Nigeria

By Umar Mohammed Dewa

As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democracy on June 12th, some are popping champagne bought with democracy dividends, while others are eating their hearts out in lamentation. Such is the paradox of Nigeria’s democratic experience, a journey marked by notable achievements and persistent challenges.

June 12 remains a defining symbol of the Nigerian people’s struggle for democratic governance. It commemorates the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history, and honours the sacrifices of countless patriots who fought against military rule and for the restoration of civil liberties.

Twenty-seven years after the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria can point to significant gains. Democratic institutions have endured, political participation has expanded, and citizens continue to exercise their right to choose their leaders at the ballot box. Yet for many Nigerians grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rising living costs, the promised dividends of democracy remain elusive.

Democracy is more than periodic elections; it is about accountable leadership, responsive governance, social justice, and the improvement of citizens’ welfare. As the nation celebrates this year’s Democracy Day, it is also an opportunity for sober reflection on how democratic governance can better serve the people and fulfil the aspirations of those who fought for it.

The significance of June 12 lies not only in remembering the past but also in recommitting to the ideals of freedom, equity, transparency, and national unity. Only through such commitment can Nigeria’s democracy continue to strengthen and deliver meaningful progress for all.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.

Umar Mohammed Dewa wrote from Yola, Nigeria.                                                                                                                              

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has selected ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Confirmation of the development came from Leader Sampson, the immediate past chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, who spoke on the matter on Saturday.

Amaechi was among the aspirants who contested the party’s presidential primary. However, he lost the ticket to Atiku.

Before the primary election took place, Amaechi had publicly stated that he did not obtain the ADC presidential nomination form with the intention of later accepting a vice-presidential position.

The former Rivers State governor also rejected the outcome of the primary election after it was concluded. His position aligned with complaints raised by some dissatisfied party members who alleged that the exercise was manipulated in Atiku’s favour.

Despite his earlier stance, indications now suggest that the two politicians have reached an agreement ahead of the general election.

When asked whether Amaechi had accepted the vice-presidential slot, Leader Sampson responded briefly, saying, “yes.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that schools across the state have been shut down because of insecurity, describing the claims as untrue.

In a statement released on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, the command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, addressed reports that schools had been closed, pupils withdrawn by their parents, and kidnappings had disrupted academic activities.

Usman said there was no basis for such claims. He stated that schools are operating normally across the state and academic activities are progressing according to schedule.

He explained that students recently resumed for a new academic term. He also noted that final-year students are currently writing the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) safely at various centres within the state.

According to the police spokesperson, the school calendar remains intact and continues to be managed by the Ministry of Education without any disruption linked to security challenges.

Usman further stated that security agencies are working closely with vigilante groups to conduct intelligence-driven operations aimed at maintaining peace and safeguarding communities across Kebbi State.

He said recent arrests of suspected criminals and the elimination of some criminal elements reflect the impact of ongoing security operations. He urged residents to ignore rumours that could create unnecessary fear and anxiety among the public.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, over allegations that he took several married women from their husbands and made them his wives.

The pastor has also been accused by some church members of compelling couples to exchange spouses and of taking the wives of members of his congregation for himself.

The allegations surfaced as the state government continues its campaign against individuals it describes as fake clerics. In recent weeks, several people have come forward with complaints about their experiences after the government prosecuted a number of pastors in court.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, announced the arrest in a post on Facebook. He said the suspect has been handed over to the police and is now the subject of a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Government and the police command.

Opara urged members of the public who may have information about the pastor’s activities to come forward and assist investigators.

According to him: “Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him.

“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.

“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives.

“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.

“While investigations continue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, has urged anyone with additional information to report it to the State Government via 08034182108.”

Authorities said investigations into the allegations are ongoing. They encouraged anyone with relevant information to assist in the process.

By Jamiu Abdulgafar Olamilekan

The Punch Newspaper editorial on May 5, 2026 (Page 18), titled “Women Need Better Access to Credit”, highlights one of Nigeria’s most persistent economic blind spots. Despite their immense contributions to business, agriculture, trade, and family welfare, women remain locked out of the financial support they need to grow and thrive.

Across Nigerian markets, women dominate petty trading and small-scale enterprises from fashion shops and food businesses to salons, online ventures, and farming. Yet, securing loans from banks is often impossible.

As the editorial points out, collateral requirements, guarantors, and complex documentation create barriers that many hardworking women in both rural and urban communities cannot overcome.

This exclusion is, to say the least, unjust. Women are among the most financially responsible members of society, stretching limited resources to support children, families, and entire communities. Still, government empowerment programmes frequently fail to reach them.

In some cases, corruption, favouritism, and poor implementation dilute their impact, while lack of financial education and weak communication leave rural women unaware of opportunities that could change their lives.

