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ICPC, NEITI advance accountability in Nigeria

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Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

In a statement by ICPC spokesperson John Odey on Wednesday, the collaboration is aimed at promoting greater transparency, accountability, and integrity within Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Dr. Aliyu gave this assurance while receiving the Executive Secretary and senior management team of NEITI during a courtesy visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja today, Wednesday.

Welcoming the delegation, the ICPC chairman described the relationship between the two institutions as one founded on mutual respect and strategic necessity, noting that the visit reinforced their shared resolve to ensure Nigeria’s natural resources are managed according to the highest standards of integrity.

Dr. Aliyu stated that the Commission regards NEITI as a critical ally in combating systemic corruption, particularly within the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

The chairman explained that NEITI’s audit reports provide the essential, data-driven foundation required to identify revenue leakages and to inform robust preventive and enforcement measures.

A key outcome of this partnership, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria highlighted, has been the operationalization of the Special Extractive Industry Desk within the ICPC.

Established to act directly on findings from NEITI’s audits, the desk exemplifies how the collaboration has evolved from merely reporting infractions to ensuring concrete remedial action.

By integrating NEITI’s forensic data with the Commission’s investigative and prosecutory mandate, the two bodies are translating findings into tangible results.

The ICPC Chairman outlined several areas for expanded cooperation, including:

1. The real-time exchange of data concerning illicit financial flows;

2. Joint system study and review exercises within the solid minerals sector to prevent revenue loss; and

3. Joint training programs for investigators and auditors from both organizations.

Dr. Aliyu emphasized that Nigerians rightly expect the nation’s natural wealth to fuel tangible national development.

He asserted that the ICPC-NEITI partnership remains one of the most effective instruments for fulfilling this expectation. He assured NEITI’s leadership of the Commission’s continued openness to collaboration and expressed optimism that their ongoing engagement would yield even more impactful outcomes.

 

Earlier in the proceedings, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, remarked that since its inception, NEITI has recognized that transparency alone is insufficient without robust preventive mechanisms and institutional accountability, especially in sectors with high corruption risks.

 

Hon. Sarkin Adar described the visit as timely, coinciding with Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation exercise.

 

This process requires demonstrable evidence of anti-corruption measures, preventive actions, and follow-up on governance weaknesses identified through audits and disclosures.

 

Hon. Adar stated that NEITI seeks the Commission’s continued collaboration in utilizing its reports for preventive actions, enforcement where necessary, and monitoring remedial actions arising from audit findings.

 

He stressed that such cooperation is vital to demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to accountability under the global EITI Standard.

 

The Executive Secretary further noted that NEITI’s audits and policy recommendations consistently reveal systemic gaps, control weaknesses, and corruption risks across the extractive value chain.

 

These findings, he added, are intended to support preventive interventions, investigations, and institutional reforms within the ICPC’s mandate.

 

He expressed confidence that strengthening the partnership between the two institutions would significantly contribute to reducing corruption risks, improving sector governance, and safeguarding Nigeria’s extractive resources for sustainable national development.

 

 

Prof Inyang calls for improved science communication for Nigeria’s growth

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An environmental scientist, Prof. Hilary Inyang, has called for stronger science communication frameworks to support Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Inyang made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled “Science Communication for National Socio-Economic Development” at the ongoing First National Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation Communication (STICOMMS 2026).

 

The event is organized by the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) with the theme “ “Communicating science, technology, and innovation for national development.”

Prof Inyang and others

He said effective science communication was critical to translating complex scientific data into policies, programs, and innovations capable of improving national competitiveness.

 

According to him, “clear and inclusive communication of science enhances decision-making, promotes public understanding, and strengthens executive, legislative, and public support for national initiatives.’’

 

Inyang, who doubles as Founding Director of the Global Institute for Sustainable Development, Advanced Analyses and Design (GISDAAD), United States, identified energy, environment, health, infrastructure, and disaster risk management as key sectors where science communication is indispensable.

 

He also highlighted challenges in communicating scientific risks and probabilistic events to non-scientists, such as simplifying complex concepts without losing accuracy, bridging gaps in audience knowledge and literacy,

 

`“Overcoming jargon barriers and ensuring messages resonate with diverse values and perspectives while avoiding misinterpretation or misinformation is key to effective science communication,” he said.

 

He also urged scientists on adoption of visual tools, simplified language, and ethical standards to deepen public engagement to mitigate these challenges.

 

`“We call on policymakers, researchers, and science communicators to prioritize science communication as a strategic instrument for achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria and across Africa,” he said.

 

Earlier in his address, the president of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said the conference was aimed at advancing national development through science, technology, innovation, and effective communication.

 

Prof. Onwualu described the conference as timely and strategic, noting that while scientific discoveries and technological innovations were reshaping economies globally, their true value lay in how knowledge was communicated, understood, and applied.

