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Young Protesters Defy Police Warning, Stage Demonstrations Across Nigeria
On Monday, young demonstrators under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement defied a police warning and held protests in several Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers states. The protesters, identifiable by their signature orange berets, kicked off their rally in Lagos at the Ikeja Under Bridge. They marched through major roads in the state capital, chanting solidarity songs, all under the watchful eyes of police officers. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had earlier urged the movement to call off its planned nationwide protests, calling the timing of the demonstrations “ill-conceived and mischievous.” In response, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore swiftly rejected the police’s claims, asserting that the protest, which was scheduled for Monday, was not intended to disrupt the National Police Day celebrations. The Take-It-Back Movement protests often focus on broader issues rather than specific demands. The movement has been vocal in addressing concerns such as Nigeria’s economic state, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, and other national issues. In Oyo State, the movement held a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the state capital, with security forces present to ensure the demonstration remained peaceful and orderly.
Abia Government Denies Claims of Hiring Eastern Security Network for Security
The Abia State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media that Governor Alex Otti approved the engagement of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to combat crime and protect farmers in the state. The government labeled the report, attributed to an anonymous blogger, as false and malicious, aimed at spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary tension in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, 2025, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government reiterated that it does not support the involvement of non-state actors in addressing crime. The statement emphasized that the Otti administration continues to work with conventional security agencies, citing the successful implementation of “Operation Crush,” a joint security taskforce tackling crime statewide. Ekeoma also addressed the resurgence of the false report, stating that similar claims had been circulated before but were ignored. The government warned those responsible for spreading the fake news, promising severe consequences for those found inciting fear and violence. Abia residents were urged to ignore the misleading information and trust in the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure their safety.
Tinubu Approves 8,800 Health Centers Nationwide Shettima Calls Private Sector Involvement in Healthcare
President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres across Nigeria, along with the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to address trauma, oncology, and infectious diseases. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday. He emphasized the need for greater private sector participation in healthcare reforms, stressing that the government alone cannot address the sector’s challenges. Shettima highlighted the Trauma Centre as a vital addition to Nigeria’s emergency care infrastructure, aligning with the government’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative. He noted the importance of trauma care in a rapidly urbanizing nation. He also praised the philanthropic efforts of Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, whose foundation built the facility. Shettima urged more philanthropists to invest in healthcare development. The Trauma Centre, built within Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, is part of the government’s broader plan to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare system, including a National Health Insurance Scheme and a Digital Health Information Management System. The event also celebrated Adegunwa’s 80th birthday, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praising his legacy of philanthropy. The Governor commended the improvement of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the commissioning of the Trauma Centre. Adegunwa expressed his gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He also recalled his past contributions to the university, highlighting the institution’s special place in his heart. The Chairman of the Board of Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Kunle Hassan, acknowledged the trauma center’s potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery and pledged to ensure its long-term success. Traditional ruler Oba Babatunde Adéwálé Àjàyí also called for more federal presence in Remoland, pointing out the lack of federal universities and polytechnics in the area.
DSS Chief Urges Nigerians Don’t Rely Solely on Army Police and Others for Protection
Don’t Expect Army, Police, Others To Protect All Of You; Mobilise To Defend Yourselves Against Terrorists –DSS Chief Tells NigeriansHe referenced past incidents in Bauchi State, where local communities successfully fought off Boko Haram insurgents without waiting for security forces. The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has stated that Nigerians must take responsibility for their own security, as the military, police, and intelligence agencies do not have the capacity to protect every community from terrorist attacks nationwide. Ajayi made the remarks during a public engagement, which Symfoni broadcasted.
