYS ADDITIONAL TWO NEW PROJECTS MAY BE FLAGGED OFF

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the preparedness of his Administration to commence the commissioning of over 30 projects across the Territory.

Speaking with newsmen on Thursday, June 4, 2026, shortly after an inspection tour of some of the projects slated for commissioning, Barr Wike expressed his delight over the quality of all the projects inspected and confirmed that they were 100% completed.

“From what we have seen, we are set to go. I can say all the projects we inspected are one hundred per cent ready...I am very happy with the quality of the job”, he said.

Projects inspected included the Gwarinpa-Jahi Interchange, the Airport-Kuje Road, the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road, the Outer Southern Expressway main carriageways and the aesthetic redesign of the Abuja City Gate.

With specific reference to the Abuja City Gate, Barr Wike pointed out that its launch may be done at night so that the beauty of the redesigned Abuja City Gate would be better appreciated. “We believe that the City Gate will be inaugurated sometime in the night so that we can see the beauty of the place. We are very happy indeed, and I am sure that the residents of Abuja are also happy. This is governance in action, and you can see the dividends of democracy. You can see the Renewed Hope working, and we believe by the grace of God, from Monday we will start the commissioning of these projects”, he said.

NERC directs DisCos to compensate Band A customers with electricity units, bill adjustments for supply shortfall

Electricity Meters

NERC directs DisCos to compensate Band A customers with electricity units, bill adjustments for supply shortfall

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered Distribution Companies (DisCos) to compensate Band A customers with electricity units and bill adjustments after failing to meet promised supply levels between February and March 2026.

The directive ensures that affected customers receive credits equivalent to 20% of their billed energy, with prepaid users getting token credits and post-paid users receiving bill reductions.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued Order No. NERC/2026/002 mandating compensation for Band A customers who experienced electricity supply shortfalls.  Band A customers are premium consumers expected to receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily under the service-based tariff regime.

The disruptions were attributed to inadequate gas supply and vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure, which limited generation capacity across the national grid.

Invite Igboho for questioning over Oyo school abduction, Atiku’s aide tells DSS

Sunday Igboho, Yoruba Nation Agitator

Invite Igboho for questioning over Oyo school abduction, Atiku’s aide tells DSS

Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho for questioning after Igboho claimed he knows politicians sponsoring kidnappers behind the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. The call highlights growing frustration with Nigeria’s security response and demands urgent action to rescue victims.

The Editorial: A Call for Accountability in Nigeria’s Security Crisis

The abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has once again exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s security architecture. In a nation where kidnapping has become a recurring nightmare, the intervention of Sunday Igboho, a controversial Yoruba Nation campaigner, has added a new dimension.

Igboho recently claimed he knows the politicians backing the kidnappers operating in the South-West. His statement, made during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students, has sparked calls for immediate investigation.

Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insists that the DSS and other security agencies must act swiftly.

According to him, if Igboho truly possesses credible information, it should be harnessed to aid rescue efforts and dismantle criminal networks. “Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers,” Ibe emphasized.

This demand is not just about Oyo. Ibe broadened the conversation to include the abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026. He criticized what he described as the Federal Government’s muted response, questioning why President Bola Tinubu’s administration has not shown equal urgency in addressing the plight of children in Borno. “Are those school children not Nigerians?” Ibe asked pointedly, highlighting the unevenness in government intervention.

Meet country where only white cars are allowed

Meet country where only white cars are allowed

Meet country where only white cars are allowed

Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, is the rare place in the world where motorists are effectively restricted to driving white cars, a policy rooted in the personal preferences of former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who associated the color white with luck, purity, and prosperity.

The rule, though never formally codified nationwide, has transformed the city into a surreal landscape of gleaming white marble buildings and rows of white vehicles.

A City of White

Ashgabat, often called the “City of White Marble,” holds a Guinness World Record for having the highest concentration of white marble-clad buildings. This architectural obsession with whiteness extends to its streets, where cars of other colors have been impounded or forced to be repainted since 2018. Residents who owned black or dark-colored vehicles were compelled to spend between $500 and $1,000 repainting their cars, a staggering cost in a country where the average monthly income is only $200–$300.

Origins of the Policy

The policy is widely believed to stem from Berdimuhamedow’s fascination with white. He frequently appeared with white horses, wore white attire, and promoted white as a symbol of good fortune. Beginning in 2015, imports of black, dark blue, and red cars were halted, and by 2018, police began impounding non-white vehicles without official explanation. This unwritten directive created confusion and resentment among citizens, who saw it as another manifestation of the president’s personality cult.

