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Prospective Corps Member dies en route to Ebonyi NYSC camp

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Hama Media
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A prospective corps member tragically lost her life while traveling to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State,Daily Trust reports.

The deceased was among 12 prospective corps members who boarded a 14-seater bus heading to the camp.

According to reports, the group, part of the 2024 Batch C Stream II, had departed from Enugu when their bus, operated by Enugu North Mass Transit, collided with a truck parked by the roadside.

The female corps member, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was pronounced dead at King David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) in Uburu, where the injured passengers are currently receiving medical care.

Mr. Igwe Henry, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ebonyi, confirmed the incident but stated that his officers arrived after the victims had been rescued by bystanders.

ALSO READ: PDP NWC members visit Fubara in Rivers, declare him party leader

“When our men from the Amasiri Unit Command received the report and arrived at the scene, the victims had already been evacuated,” he said.

The crash reportedly occurred on January 22 at approximately 2:00 PM along the Amasiri-Okigwe route, near Amenu village in Okposi.

Preliminary investigations suggest excessive speed by the Toyota commercial bus as the primary cause of the accident. The second vehicle involved was identified as a Mercedes-Benz tipper truck.

Henry explained that the items recovered from the scene are in the custody of a local resident, Chief Amos of Amenu village. He added that the injured passengers seen at King David’s Hospital were in stable condition.

The Ebonyi State Coordinator of the NYSC, Foluke Oladeinde, visited the injured corps members at the hospital.

Speaking briefly to journalists, Oladeinde said, “I am not in the right frame of mind to talk now. I am in the hospital. Yes, the accident occurred, but I can’t talk at the moment.”

PDP NWC members visit Fubara in Rivers, declare him party leader

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Hama Media
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Some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have pledged their support for Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State,Thecable reports.

The NWC members expressed their solidarity during a visit to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Wednesday, declaring Fubara as the leader of the PDP in the state.

The delegation included Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesperson, and Ahmed Mohammed, the national treasurer.

Speaking after their meeting with the governor, Mohammed emphasized the party’s plans to regain power in the 2027 elections. “From Rivers to the national level, we are working together, and the governor is the leader of the PDP in Rivers State, as it is the policy of the PDP that every sitting governor is the leader of the party in their state,” he said.

ALSO READ: Nigeria, Global Leaders Target $29trn African Economy By 2050

“In essence, the governor of Rivers State is the leader of the PDP. We came to visit our leader and to assure him that we are 100 percent with him.

“The purpose of this visit is to reassure Nigerians that the PDP is united and focused on ensuring that, come May 2027, the PDP returns to governance in Nigeria.”

Reports indicate divisions within the PDP NWC, with Mohammed and Ologunagba leading one faction, while other members align with Umar Damagum, the acting national chairman.

The visit comes in the wake of a Rivers State High Court ruling that nullified the PDP congresses conducted in August 2024 across the state’s 319 wards and 23 local government areas. These congresses were reportedly supported by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Fubara and Wike are currently embroiled in a power tussle within the state.

Following the court’s decision, Ologunagba issued a statement acknowledging the ruling on behalf of the PDP NWC. However, this statement was swiftly countered by Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP deputy spokesperson, who described it as a “calculated falsehood.”

Abdullahi, claiming to act on directives from Damagum, stated that Ologunagba was not authorized to comment on the court judgment.

Nigeria, Global Leaders Target $29trn African Economy By 2050

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Hama Media
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Vice President Kashim Shettima has joined global leaders in advocating for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming to elevate Africa’s economy to $29 trillion by 2050,leadership reports.

Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to spearheading AfCFTA initiatives, leveraging its market potential to drive digital transformation and economic integration across the continent.

Similarly, the President of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, highlighted AfCFTA’s transformative potential, emphasizing that its full implementation could propel Africa’s economy to unprecedented heights by 2050.

According to a statement by Shettima’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President, along with other global leaders, shared their nations’ positions on Wednesday during the “Forum of Friends of AfCFTA,” held on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 WEF annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

ALSO READ: Ganduje: How we chased bandits out of Kano forest 

Speaking at the forum, themed “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa,” