APRA, NAMPA Seal Partnership for Landmark 2026 Effective Communicators Conference in Namibia

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly host the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference (ECC), a major continental gathering aimed at redefining the role of communication in Africa’s development agenda. The agreement followed an earlier invitation extended by NAMPA to APRA to co-host the conference, which is scheduled to hold from July 14 to 17, 2026, at The Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia’s renowned coastal resort city. The conference, themed “Communication Reconsidered: A Driving Force for Constant Progress,”…

FCT Police Foil Kidnapping Attempt in Abuja, Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Byazhin area of Abuja, rescuing two residents unharmed and recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and other exhibits after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers. According to a statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on credible intelligence reports about the presence of suspected kidnappers around the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin, near Paze Hills. The operation, which took place at…

Political Economy of Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Power Sector By Adefolarin A.Olamiekan

There is no gainsaying the current macroeconomic realities on the ground, which have tempered the high expectations for Nigeria’s economic growth in 2026.   Ordinarily, economic growth, in its real sense, should positively impact households through improved living standards, price stability, employment generation, reduced import dependency, increased productivity, and other developmental outcomes. Unfortunately, the Nigerian experience remains different, given the prevailing harsh economic conditions and high cost of living.   However, there is little doubt that several projections on Nigeria’s economy suggest an upward growth trajectory in 2026, despite the…

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Social Protection as HoPE CT Beneficiaries Hail Impact in Imo

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening people-centred social protection programmes aimed at reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable Nigerians. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, gave the assurance during the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE CT) Beneficiary and Stakeholder Engagement held at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre in Owerri, Imo State. The engagement brought together beneficiaries, government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, community representatives, and other stakeholders to assess the impact of the HoPE CT Programme across the…

FG, Imo Sign Landmark MoU to Upgrade Okigwe General Hospital into Federal Medical Centre

The Federal Government and the Imo State Government have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the takeover and upgrade of General Hospital, Okigwe, into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC), in a move aimed at expanding access to specialist healthcare services and strengthening healthcare delivery in the state. The agreement was formalised on June 3, 2026, in Owerri during a ceremony attended by key government officials, healthcare stakeholders and representatives of both governments. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle…

CGC Adeniyi Deepens Global Trade, Security Ties at High-Level Diplomatic Reception

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to strengthening international partnerships, trade relations, and border security through sustained engagement with the diplomatic community and global customs administrations. Speaking during a high-level diplomatic cocktail reception hosted by the NCS at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, Adeniyi said the Service remains dedicated to fostering stronger bilateral and multilateral cooperation aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and economic growth. The event brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of diplomatic missions, senior government…

NYSC DG Trains State Coordinators on Strategic Media Engagement, Seeks Stronger Public Visibility

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to strengthening its public image through effective media engagement, urging State Coordinators to embrace modern communication strategies to showcase the organisation’s achievements and deepen stakeholder confidence. Speaking at a strategic media training workshop for NYSC top management and State Coordinators in Abuja, Nafiu described the Scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building institutions and stressed the need for greater visibility of its programmes and contributions to national development. The workshop, themed…

Osun guber: Matters Arising By Segun Orija

The upcoming August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State is not just another routine change of leaders, it is a major test for the state’s future. Elections in our state are rarely just about party logos; they are a deep agreement between the people and the government on how things should be run. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the main issue is clear: Osun has reached a historic crossroads where proper governance, economic growth, and careful spending must finally beat showmanship and empty promises.   To…

Nigeria Hails Jimoh Ibrahim’s Election to Key UN Budget Committee Chairmanship

Nigeria has congratulated Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim on his election as Chairman of the United Nations Budget and Administration Committee, describing the development as a strong endorsement of the country’s growing influence and active participation in multilateral affairs. The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Ibrahim’s emergence reflects the confidence reposed in Nigeria by the international community to contribute meaningfully to the effective management and administration of the United Nations. According to the minister, the…

NHRC Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren, Calls for End to School Kidnappings

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to urgently rescue all abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State and other innocent children still being held captive across the country, while ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. Speaking on the occasion of the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Ojukwu condemned the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as grave violations of children’s rights and a direct attack…