Impact on Daily Life

For visitors, the sight of Ashgabat’s boulevards lined with white sedans, SUVs, and taxis against a backdrop of marble buildings is striking, almost otherworldly. Yet for locals, the policy has been burdensome. Beyond the financial strain, the lack of transparency and absence of formal legislation left many feeling powerless. The city’s sterile, parade-ready design, broad avenues, monumental structures, and few pedestrians. adds to the surreal atmosphere.

I will name politicians behind Oyo students’ abduction if… — Sunday Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho

I will name politicians behind Oyo students’ abduction if… — Sunday Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho has accused unnamed politicians of sponsoring the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, warning that he will publicly reveal their identities if the kidnappings persist.

He insists these politicians provide funds and weapons to bandits, and criticized the Oyo State Government for blocking his proposed rescue efforts.

The Statement and Context

Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, made the remarks during a meeting with newly elected leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at his Ibadan residence. He declared that he knows the politicians backing the kidnappers responsible for the May 15 abduction of at least 45–47 pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to him, these politicians are supplying ammunition and money to criminal groups operating in Oyo forests.

Criticism of Government Response

Igboho revealed that he had volunteered to lead a rescue operation with his security outfit, the Iru Ekun Security Network, which reportedly received federal approval. However, the Oyo State Government allegedly blocked his intervention, warning that any attempt to storm the kidnappers’ hideouts could endanger the victims. He denied claims that he demanded payment from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, stressing that his motivation was purely to protect vulnerable children.

First Lady Inaugurates Tinubu Grassroots Mobilisation Group

Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady

First Lady Inaugurates Tinubu Grassroots Mobilisation Group

In a move that underscores the centrality of grassroots politics in Nigeria, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has formally launched the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB), a political mobilisation platform designed to consolidate support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its Renewed Hope agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

The unveiling took place at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where women leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered from across the country to witness the event.

The First Lady’s message was clear: women must become active ambassadors of government policies and achievements. She described them as the backbone of community mobilisation, urging them to carry the message of reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, and job creation to every ward and polling unit nationwide.

Her emphasis on women’s influence reflects a strategic recognition of their role in shaping public perception and driving civic engagement at the grassroots level.

Editorial: Relocating the Great Green Wall Headquarters to Kano

Editorial: Relocating the Great Green Wall Headquarters to Kano

The Federal Government’s decision to relocate the headquarters of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) from Abuja to Kano marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s environmental governance strategy.

This move is not merely administrative; it is a deliberate attempt to bring the agency closer to the frontline states most affected by desertification and climate change.  

The Great Green Wall initiative, conceived under the African Union framework, is a bold transnational effort to combat land degradation across the Sahel-Sahara region. Nigeria’s participation spans eleven northern states, where desert encroachment has long threatened livelihoods, food security, and ecological balance.

By situating the headquarters in Kano, the government aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve monitoring, and foster stronger collaboration with local communities.  

Since its inception in 2013, the NAGGW has made notable progress. Shelterbelts have been established to protect farmlands, solar and wind-powered boreholes have been constructed to provide water, and thousands of youths have been engaged as forest guards. Orchards and woodlots now dot landscapes that were once barren, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

Yet, the scale of the challenge demands even greater proximity to the affected regions, hence the relocation.  

Strategically, Kano offers a central hub for coordinating activities across the northern states. The existing Afforestation Programme Coordinating Unit (APCU) office, which had been underutilized since 1996, will now serve as the agency’s base of operations.

FG scraps three-month terminal leave for civil servants

Didi Walson-Jack, Head of Civil Service of the Federation

FG scraps three-month terminal leave for civil servants

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially abolished the practice of granting civil servants a mandatory three‑month terminal (pre‑retirement) leave, clarifying that such a provision does not exist in the Public Service Rules.

Instead, officers must give three months’ notice before retirement, remain in active service during that period, and only attend approved pre‑retirement workshops or complete pension documentation.

For years, many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) had interpreted the three‑month retirement notice period as an automatic leave entitlement. This led to officers being withdrawn from service prematurely, often months before their official retirement date.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson‑Jack, issued a circular titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule on Pre‑Retirement Activities” to correct this widespread misconception.

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Don't politize kidnappings - Wike

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Don't politize kidnappings - Wike

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged Nigerians not to politicise kidnappings, stressing that insecurity should be treated as a national concern rather than a political tool.