Panic on Lagos Waterways as LagFerry Boat Catches Fire
Chaos erupted Thursday morning on the Lagos waterways when a LagFerry vessel named “Igbega Eko” suddenly exploded and caught fire en route to Victoria Island. The incident left several passengers injured as they scrambled to escape the flames. The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed the fire and assured the public that its personnel were promptly deployed to prevent the situation from escalating. “There was a loud bang, and the boat was quickly engulfed in flames. The exact cause is still unknown, but investigations are ongoing,” a NIWA official told Tribune Online. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) also confirmed the incident and stated that the cause of the fire is under investigation. According to a statement from LASWA’s Public Affairs Unit, four passengers sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical care. The statement read:“The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) confirms a fire incident involving the LagFerry vessel ‘Igbega Eko,’ which occurred around 6:45 AM at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu while en route to Victoria Island.” “Following a distress call, LASWA’s emergency response team quickly mobilized to the scene, coordinating efforts with LagFerry, boat operators, and other first responders to contain the situation.” “Thankfully, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. Four passengers sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving treatment.” “A detailed investigation is underway in collaboration with LagFerry and other relevant agencies to determine the cause and to improve safety measures across Lagos waterways.” “LASWA assures the public that all safety protocols remain in place, and ferry operations continue as scheduled. We urge all passengers to stay calm and follow safety guidelines when using water transport.”
Emirship Dispute: Police Call Emir Sanusi II for Questioning
The Nigeria Police Headquarters has summoned the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for questioning regarding an incident that took place during the Eid festival in Kano. The police, alongside other sister security agencies in the state, had earlier cancelled all durbar activities, particularly equestrian procession, in the state, citing security reasons. However, while the emir was marching to attend prayer at Kofar Mata Eid Ground on March 30, a member of the vigilante protecting the emir was stabbed to death, while scores were injured. Following the incident, insiders told this newspaper that the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had earlier directed the state commissioner of police to arrest the emir. According to sources, the CP had explained to the IGP that the incident had nothing to do with violation of durbar ban, and that the emir did not use horses to visit the Government House as the tradition provides. Perhaps dissatisfied with the CP’s explanation, the IGP directed the Force Intelligence Department to take over the case file and invite the emir to Abuja for questioning. Palace sources however told DAILY NIGERIAN that the emir has yet to formally receive the letter.
Passengers Narrowly Escape Death as BRT Bus Catches Fire in Lagos
The driver and conductor of a BRT bus have fled for their lives, abandoning passengers to their fate, as a BRT bus caught fire at Maryland, Lagos State, on Saturday morning.smileyOur correspondent, who was at the scene of the incident, said that the vehicle departed from Ikorodu en route to CMS when the sad incident occurred. As of the time this report was filed, emergency responders, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), fire services, and local security personnel, arrived at the scene to contain the blaze. Firefighters at the scene.One of the passengers on the bus told our correspondent the fire started as smoke from the driver’s side. According to her, the passengers initially thought the smoke emanated from other buses; however, the slight smoke soon worsened, immediately sending them into panic mode. “As soon as we saw that the smoke grew bigger, we immediately rushed off the bus before the fire ignited”, she said, adding that none of the passengers sustained any injury. She added that the driver fled the scene immediately after the fire started. “The driver and the conductor ran away. They didn’t even wait to see what would happen to us. “Definitely, they knew what happened. They knew the bus was bad before putting it on the road and risking our lives,” she alleged.