Going forward, banks and other financial institutions must design loan systems that are flexible and inclusive. Lower interest rates for female-owned small businesses, coupled with expanded financial literacy programmes, would ensure women not only access credit but also manage it effectively.

The government, on its part, must enforce transparency and accountability in policies aimed at empowering women.

Beyond economics, financial empowerment strengthens families and reduces poverty. A woman with a stable income is more likely to invest in education, healthcare, and better living conditions for her household. The ripple effect benefits society at large.

Nigeria cannot claim to pursue inclusive growth while millions of women remain financially excluded. Empowering women is not charity — it is a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

Jamiu Abdulgafar Olamilekan is a Strategic Communication student at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. He can be reached at jamiuabdulgafar510@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Protesters under the Nigeria Unite Against Terrorism banner marched through Abuja on Democracy Day, June 12, 2026, demanding urgent action against insecurity while distancing themselves from calls for President Bola Tinubu’s removal.

As Nigeria marked the 2026 Democracy Day anniversary, scores of demonstrators gathered in parts of Abuja on Friday, insisting their movement was solely about restoring peace and security, not unseating the current administration.

The protest came amid rising concern over worsening insecurity across the country, and followed a separate demonstration led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), whose supporters had called for President Tinubu’s resignation.

Organisers of Nigeria Unite Against Terrorism were quick to draw a clear line. “We are not asking anybody to leave government. We are not saying an end to any government. What we are saying is that Nigeria should live in peace,” one protest leader declared.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, organisers said Nigerians had reached a breaking point as terrorism, banditry and kidnapping spread across different regions.

“Nigerian citizens, enough is enough. Thank God Mr President in his speech this morning has told us that there is time to end plea bargains and other subtle approaches towards terrorism in Nigeria. This gives us hope that we are moving forward in the fight against terrorism,” the speaker said.

He traced the expansion of insecurity over the years: “In 2012, it was the North-East. By 2015, the North-West was engaged. Before we got to 2019, North-Central Nigeria was affected. Now this is 2026, the South-West is feeling the bite.”

He warned that failure to act decisively could leave the country vulnerable to non-state actors. “If we fold our arms and watch, Nigeria is about to be taken over by non-state actors… One day we will start paying taxes to bandits and deriving protection from those who seek to destroy us.”

According to organisers, the movement was initiated weeks ago to alert both government and citizens to the growing security emergency. “We have decided to make this move to bring to the notice of government and people in power that Nigerians are tired. Nigerians are making their voices known. Nigerians are saying that we are no longer comfortable with the trend of terrorism.”

Another speaker described the campaign as a non-partisan national movement uniting Nigerians across political, religious and ethnic lines. “We are not political. We are a sovereign nation called the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Everyone is now a victim of insecurity.”

He argued that successive governments have failed to permanently address the problem. “Government comes, government goes, but the insecurity is still on. We acknowledge the efforts of our security operatives, but something is missing.”

The protesters called on Nigerians to set aside partisan interests and unite against what they described as the country’s common enemy. “It is now that we suspend our political differences. It is now that we suspend our religious beliefs and regional interests. We must promote a sovereign Nigeria that is safe from banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram.”

They appealed to civil society organisations, religious groups, academics and ordinary citizens to join the campaign from the North to the West, from the South-East to the South-South — Muslims, Christians, pagans, free thinkers and the academic community.

The organisers urged the federal government to remain open to citizen suggestions on tackling insecurity and encouraged Nigerians to provide timely intelligence to security agencies. “When you see something, say something. And when you say something, the government should do something,” they said.

They also cautioned against sympathising with criminal groups. “Don’t be loyal to bandits. Don’t be loyal to kidnappers. Don’t be loyal to Boko Haram,” they added.

Reiterating that their campaign is not politically motivated but driven by a collective desire for peace, one organiser quoted British philosopher Edmund Burke: “When the bad men combine, the good must associate, else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”

By Anas Abbas

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned actor, dramatist, and academic, Kola Oyewo.

Oyewo, a respected figure in Yoruba theatre and Nollywood, built a career that spanned more than six decades, earning recognition for his contributions to stage productions, film, and arts education. He was widely celebrated for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that cemented his place among Nigeria’s most accomplished performers.

Born in Oba-Ile, Osun State, the veteran actor began his professional acting journey in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before later working with the University of Ife theatre troupe. Throughout his career, he featured in several notable productions, including Sango, Saworoide, Koseegbe, and Super Story.

Beyond acting, Oyewo distinguished himself as a scholar. He obtained advanced degrees in drama and lectured at several higher institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, where he rose through the academic ranks before retirement.

He also served in teaching and leadership roles at other universities, mentoring generations of theatre practitioners and students.

Only months ago, the celebrated thespian marked his 80th birthday and received tributes from prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, who described him as a cultural ambassador and a national treasure for his immense contributions to Nigerian storytelling and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans, and cultural stakeholders who remember him as a gifted performer, teacher, and custodian of Nigerian theatre traditions.