His remarks came amid protests by teachers following the abduction of students and educators in Oyo State.

The warning was issued on June 2, 2026, in Abuja, when members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing staged a protest at the Federal Capital Territory Administration Secretariat. The demonstration was triggered by the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a teacher abducted alongside colleagues and students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.

Wike acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the Federal Government and security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims. He expressed confidence in their ability to secure the safe release of the abducted teachers and students. Importantly, he cautioned against turning such tragedies into political battles, noting that kidnappings have occurred in other states without sparking similar protests in Abuja. He questioned why the Oyo incident was treated differently, insisting that all abductions deserve equal concern regardless of location.

Makinde Calls for Unity amid Mass Protests

Symbolic Photo

Makinde Calls for Unity amid Mass Protests

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for unity and calm amid mass protests following the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Ogbomoso, stressing that politicising the crisis or engaging in divisive actions could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

He assured citizens that both state and federal authorities are working tirelessly with security agencies to secure the victims’ release.

On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers. The attackers killed an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist during the raid.

The incident sparked outrage across Nigeria, with teachers, students, and civil society groups staging protests in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and other cities demanding urgent government action.

Governor Makinde addressed protesters and stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He urged restraint, warning that protests could embolden kidnappers and distract from rescue operations. Instead, he called for unity and trust in government efforts, noting that security operatives had been deployed and were actively engaged in operations across Oyo State. Makinde emphasized:“This is not the time to trade blames and play politics. It is a time to pull together as one.”He described the kidnappers as “not normal human beings” and urged citizens to avoid actions that could deepen division. He assured families that “our children and their teachers will be rescued.”

FIx insecurity in 90 days or resign - Adeboye

Symbolic Photo

FIx insecurity in 90 days or resign - Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged Nigeria’s federal government to give security chiefs a strict 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorists or resign.

His call comes amid worsening insecurity, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks across the country.

Adeboye’s UltimatumPastor Adeboye made his remarks in a video shared on his official X account, stressing that Nigeria’s security chiefs must deliver measurable results in tackling terrorism. He stated: “Move fast and tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign.”Targeting Terrorists and Their Sponsors.

Nigerians March for Abducted Oyo Citizens

Symbolic Photo

Nigerians March for Abducted Oyo Citizens

Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and other states to demand the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The protests, led by teachers’ unions, civil society groups, and students, have shut down schools and sparked nationwide outrage over worsening insecurity.

On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers. The victims have remained in captivity for weeks, with reports of harsh conditions and the death of at least two teachers and one child.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) ordered a nationwide strike and peaceful marches. In Ibadan, schools across 11 local government areas were shut, with only final-year students allowed in for exams. Teachers carried placards demanding urgent government action.

In Ogun State, residents staged solidarity protests, while in Lagos and Kwara, hundreds of teachers marched to state assemblies, warning that “no school is safe” and calling for state policing as a solution to insecurity.

Editorial: Babachir Lawal’s Exit and the Politics of Disillusionment

Babachir Lawa, Frm, Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Editorial: Babachir Lawal’s Exit and the Politics of Disillusionment

Babachir Lawal’s decision to retire from politics is more than a personal withdrawal; it is a symbolic indictment of Nigeria’s political establishment.

His characterization of both Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar as “devils” reflects a deep frustration with the choices available to Nigerians, a sentiment that resonates with many citizens who feel trapped between flawed leadership options.

By declaring that he will no longer canvass for votes or align with any party, Lawal positions himself as a disenchanted elder statesman, unwilling to lend legitimacy to a system he perceives as broken.

This move underscores a broader crisis of confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. When seasoned politicians openly reject the leading figures of the political class, it signals a widening gap between the electorate’s aspirations and the reality of governance.

Babachir Lawal Bows Out, Rejects Tinubu and Atiku as Nigeria’s Political ‘Devil

Babachir Lawal, Fmr. Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Babachir Lawal Bows Out, Rejects Tinubu and Atiku as Nigeria’s Political ‘Devil

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has officially announced his retirement from partisan politics.

In a recent interview with TVC, Lawal made it clear that he will not be supporting either President Bola Tinubu or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the upcoming 2027 elections. He expressed his disillusionment with both figures, describing his political dilemma as being “between the devil and the devil,” and went further to state that while Tinubu is “bad,” Atiku would make an even worse president.

Lawal, who recently left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasized that his decision to retire means he is no longer canvassing for votes or actively supporting any candidate.

