By Ibrahim Yunusa 

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, officially commissioned and handed over the Leather Enterprise Centre to Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), describing the project as a major Federal Government investment in vocational education, youth empowerment, and the development of Nigeria’s leather industry. 

The centre is expected to provide practical training, promote research and innovation, and equip students with entrepreneurial skills that will create employment opportunities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Provost of ABCOAD, Dr Hassan Ibrahim, thanked the Federal Government and the Ministry of Livestock Development for establishing the facility.

 He said the centre would strengthen practical teaching in leather technology, shoe production, and other leather products while serving as a hub for research and enterprise development. 

He also highlighted the college’s contribution to agricultural manpower, noting that most extension workers in Kano and Jigawa States are graduates of the institution, and announced the launch of a Mobile Veterinary Service for livestock farmers.

Representatives of the Kano State Government praised the project as a significant boost to technical and vocational education.

 They said the Leather Enterprise Centre would equip young people with marketable skills, encourage entrepreneurship, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. 

They also urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to sustain its partnership with ABCOAD, given ABCOAD’s strategic role in developing skilled agricultural and livestock professionals.

While handing over the facility, Minister Maiha reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in institutions that promote innovation, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship. 

He said the centre would prepare students to become employers of labour rather than job seekers, adding that vocational education remains essential for job creation, economic diversification, and sustainable national development. 

The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, academics, industry stakeholders, development partners, students, and members of the public.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has again asked President Bola Tinubu to resign over allegations of off-budget spending raised by the International Monetary Fund.

Obi made the call in a statement on Sunday while reacting to comments by the IMF’s resident representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke.

Ebeke had stated on Wednesday that Nigeria recorded off-budget expenditure worth about two per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. According to him, the development makes the nation’s fiscal deficit appear lower than its actual borrowing needs.

Reacting to the disclosure, Obi described the situation as alarming. He said it raises fresh concerns about corruption under the current administration.

“The IMF now reveals that about N8.83 trillion in expenditure undertaken in 2025 is not reflected in the budget. This expenditure is not budgeted and is therefore not under legislative oversight or administrative scrutiny. This is horrible,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor stated that the amount exceeds 35 per cent of the N23.96 trillion capital expenditure budget for 2025. He also noted that it is higher than the actual capital releases made during the year.

“It is more than the entire combined budget for education (N3.52 trillion) and health (N2.38 trillion),” Obi stated.

“If such an amount is properly used and accounted for, it could transform Nigeria’s public health and education sectors. It could create hundreds of cottage industries that can provide jobs for thousands of graduates and build a solid foundation for economic development. But we cannot account for it. This is not an isolated incident. This is a pattern of grand corruption that has become part of this administration.

“We have a lot to worry about regarding the state of corruption under President Tinubu. The sort of corruption that is ingrained in total disregard of elementary rules of public finance management poses a grave danger to national security and the stability of the Nigerian state.

“The capture of the Nigerian state and the plunder of its resources are actions that undermine the basis of state stability and deepen poverty and state failure.”

Obi also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of failing to manage public resources responsibly despite growing economic hardship across the country.

“With the growing poverty and the urgent need for significant upgrades to social and physical infrastructure, a responsible and responsive government would ensure that N8.83 trillion is prudently utilised to address these gaps. But not the Tinubu administration,” he said.

The former governor maintained that recent allegations of corruption and insecurity were enough reasons for the president to step down from office.

“A few days ago, I called on President Tinubu to resign from office for incompetence, lack of capacity, lack of compassion, and failure to improve on his campaign promises. Some people thought perhaps the call was excessive,” he said.

“But with the daily revelations of pervasive corruption in this administration and its total lack of commitment to the welfare and security of Nigerian citizens, the only reasonable action is for President Tinubu to resign from office.

“The collapse of elementary forms of due process under Tinubu and the increased evidence of rampant looting of Nigerian public finances reinforce the need for greater accountability. It is now time for Nigerian citizens to rise within the law and hold this administration to account.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had earlier called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the allegation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Some victims of the devastating flood that struck Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the alleged diversion of relief materials and funds meant for affected residents.

The petition, dated June 26, 2026, was submitted through I.U. Wali Law Firm on behalf of Isah Abubakar, Hussaini Umar Kwangila, Bilyaminu Umar and other residents of Mokwa LGA.

The flood disaster occurred on May 29, 2025. The incident displaced more than 3,000 residents and claimed about 200 lives.