 

“Poor communication could disconnect impactful research from public policy, industry application, and societal benefit.’’

 

“Effective science communication was particularly important for developing countries in addressing challenges such as public health, education, food security, climate change, digital transformation, security, and sustainable economic growth,’’ he said.

 

He added that the conference provided a platform for interdisciplinary engagement among scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, journalists, civil society groups, and policymakers, in line with the triple helix model of innovation.

 

Onwualu said the university had established an innovation hub, AUSTInspire, to promote the commercialization of research outcomes.

 

“AUST had registered 12 patents in the last two years and was working with industry and government partners towards commercializing them,’’ he said.

 

He invited investors and entrepreneurs to collaborate with the university in developing innovative solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges.

 

The highlight of the conference was the presentation of the “Best Productive Governor” award to Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger State, who was represented by the Chairman of Niger Food Ltd., Mr. Sammy Adigun, and the Commissioner of Water Resources and Irrigation Services, Mr. Farouk Audi.

 

 

‘Thank you Ordinary President’- Police Spokesperson, Hundeyin to Ahmed Isah

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The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, has said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is encouraged to improve its service delivery following public commendation.

Hundeyin made the remark in a post on his official X handle while responding to comments by Brekete Family Radio and Television programme host, Ahmed Isah, popularly known as Ordinary President.

During his show, Ordinary President praised the police for promptly responding to a call made to the Force Headquarters over an issue under discussion. He noted that the response reflected operational improvements within the police.

“Let’s appreciate the Nigeria Police for this improvement. They give a number and the number is working. The second appreciation goes to the person in charge. The person is well trained,” he said.

Reacting to the commendation, Hundeyin expressed gratitude and said the feedback has further motivated the Force to do better.

“Thank you, Ordinary President, for the commendation. We are motivated to improve further,” he wrote.

Court affirms exclusion of Labour Party candidates from FCT council polls

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the exclusion of Labour Party (LP) candidates from the forthcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Peter Lifu declined to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept and publish the list of LP candidates for the elections scheduled for February 21.

 

Justice Lifu dismissed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2110/2025, filed by the Labour Party and its FCT candidates against INEC.

 

The plaintiffs had told the court that INEC unlawfully excluded LP’s duly nominated candidates when it published its final list of contestants in September 2025. They further alleged that the party’s logo was also omitted from the list of political parties cleared to participate in the FCT elections.

 

LP said it wrote to the INEC chairman on September 8, 2025, to protest the exclusion, and sent a follow-up letter on October 2, 2025, but received no response. The party argued that without the court’s intervention, it would be unfairly barred from fielding candidates in the council polls.

Residents were warned not to talk about mass abduction of 177 worshippers in Kaduna- Journalist Buhari

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Residents of Kajuru Local Government Area in Kaduna State have alleged that they were instructed not to speak publicly about the recent kidnapping in their community.

The allegation was made by journalist Reuben Buhari on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief. Buhari said attempts to obtain firsthand accounts from affected residents were unsuccessful, as community members claimed they had been told to remain silent.

According to DAILY POST, no fewer than 177 people were kidnapped on Sunday during coordinated attacks on ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Churches 1 and 2 in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area. The latest abduction occurred barely a week after the same community reportedly paid N2.6 million as ransom to secure the release of 20 residents who were earlier abducted.

Buhari stated that residents told him the directive came from the Kajuru Local Government Chairman, Dauda Madaki, who allegedly asked them not to speak to anyone or disclose details of the incident, while assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.

He explained that this instruction was the main reason community members were unwilling to discuss the kidnapping or provide information about developments in the area.

“We spoke to people in the community, but it was really difficult for them,” Buhari said. “They said the Kajuru Local Government chairman, Dauda Madaki, asked them not to talk to anyone and to keep the matter to themselves, assuring them that efforts were being made to bring back those abducted. That was why they were acting on his directive not to divulge what was happening in the community.”

‘My father bigger than your useless parents’—Fela’s daughter Motuntayo slams Wizkid

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Motunrayo Kuti, daughter of late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has publicly criticized singer Wizkid over his claim that he is bigger than her father.

Wizkid made the assertion while responding to comments by Seun Kuti, which sparked backlash from members of the Kuti family and fans of the Afrobeat pioneer.

Reacting in a video shared online, Motunrayo berated the singer for what she described as a disrespectful comparison, insisting that Fela’s legacy remains unmatched.

In the video, she accused Wizkid of undermining his own family background while attempting to elevate himself above Fela, adding that history would ultimately judge legacies fairly.

She warned that just as Fela’s life and impact continue to be scrutinized and debated years after his death, Wizkid’s legacy would also one day be subjected to similar criticism.

The video has since gone viral on social media, fueling fresh debate over generational influence, legacy, and respect for music icons.

“Wizkid, you said you are bigger than Fela, right? Wizkid, you are also bigger than your useless father, who abandoned you and your mom, who is now late. Since you said you are bigger than our own father, you are also bigger than your father, Muniru Olatunji Balogun. And our father is definitely bigger than your father and mother.

“You that abandoned your baby mamas. Don’t worry, we will all be here when they start to rubbish your own legacy, too,” she stated.

Watch Video: https://x.com/Hayce30bg/status/2013689468226560192?t=NRMgZQ8Ua_V2EcyzLmurKQhttps://x.com/Hayce30bg/status/2013689468226560192?t=NRMgZQ8Ua_V2EcyzLmurKQ

Court affirms Abure’s removal, orders INEC to recognize Nenadi Usman-led LP 

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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed the removal of Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognize the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the party’s lawful leadership.

The development was disclosed by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who said he was present in court when the judgment was delivered in a related matter.

According to Effiong, Justice Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, upheld the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as the only valid and lawful leadership of the Labour Party. The court reaffirmed that Abure’s tenure had elapsed in line with an earlier Supreme Court judgment.

Consequently, the judge directed INEC to immediately recognize Senator Nenadi Usman as the leader of the party.

Sharing details on X, Effiong wrote that the court held that Julius Abure’s tenure had expired based on the Supreme Court’s decision and ordered INEC to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee forthwith.

Iya Oge of Lagos not missing- AREF

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The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) has dismissed reports suggesting that Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson, popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, is missing.

In a statement released on Tuesday, AREF clarified that the 90-year-old socialite is safe and currently in Liberia, contrary to claims that her whereabouts were unknown.

Recent reports had alleged that Benson was last seen on January 13 and failed to return home, raising fears about her safety. However, AREF described the claims as inaccurate and misleading.

The clarification was contained in a statement signed by the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Olujimi Olusola III, who explained that Benson travelled voluntarily and that her location is fully known.

“AREF confirms that Mrs Benson is presently in Liberia. She is hale and hearty, and her presence there is voluntary and fully accounted for,” the statement said.

The foundation urged the public and media organisations to ignore unverified reports and refrain from spreading information capable of causing unnecessary panic.

AREF also reaffirmed its commitment to truth, the protection of individual dignity, and the dissemination of accurate information to the public.

Police make U-turn, Confirm Bandit mass abduction of Over 100 worshippers in Kaduna

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The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that bandits attacked churches in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting more than 100 worshippers.

The confirmation comes after the Kaduna State Police Command earlier dismissed reports of the incident as fake news. On Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, while addressing journalists after a security meeting at the Government House, challenged those making the claims to provide the names and details of the alleged victims.

However, fresh details of the attack, including the identities of those abducted, emerged on Tuesday, contradicting the earlier denial.

In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, acknowledged that the attacks did occur. He explained that the initial comments by the Commissioner of Police were aimed at preventing panic while security agencies verified the facts.

Hundeyin said the remarks were “not a denial of the incident but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected.”

He added that subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources confirmed the attack, prompting the police to activate coordinated security operations in collaboration with other security agencies.

“The focus is on locating and safely rescuing the victims and restoring calm to the area,” the statement said.

AFCON 2025: Osimhen’s conduct cost Super Eagles title – Oliseh

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Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, has blamed Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s failure to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, citing the striker’s role in disrupting team unity during the tournament.

Nigeria settled for a bronze medal after losing to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Oliseh pointed to Osimhen’s public altercation with Ademola Lookman as a key moment that negatively affected the team. The incident occurred during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16, when Osimhen openly berated Lookman for not passing to him in a clear scoring position.

According to Oliseh, the outburst had lasting consequences on the squad’s chemistry.

“Let’s look at the toxicity that might have cost us the AFCON title,” Oliseh said. “We are confusing talent with permission. Victor Osimhen is world class, but talent doesn’t give you the right to break team chemistry.”

He argued that Lookman, who had been one of Nigeria’s standout performers, struggled to rediscover his form after the confrontation.

“Since that public outburst against Ademola Lookman, one of our brightest players, he became a shadow of himself and we lost our edge,” Oliseh stated.

Oliseh added that publicly disrespecting a teammate damages confidence and weakens the collective spirit needed to win crucial matches, especially against tactically strong opponents like Morocco.

“Statistically, Ademola Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament until that verbal attack broke his focus,” he said. “You can’t expect a playmaker to perform miracles when he’s been demoralized by his own teammate.”

The former coach concluded that the fallout from the incident went beyond a single match.

“The conflict did its damage. We didn’t just lose a game, we lost the mental edge needed to win,” Oliseh added, also expressing concern about a fan culture that appears to excuse such behaviour.

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