He stressed that he has only one vote, which he intends to keep to himself, though he hinted that he might consider voting for activist Omoyele Sowore when the time comes.

When asked about the possibility of backing the Peter Obi/Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket in 2027, Lawal reiterated his stance that he is done with partisan politics and will not be campaigning for anyone.

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Abduction of Students and Teachers in Ogbomosho | State of the Nation Address

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Abduction of Students and Teachers in Ogbomosho | State of the Nation Address

If I were the president of Nigeria this will be my State of the Nation Address in view of the recent tragic abduction of students and teachers in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

Fellow Nigerians, 

Today, I speak to you with a heavy heart. The recent abduction of innocent students and teachers in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, is not just an attack on families and communities, it is an assault on our nation’s soul.

Education is the bedrock of our future, and those who target our schools seek to shatter the very foundation of Nigeria’s progress.

First, let me assure the families of the victims: the full weight of the Nigerian state is mobilized to secure the safe return of your loved ones. Our security agencies are working tirelessly, and I have directed immediate deployment of specialized rescue units to Oyo State. We will not relent until every child and teacher is brought home safely.

But let me be clear, this is not just about one incident. The insecurity that has plagued our nation, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, must end. I have ordered the following decisive actions:

National Security Overhaul: A restructuring of our security architecture to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response, and coordination across agencies.

RURAL ROADS, WATER PROJECTS CUTTING INSECURITY IN THE FCT – MINISTER

FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike (middle) fielding questions from journalists during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

RURAL ROADS, WATER PROJECTS CUTTING INSECURITY IN THE FCT - MINISTER

...SAYS OPPOSITION PRIMARIES EXPOSED ‘FAKE MESSIAH’ CLAIMS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has said that the construction of roads and water projects in satellite towns and rural communities is significantly reducing insecurity and improving access to farmlands across the Territory.

Speaking during his monthly live media chat in Abuja on Monday, June 1, 2026, Barr. Wike disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will commission several major projects in satellite towns as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

The Minister said his administration deliberately shifted focus to neglected rural communities after extensive consultations with traditional rulers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who identified poor road infrastructure as a major driver of insecurity.

“What we did was to go to the rural areas and interact with the stakeholders — the chiefs, the youths, the women and other leaders”, Barr. Wike said. “What I found very interesting is that they know their terrain. They told us most of the roads were not passable at all and that even when attacks occurred, security operatives could not effectively respond because the roads were bad. So, we took on the task and built the roads they themselves nominated”.

 He said the intervention has yielded positive results, particularly in Kuje Area Council, where several road projects have been completed. “Those roads have been built, and it really helps in terms of reducing insecurity and in terms of having access to their farmland”, he stated.

Barr. Wike stressed that unlike previous administrations that announced policies without implementation, the current FCT Administration is focused on delivering tangible results. “Whatever policies we make, by the grace of God, we will implement them. That is how people are going to see the impact of governance, particularly in the rural areas”, he said.

The FCT Minister further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to commission extensive water projects in satellite towns, specifically targeting Karu and Bwari, following recent execution of city centre water projects. “We can't concentrate only on the city. We must also move to the satellite towns and provide them with critical infrastructure”, the Minister declared.

He revealed that water schemes in Kuje, Orozo, Gwagwalada which are also set to be executed this year will further improve access to potable water in underserved communities.

PICTURE: FCT MINISTER'S MEDIA PARLEY

FCT Minister, Barr.Ezenwo Nyesom Wike fielding questions from journalists during his June media parley in Abuja on Monday

Abdul Mahmud: Championing Human Rights And Legal Reforms In Nigeria

Abdul Mahmud 

Abdul Mahmud: Championing Human Rights And Legal Reforms In Nigeria

Abdul Mahmud stands out as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in public interest law, human rights advocacy, and civic accountability. His career reflects a deep commitment to democratic governance and the protection of civil liberties, blending professional legal practice with public intellectual engagement to advance reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.

Born on November 20, 1968, in Bauchi, North-eastern Nigeria, Mahmud pursued his education at the Federal School of Arts and Science in Ondo State before earning his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Honours) at the University of Jos, Plateau State.

He later attended the Nigeria Law School, where he obtained his Master of Laws (LL.M) idxidxidx. His academic journey laid the foundation for a career oriented toward public interest law rather than purely commercial practice.

Mahmud’s professional trajectory has been defined by his association with initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions and expand access to justice for ordinary citizens. 

Within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), he has played active roles in committees dedicated to public interest and development law, shaping conversations around legal ethics, governance, and institutional reform.