Following the tragedy, Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced a donation of N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains from the Federal Government to support affected communities. Several organisations and individuals also donated cash and relief materials.

However, the petitioners alleged that the donations did not reach many of the intended beneficiaries.

In the petition addressed to the anti-graft agencies, the residents claimed that officials responsible for handling and distributing the donations mismanaged the support meant for victims.

They further alleged that more than one year after the flood, the donated items and funds had not been “utilised effectively to the benefit of victims”.

The petition accused the Niger State Emergency Management Agency of including names of its staff members among beneficiaries of the cash support.

“Some of the victims were shortchanged as opposed to what they should receive, and some of the victims did not receive anything at all,” the petition reads.

“In fact, some persons who benefited from the relief items were not victims of the flood incident, while some are not residents or natives of Mokwa town. In summary, the donations have been marred by corrupt practices.

“The Niger State Emergency Management Agency compiled a list of flood victims for the distribution of money into their bank accounts.

“The list, which emanated from NSEMA, which is available in the public domain, contains the names of persons that were not affected or victims of the Mokwa flood.

“So, in essence, some people that aren’t affected by the Mokwa flood were listed among those to be compensated, while some victims were not included.”

The petitioners called on the EFCC and ICPC to investigate officials of NSEMA, Mokwa Local Government Area, members of the local organising committee and other persons involved in managing the donations.

They also urged the anti-corruption agencies to examine the list of beneficiaries, identify irregularities and recover any diverted funds or relief materials.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has said the administration of President Donald Trump will closely observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Moore, a Republican lawmaker from West Virginia, stated this during an interview with NoireTV, which was later shared on the platform’s social media pages on Sunday.

Speaking on the credibility of Nigeria’s next elections, the congressman said Washington would pay serious attention to how the exercise is conducted.

“What I’d say is that we’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed. And that’s something that myself and the administration are going to be paying very close attention to,” he said.

The lawmaker also revealed that the US House of Representatives was working on an appropriations bill that contains provisions concerning Nigeria. He said the proposed legislation focuses on issues surrounding religious freedom and American security assistance.

“We’re working on Chris (Smith)’s bill, which obviously I’m a co-sponsor of that bill. But I’d say, more importantly, what people need to pay attention to is the appropriations bill that we’re going to have on the floor today,” Moore stated.

According to him, the bill includes strong measures that could shape future relations between both countries.

“There’s a lot of language that I put on that bill that’s inside of it that relates to Nigeria and the persecution of Christians and restrictions on security assistance to the government of Nigeria, and steps that they have to take.

“That bill’s likely to become law. We’re about to, hopefully, pass that here today. And so there’s some pretty strong and aggressive language in that bill that’s going to be binding as it relates to our relationship to Nigeria moving forward,” he added.

Moore further disclosed that he would continue discussions with the Trump administration on matters relating to Nigeria. He also said he was expected to meet the US president.

“I continue to work with the administration on next steps that we’re going to take. I’m actually going to see President Trump tonight. I’ll be having dinner with him and some other members, so yeah, I continue to talk to him about these issues, and it’s very important to him,” he said.

Moore is also a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026. The bill was introduced in February alongside Congressman Chris Smith.

The proposed legislation seeks to compel the US Secretary of State to provide regular reports to Congress on efforts aimed at addressing religious persecution and mass killings in Nigeria.

The bill also proposes reviews of Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations. It covers US security support, sanctions, humanitarian assistance, and steps taken by the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute attackers.

In April 2026, the US House Appropriations Committee approved provisions in its annual State Department funding bill that introduced stricter conditions for financial support to Nigeria.

The proposal, which has been forwarded to Congress, states that half of the funds allocated to Nigeria under foreign assistance programmes would remain withheld until the Nigerian government is certified to be taking “effective steps” to tackle religious violence.

The bill also demands support for investigations and prosecution of violence linked to Fulani militia groups. It further requires measures that would ensure the safe return of displaced persons.

By Uzair Adam 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the payment of N5.81 billion in outstanding gratuities to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers in the state.

The governor presented the cheques on Friday at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri, in the presence of leaders of organised labour and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners. 

The payment forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and the families of deceased civil servants.

The N5.81 billion package comprises two cheques. The first, valued at N2.99 billion, will clear all outstanding gratuities owed to the families of deceased civil servants. 

The second cheque, amounting to N2.82 billion, will settle gratuities for retirees up to December 2022, including outstanding entitlements owed to former staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation from 2013 to date.