Details surrounding his death and funeral arrangements were yet to be fully disclosed at the time of filing this report.

By Uzair Adam


The Borno State Government has announced plans to establish modern rehabilitation centres for juvenile and minor offenders as part of efforts to promote restorative justice and reduce crime among young people.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hauwa Abubakar, disclosed this on Friday during a briefing to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Maiduguri.

According to her, the initiative is aimed at moving away from an exclusively punitive justice system toward one that focuses on rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration.

She noted that punishment alone cannot bring about lasting behavioural change, stressing the need for psychological assessment, vocational training, and proper reorientation of offenders.

“Punishment in isolation does not yield the sustainable behavioural reform we desire. We must adopt a compassionate and comprehensive rehabilitation framework that counsels, heals and empowers young offenders, giving them a genuine second chance to become productive and law-abiding citizens,” Abubakar said.

The commissioner explained that the rehabilitation centres form part of a broader agenda of reforms outlined by the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum to strengthen the justice sector, improve offender rehabilitation, and promote public morality.

She also revealed that the state government plans to construct a Judges’ Estate to improve the welfare of judicial officers and reinforce the independence of the judiciary.

According to her, the project has already been included in the current budget and will provide secure and befitting accommodation for judges across the state.

“This modern and high-security Judges’ Estate has already been captured in the current fiscal budget. It is designed to provide premium, secure and conducive accommodation befitting the status and dignity of judicial officers,” she stated.

Abubakar commended Governor Zulum for supporting judicial reforms and infrastructure development in the state.

She said several Magistrate, High and Sharia Courts have been renovated and equipped with modern facilities, while new judicial complexes have been constructed, particularly in communities affected by insurgency.

“As chairperson of the Borno State Anti-Social Vices Committee, we have adopted proactive, intelligence-driven and preventive measures that have contributed to a significant decline in crime and social vices across the state,” she added.

The attorney-general urged community leaders, parents and religious institutions to support efforts aimed at addressing moral decadence and guiding young people towards responsible conduct.

“Eradicating social vices and moral decay is a shared civic responsibility. We must work together to reshape the mindset of our youth and reduce all forms of immorality to the barest minimum,” she said.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer, Inspector Ali Baffa, alongside two other suspects over an alleged attempt to smuggle unprocessed gold bars valued at more than N4.4 billion through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC disclosed that Baffa was apprehended on Thursday during a routine surveillance operation at the airport.

According to the commission, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of gold bars inside his trousers with the intention of handing them over to passengers travelling to foreign destinations.

The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who was allegedly responsible for supplying the gold bars.

EFCC said Nasidi was found in possession of various foreign currencies, including Saudi Riyals, Turkish Lira, Kuwaiti Dinar, Philippine Peso, Australian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Algerian Dinar, Hong Kong Dollars, Hungarian Forint and Sudanese Dinar.

The anti-graft agency also arrested Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, who allegedly delivered the gold to Nasidi.

During interrogation, Dan Zaria reportedly confessed to smuggling approximately 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.

The EFCC stated that all three suspects remain in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

By Leah Nickaf

Education remains one of the strongest tools for transforming lives, yet for many young Nigerians, access to quality education remains a major challenge. In a bold step toward changing this narrative, the University of Abuja recently welcomed the leadership team of Oma Life Rescue Foundation for a strategic engagement centred on the A Million Dream Education Scholarship Project. An initiative designed to give hope and educational opportunities to students across Nigeria.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Rosemary Udiozo, who received the delegation alongside the Registrar, Dr Sambo Muhammad, and the Registrar attached to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Dr Michael Idoko.

The meeting highlighted the growing importance of partnerships between academic institutions and humanitarian organisations in addressing educational inequality and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Leading the Oma Life Rescue Foundation team was the Founder and CEO, Amb. (Dr.) Omanibe Ameh-Sanusi, accompanied by Barr. Sambo Murtala, Director of Programs, Mr Paul Yima Butu, Communications Analyst Officer, and Mr Emmanuel Momoh.

Discussions focused on creating a sustainable partnership framework to support the successful implementation of the scholarship project and to extend educational opportunities to deserving students in federal and state primary and secondary schools nationwide.

Beyond being a scholarship initiative, A Million Dream Education Scholarship Project symbolises hope, inclusion, and development. Starting July 27, 2026, it aims to bridge educational gaps for underprivileged children and promote academic excellence among young Nigerians. The initiative also shows Oma Life Rescue Foundation’s growing commitment to social impact and youth empowerment through education.

As conversations about educational reform and accessibility continue across the country, collaborations like this show how institutions and non-profit organisations can work together to drive meaningful change. With the University of Abuja and Oma Life Rescue Foundation aligned on a shared vision, the future looks brighter for countless students whose dreams may soon become reality through the power of education.