Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Tinubu Treating South-East Fairly on Infrastructure – Umahi

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has dismissed claims that the South-East has been excluded from major road and infrastructure projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing such reports as “misleading and deceptive.” Reacting to a viral social media post titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South-East missing from the map?” by Mr. Linus Anagboso, Umahi accused some individuals of deliberately twisting facts to incite the public. He said the Tinubu administration has fairly distributed projects across the six geopolitical zones, with the South-East prominently captured in the third Legacy Project — the Cross River–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja highway, covering 465km x 2, of which 231.64km x 2 and 231.64km x 1 fall within the South-East at a cost of ₦445.8 billion. According to Umahi, ₦108 billion has already been paid for the project, which was reviewed at the July 31, 2025 Federal Executive Council meeting to extend coverage from 118km to 231.64km. “Under President Tinubu, 90% of abandoned projects, some dating back to 2013, have been revived and are now ongoing. The South-East is receiving the same fair treatment as other regions,” Umahi stated. He listed other ongoing projects in the region, including: Umahi urged South-East residents to support President Tinubu and the zone’s governors, stressing that unity, rather than “politics of hate and misinformation,” will help the region achieve the presidency in the future.

MKO Abiola’s Wife, Doyin Dies at 82

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Dr. Doyin Abiola, the first woman to become Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national daily in Nigeria, has died. She passed away at 9:15pm on Tuesday, August 5, family sources confirmed. She was 82. Doyin, the widow of the late business mogul and politician Chief MKO Abiola, was a media powerhouse in her own right long before her name became linked to Nigeria’s most iconic democratic martyr. She began her journalism journey in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where her popular column “Tiro” tackled major societal issues including gender advocacy at a time when few dared. In 1970, she left for the United States, bagged a master’s degree in journalism, and returned home to join Daily Times as a Features Writer. There, she rose to become Group Features Editor, and later secured a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York in 1979. On her return, she served on the Daily Times editorial board, where she worked alongside greats like Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan. But history would come calling when the National Concord, owned by MKO Abiola, appointed her as its pioneer daily editor. She eventually became Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986, becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold such a top role at a national daily. Her career at the National Concord spanned three decades, and she remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape. Dr. Doyin Abiola and MKO Abiola got married in 1981, and she stood firm through the highs of journalism and the political storms that trailed her husband’s June 12 presidential mandate.

MSMEs Key to Nigeria’s Economic Growth – VP Shettima

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s economic growth and poverty reduction goals cannot be achieved without the rapid development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he described as the backbone of the nation’s economy. Speaking at the 7th Expanded National MSME Clinic (Ondo 2025) held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, Shettima noted that MSMEs account for 90% of jobs in Nigeria and are central to achieving inclusive growth. He revealed that 65 Ondo-based MSMEs have already benefited from the Federal Government’s ₦75 billion intervention fund, designed to provide affordable financing to entrepreneurs. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hailed the clinic as a “revolutionary step” toward unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, highlighting his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He called for federal support to establish a Fashion Hub Shared Facility and an Oil Palm Processing Plant in the state. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji stressed the importance of patronising locally made goods, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urged stronger public-private partnerships to empower young entrepreneurs. The MSME Clinic recognised several Ondo-based businesses, including Denki Wire and Cables Ltd and Kay Classic Fashion, winners of the National MSME Awards for Excellence in Manufacturing and Fashion, respectively.

Tinubu Signs Landmark Insurance Industry Reform Bill into Law

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill, 2025 into law — a sweeping legislation aimed at modernising Nigeria’s insurance sector, boosting financial stability, and supporting the country’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 repeals and consolidates multiple outdated insurance laws into a single, modern framework for regulating all insurance and reinsurance operations in the country. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda for the Insurance Sector, the new Act introduces: The law mandates the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to enforce its provisions and drive reforms that will improve insurance penetration nationwide. According to the Presidency, the NIIRA 2025 will attract new investments, enhance transparency, spur innovation, and position Nigeria as a leading insurance hub in Africa.

Netanyahu Pushes for Full Occupation of Gaza Security Cabinet to Decide

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to pursue the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, with his security cabinet expected to meet this week to approve the plan. According to Israeli outlet Ynet, a senior official close to Netanyahu said, “This is die cast — we are going for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip. There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held. If the chief of staff doesn’t agree, he should resign.” The Times of Israel reports that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) currently control about 75% of Gaza, and the new strategy would involve seizing the remaining territory. In response, Hamas dismissed the threats as “repetitive, worthless and without influence” on its decisions. During a visit to IDF recruits at a base near Tel Aviv, Netanyahu stressed the need to finish the campaign. “It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel. We are not giving up on any of these missions,” he told the troops. The push for total occupation comes amid ongoing fighting and mounting international pressure for a ceasefire.