Speaking during the presentation, Zulum said the payment fulfilled a key campaign promise of his administration.

“We are presenting about N5.81 billion to deceased and retired civil servants. We have many civil servants who lost their lives while in service, and their families have continued to face economic challenges. 

“We are therefore providing about N3 billion to support these families so they can live in peace and dignity,” he said.

The governor added that retired civil servants up to 2022 would now receive their gratuities in full, noting that the government would subsequently begin processing payments for those who retired in 2023.

Zulum highlighted previous interventions by his administration aimed at addressing pension and gratuity liabilities. 

According to him, the state government releases N200 million monthly for gratuity payments. 

He also recalled that N8 billion was released in 2025 to settle pensioners’ entitlements and teachers’ gratuities, while N12 billion was disbursed in 2020 to pay about 5,000 retired state and local government workers.

The Commissioner for Finance, Lawan Umar Dalorima, described the payment as another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

Dalorima said the administration remained determined to honour those who devoted their years of service to the development of Borno State.

“This is another demonstration of your compassionate and people-centred leadership, where the welfare of citizens remains a top priority despite competing demands,” he said.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mamman Bukar, commended the governor for clearing the outstanding gratuities, describing the intervention as timely.

He said the payment would ease the hardship experienced by pensioners and the families of deceased workers while reinforcing confidence in the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

Zulum also assured local government employees that his administration was working to address challenges affecting their welfare.

The governor said the state government would soon engage representatives of local government workers to identify practical solutions, noting that the large workforce on local government payrolls had limited the implementation of broader welfare reforms.

He urged the workers to remain patient, assuring them that discussions with their union leadership would commence soon to improve their working conditions and welfare.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has criticised ex-Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, over past comments in which the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was allegedly described as an “infidel party.”

Lamido spoke on Saturday while hosting PDP governorship candidates from Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe and Jigawa states at his residence in Bamaina, Jigawa State.

The former governor reflected on the years the PDP held power at the federal level. He said the party faced criticism from political opponents as well as some Islamic clerics.

“The PDP was labelled corrupt, and some even described it as an ‘infidel party.’ Despite all that, I remained in the party because it gave me the opportunity to serve Nigeria as Minister of Foreign Affairs and twice as Governor of Jigawa State,” he said.

Lamido also revealed that some leading members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, visited him after the 2015 general elections in an attempt to convince him to defect to the ruling party.

According to him, the delegation included former President Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Tinubu and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

“I told them I could not abandon the party that made me who I am. Instead, I challenged them to come and join the PDP,” Lamido stated.

He further alleged that Pantami, during his time as Chief Imam of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Jumu’ah Mosque, delivered sermons against the PDP and prayed against the party.

Lamido claimed that Pantami later joined the PDP after he failed to secure the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State, a development that sparked reactions in political circles.

Pantami has yet to respond publicly to the remarks attributed to him by the former governor.

The comments emerged amid increasing political consultations and defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The cost of liquefied petroleum gas, popularly known as cooking gas, has started dropping in several parts of Nigeria after weeks of price increases linked to supply shortages.

Findings at some cooking gas outlets in Abuja showed that the product now sells between N1,450 and N1,500 per kilogram at stations operated by AA Shafa and Ranoil in areas such as Dutse and Gwarimpa.

Retail outlets in Kubwa, Dawaki, Bwari, Lugbe and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory were also found to be selling cooking gas between N1,650 and N1,700 per kilogram, depending on the location. The prices had earlier climbed to about N2,000 per kilogram in some areas.

The latest development indicates that cooking gas prices have dropped by between N200 and N350 per kilogram in recent weeks.

Checks further revealed that depot owners currently sell LPG between N1,065 and N1,100 per litre for a kilogram.

Despite the recent reduction, the price of cooking gas remains higher than the N1,000 to N1,200 range recorded before May 27, 2026.

Industry operators had earlier called for an increase in LPG imports to improve supply across the country.

Spokespersons of the Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, NOGASA, and Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc, NIPCO, Chinedu Ukadike and Taofeek Lawal, attributed the earlier increase in cooking gas prices to seasonal factors, rising demand and supply shortages.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad has destroyed illicit drugs estimated at about N50 million after carrying out raids in different parts of Awka, the state capital.

Managing Director of the squad, Monday Nwokoye, disclosed this on Saturday during an operation conducted across several locations in the city.

He said the suspects arrested during the exercise had been transferred to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

According to him, the operation followed intelligence reports gathered by the agency as part of efforts to tackle drug-related crimes and touting activities in the state.