Tinubu Administration: Multiple Spokespersons, No Clear Communication
By Temidayo Akinsuyi There is no denying the fact that President Bola Tinubu has the highest number of media aides in the history of Nigeria, in the same manner his government boasts of the highest number of ministers. However, this cacophony of voices appears to be singing disjointed music, with the songs sounding fragmented, uneven or more like a ‘broken record’, like former Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, is wont to say. In June 2023, the president appointed Dele Alake, his former Commissioner of Information during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, as Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, making him the first media aide to the president. Soon after, he was named the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, a development sources claimed was orchestrated by a powerful cabal in the villa who do not want Alake to have direct access to the president as his chief spokesperson. Many Nigerians criticised Alake’s appointment as Solid Minerals minister because he has no expertise in the sector. However, he later clarified that the president decided to shock Nigerians by not appointing him to the information ministry, which he has a background in, but drafted him to the Solid Minerals ministry because of his sense of responsibility, expertise, and track record. Hear him: “My portfolio has been the upset of the entire cabinet because given my antecedents, exposure, and experience in the area of perception, information management, and the likes so most people have pigeonholed me for information, and so we decided to shock everybody. Now if you all can sit down to analyse the global trend of economic development, you would note that the hydrocarbon – that is, the oil is fading out and the world is moving towards alternatives like gas, electric cars, and the rest. So what is the next economic growth factor? It is solid mineral. Given the nature of this sector to our economic growth and vitality of this country which is dear to the heart of Mr President, it’s just very apt and proper for him to send me here because he knows and trusts that I have a demonstrable sense of responsibility and courage to drive the agenda; that is why I am here. We are going to drive that agenda with the full cooperation of everyone.” Two years down the line, whether Alake’s impact has been felt in the Solid Affairs Ministry is left for Nigerians to decide. In July 2023, the president appointed Ajuri Ngelale as his special adviser on media and publicity. In October of the same year, he also appointed Bayo Onanuga, a veteran journalist and one of his close allies, as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. As sources in the villa have confirmed, the young but cocky Ngelale, who added the prefix ‘Chief’ to his name, saw Onanuga as a ‘rival wife who had come to share the same husband with him’ while forgetting that while he was working as a media aide to former President Buhari, it was the likes of Onanuga who were receiving social media bullets for the president and following him everywhere during the electioneering campaign. Ngelale, who went into oblivion after he was technically eased out, crawled out of the hole last week to wish the president, whom he described as ‘his father’, a happy 73rd birthday. Like the Yorubas will say, ‘Baba egbe mo oye omo to bi (The father knows the number of his children). In August, the president also named Muhammed Idris as Minister of Information and National Orientation. Despite occupying such a visible portfolio, the highly reticent Idris, unfortunately, is one of the unknown ministers in the president’s cabinet. Unlike his predecessor, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ask many Nigerians who Nigeria’s current Minister of Information is, and I can bet a lot of people won’t know. Aside Onanuga, other members of the president’s media team are Daniel Bwala (Special Adviser, Policy Communication); Sunday Dare ( Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications); Tunde Rahman (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Media); Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Print Media); O’tega Ogra – (Senior Special Assistant (Digital/New Media); Tope Ajayi – Senior Special Assistant (Media & Public Affairs); Segun Dada (Special Assistant — Social Media); Nosa Asemota – Special Assistant (Visual Communication); Mr Fredrick Nwabufo (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Public Engagement); Mrs Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Strategic Communications) and Mr Aliyu Audu (Special Assistant to the President — Public Affairs). With all these people managing the public image and media affairs of the president, one then begins to wonder why there is still a huge disconnect between the government and Nigerians. Aside from Onanuga, the head of the Media and Publicity Directorate who has been doing a yeoman’s job so far, who else can one pinpoint as speaking for the president?. I can’t remember Tunde Rahman granting any interview as a presidential spokesperson; the last time I read about him, he represented the president at the Service of Songs organised for the late Doyin Okupe in Lagos. When Daniel Bwala was appointed as special adviser on media and public communications to the president, he claimed he was the official spokesperson to President Tinubu; the presidency issued a statement that the president has no individual spokesperson but all three special advisers – Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Daniel Bwala – will “collectively serve as spokespersons for the government”. How can you have three special advisers jointly speaking for one president who claims he has implemented the Oronsaye report aimed at cutting the cost of governance? What will Sunday Dare or Bwala say that Onanuga alone can’t say? Since his redesignation, Bwala, an erudite lawyer, has been trying his best to communicate the policies and reforms of the president to Nigerians. However, many Nigerians hardly take what he says with a pinch of salt, given his antecedents and previous negative remarks about the…