Magistrate Remands Alleged Serial Killer Olori Esho in Kirikiri Custody

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Lagos | August 5, 2025 —A Lagos Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba has ordered the remand of alleged notorious serial killer, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, at the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kirikiri. The 44-year-old was arraigned on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, membership of an unlawful society, possession of dangerous weapons, grievous bodily harm, threat to life, and unlawful possession of multiple international passports. According to the police, Akinwande and others still at large allegedly committed the offences between December 9, 2010 and April 5, 2025 in different parts of Lagos, including Mushin, Idi-Araba, Surulere, and Fadeyi. Among the alleged victims was 10-year-old Aminat Lateef, killed in 2010 while running an errand. The defendant is also accused of shooting dead 30-year-old Yusuf Bolakale and 23-year-old Yusuf Ramadan in Mushin in July 2024 while in possession of an AK-47 rifle. Police further alleged that on July 31, 2024, he killed six more people during a violent clash between rival cult groups in Idi-Araba, before fleeing to Alagbado, where he was arrested in June this year. During the proceedings, police prosecutor Nosa Uhumwangho sought the suspect’s remand pending advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, in line with Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015. He told the court that 13 international passports bearing different names, along with nine AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, and two pistols, were recovered from the suspect’s hideout. Defence counsel Adejare Kembi opposed the request for police remand, insisting that his client be kept in a correctional facility for proper constitutional access. Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Tanimola ordered the defendant’s remand at Kirikiri Correctional Centre for 30 days and adjourned the case to September 4, 2025.

Troops Neutralise Bandit in Benue, Destroy Camps in Makurdi LGA

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with local hunters, have carried out a clearance operation around the Tatough general area of Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, neutralising one bandit and destroying multiple hideouts. According to a statement by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, the weekend operation involved a fighting patrol and the escort of bereaved family members to Tse-Ayele village for a burial. Troops cleared several identified hotspots, including Mdoor, Anter, Tse-Gegu, Tse-Akaajime, Tse-Agam, and Ndor villages. While advancing through Tse-Akaajime, soldiers encountered armed bandits. A brief but intense firefight ensued, resulting in the killing of one bandit, while others fled, abandoning their positions. Items recovered included two Tecno mobile phones and three motorcycles suspected to have been used in criminal activities. Troops subsequently destroyed and set ablaze all identified bandit camps in the area, effectively preventing the criminals from regrouping. In a related development, soldiers deployed in Tatough have continued aggressive foot and perimeter patrols to maintain security and reassure residents of their safety. The Acting Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector 1 OPWS, Colonel K.O. Bukoye, commended the troops for their gallantry, urging them to remain vigilant and sustain momentum in the effort to rid Benue State of criminal elements.

POLICE WELFARE: IGP TO DECORATE PROMOTED NATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS– As Police Service Commission Conveys Approval

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

The Nigeria Police Force is set to take a bold and historic step in the direction of motivation, meritocracy, and morale-boosting as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, prepares to decorate select officers recently approved for promotion by the Police Service Commission (PSC) – officers whose conduct, courage, and character have stood out in service to the nation. These are not just promotions. They are public endorsements of excellence. A national salute to officers who, despite the odds, chose the path of integrity, went the extra mile, and reminded us all what true service looks like. Recall that in Press Release No. CZ:5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/472 dated 25th July 2025, the Force publicly committed to recommending for accelerated promotion, any officer who had been named Police Officer of the Year or won in any of the Police award categories twice in two consecutive award years or received IGP recognition award twice in two consecutive years. That commitment made transparently and intentionally was driven by the IGP’s deep belief that rewarding excellence is the cornerstone of institutional reform. In line with that resolution from the Force Management Team meeting of 23rd June 2025, the names of qualifying officers were forwarded to the Police Service Commission and the Commission has now conveyed its approval. Accordingly, the Inspector-General of Police will, on Tuesday, 5th August 2025 by 12 noon, at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja, decorates the following officers:• CSP Shaba Aliyu, Police Officer of the Year 2023, promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police with effect from 31st December 2023.• SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024, promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police with effect from 31st December 2024. These officers are not alone. Also benefiting from this wave of accelerated promotions are those who have won awards twice within the last two award circles and several Staff Officers at the IGP Secretariat, who have received multiple commendation letters in the past two years for distinguished service. To underscore the importance of this moment, the Inspector-General has directed the deployment of the police jet to convey ACP Aliyu Shaba, Police man of the year 2023 and CSP Sentome Obi, police man of the year 2024 to Abuja for their formal decoration by the IGP. In addition, the photographs of ACP Shaba and CSP Sentome Obi, who embody the highest ideals of courage and honesty, have been proudly displayed at the main entrance of Force Headquarters, as earlier directed by the IGP. Also directives have earlier been given to the effect that their pictures be displayed at the entrances of Zonal and States Command Headquarters This is what institutional pride looks like. This is how trust is built, from within. We stand firm in our mission: to build a force where honour is celebrated, service is valued, and excellence is not an exception but the expectation. To our officers across the country: this is your reminder that the job is not thankless. Your sacrifices are seen. Your integrity will not go unnoticed. And the Nigeria Police Force, under the current leadership, is committed to ensuring that professionalism is not just praised—but promoted. DCP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAIForce Public Relations OfficerForce Headquarters, Abuja Date: 4th August, 2025