Nwokoye also warned residents involved in the sale and consumption of illegal substances to stop such activities or face legal action.

“The raid underscores the state government’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks and curbing criminality across Anambra State. It is a significant enforcement exercise carried out after credible intelligence gathering across various locations.

“Illicit drugs estimated to be worth about N50m were found and destroyed, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and touting.

“It is our quest to ensure that Anambra is rid of touting, hard drugs, and all forms of crimes and criminality. The hard drugs were recovered from Awka and its environs.

“Those arrested in connection with the illegal business had been handed over to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State Hisbah Board has arrested 25 youths in Argungu town over alleged involvement in immoral activities during an operation carried out at a hotel.

The exercise was conducted by operatives of the board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The Director of Shariah of the board, Sirajo Kamba, disclosed this in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said, “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities.

“Those arrested include 12 males and 13 females.

“The operation is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to combat social vices, promote moral values, and maintain peace and decency across Kebbi,” he said.

Kamba stated that the board would carry out a detailed investigation in line with the law. He added that anyone found guilty after the investigation would face legal action.

The operation formed part of ongoing measures by the Hisbah Board to address social misconduct and strengthen moral standards in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has posted an AI-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, selling akara amid ongoing reactions to her recent remarks about small-scale businesses.

The image appeared on the Presidency’s official social media platforms on Friday. It showed the First Lady at a roadside akara stand wearing an apron with the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”

The post came days after Oluremi Tinubu spoke about low-capital businesses during an interview. She had explained that ventures such as akara frying, corn roasting and kuli kuli production could help Nigerians improve their livelihoods.

“We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she had said.

Her comments generated widespread reactions online. While some Nigerians said the remarks failed to reflect the country’s economic challenges, others defended her position and described the businesses as accessible opportunities for many citizens.

The AI-generated image also triggered fresh debate on social media.

Reacting on X, a user identified as @Top_GunM wrote, “Warra country. It’s so unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous black nation in the world and this is what she’s being reduced to.”

Another user, #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency’s media team. “Whoever is the handler of this account should be sacked. Your job is to position this government as good, but it is obvious you have no basic knowledge of your job.”

Also reacting, #WilverZaddy said, “I hope Nigerians are seeing the man they voted for using them to catch cruise? Is this what a president is supposed to say? A president directly mocking the masses while the economy bites harder with high level of insecurity in the country. Such a big pity and mess.”

Another X user, #ChimaAmako82045, described the post as disrespectful to Nigerians. “Keep enjoying this mediocrity n insult you are giving Nigerians, e just remain months to vote the idiotic family out of aso rock, and na that time when una wan rig am na him una go know Nigerians pain. Enjoy it while it last but remember it won’t last forever.”

A user identified as #outtahighbee also faulted the development, saying the Presidency was damaging its public image. “lol You guys are not helping this president of ours at all. You think you are but you keep dragging the old man down and further down with this cruise. Everybody can’t sell akara and kuli kuli now Abi iru wahala wo leleyi gan sef? Oro yin su mi o.”

Another commentator, #gentrytee22, argued that the image portrayed citizens in a poor light. “This is to show how small the government of the day rates its citizens. You advocate for mediocrity and call it innovation , people who wants better for themselves complain now it has to turn to a nationwide meme being used by the government media team lol. It’s a shame.”

Highlighting rising living costs, #AminJaman wrote, “Even akara has becomes more expensive because beans, oil, and transport costs keep rising. The smile is beautiful, but behind it is the reality of soaring food prices, expensive cooking gas, and declining purchasing power.”

However, some Nigerians defended the post.

A user identified as #SirTimeyin argued that social media users had earlier turned the First Lady’s remarks into jokes and memes. “I find it interesting that so many people are suddenly outraged. When the First Lady’s “Akara” comment became content, Nigerians turned it into skits, memes, and endless cruise. We laughed, and moved on. Now the President has added his own quota to thesame joke, and everyone is wailing. Why the surprise? Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don’t be shocked when those in power start treating it like one too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Another supporter, #sto0511M, welcomed the image and encouraged the Presidency to continue with such posts. “Thank you for this image we want more of these kind images to dish out to them so that theh can continue roaming in 1 roundabout,abeg pepper 🌶 dem more for us our body sey sweet us with that PBAT statement.”

President Tinubu had earlier referred to the First Lady as “Iya Alakara” during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. The remark came while he acknowledged guests during his speech at the event.