Year: 2026

MURIC Condemns Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman, Demands Swift Investigation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, called on security agencies to launch an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Chairman of MURIC’s Kano State chapter and Coordinator for Northern States and Abuja, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, the Islamic human rights group described the killing as a deliberate attempt to undermine ongoing peace efforts in…

Tunji Bello at 65 By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

I call myself a dove. That is why I choose my friends carefully. Yet, for reasons I have never understood, many of those I deliberately choose turn out to be delightful rascals. One of them is an Edo man named Louis Odion. We met in Kano in 2002 and have remained family ever since.   One day, I asked Louis, “Tell me about OPEC.”   “That is KGB-classified information,” he replied with a laugh. Then, like every good conspirator, he broke the code of silence.   “OPEC,” he said, “was…

The President’s Police By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Police Service shall temporarily intervene in the internal security affairs of a state and shall, to the extent necessary, assume specified operational responsibility, including temporary operational command of a State Police Service or any part thereof…” (Section 214(10).   “(12) An intervention… shall be authorised in writing by the President…”   Read those provisions of the passed state police bill again. Read slowly.   For decades, Nigerians have demanded state police. Governors complained that they were constitutionally designated as Chief Security Officers of their states without possessing effective…

Katsina terrorists went to Mecca By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

“Boldness, be my friend. Arm me, audacity, from head to foot.” Some live by that Shakespearean creed. They say aloud what society only whispers. They speak the unsayable, damn the world and make a difference.   Northern Nigeria had the late Dr Yusuf Bala Usman. I think there is another one in Dr. Bashir Kurfi. Kurfi told Trust TV last week: “People are not following the reality of what is happening with this banditry. I can tell you, from most of our towns, every week, you will have a bus…

NYSC Fixes July 7 for 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation in Niger, Relocates Camp to Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as the commencement date for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course for prospective corps members deployed to Niger State. According to a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the orientation exercise will temporarily hold at the NYSC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, due to the ongoing renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Paiko by the Niger State Government. The scheme disclosed that registration for…

Mining Marshals Commander Onoja Installed as Grand Patron of Silent Heroes Awards Initiative

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, has been invested as the Grand Patron of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative (SHA) 2026 in recognition of his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining, and remarkable contributions to national service. The honour was conferred on Saturday during the 2026 edition of the Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja, placing Onoja among an elite group of distinguished Nigerians celebrated for their exceptional service, resilience, and dedication to…

Senator Moro Condemns Killing of MACBAN Chairman Ardo Muhammad, Demands Thorough Investigation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, has strongly condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, described the attack as barbaric, unacceptable and a threat to peace in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Senator Moro expressed deep concern over the gruesome killing of Muhammad and his friend, Yakubu Isah, who were reportedly ambushed and murdered by armed men…

African Praise Sunday: Bishop Kate Kawas Declares Praise a Weapon of Spiritual Warfare

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Leader of World Harvest Ministries and Proprietress of Lekced International School, Bishop Dr. Kate Kawas, has called on Christians to embrace heartfelt and powerful praise as a potent weapon for spiritual victory, urging believers to make praise a regular part of their lives. She made the call during the maiden edition of African Praise Sunday, held during the church’s Sunday worship service with the theme, “Let the High Praises of God Be in Our Mouth.” The vibrant praise service, led by Minister Nene Olajide, was filled with joy, celebration,…

Nigerian Navy Foils Illegal Fuel Smuggling, Recovers 22,870 Litres of Diesel in Rivers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recovering approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during a targeted operation in Rivers State. The successful operation, carried out on June 28 under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was based on credible intelligence and executed by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area…

Dr Romanus Onuche Ajefu Bags Silent Heroes Award for Outstanding Philanthropy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Renowned philanthropist and community development advocate, Dr. Romanus Onuche Ajefu, has been honoured with the prestigious Silent Heroes Award for Philanthropy at the 2026 Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja. The colourful ceremony, themed “Invisible Light, Illuminating Lives,” brought together distinguished Nigerians from the public and private sectors, security agencies, the diplomatic community, and civil society to celebrate individuals whose quiet acts of service have continued to make remarkable impacts across the country. Dr. Ajefu received the award in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian service and unwavering commitment to improving…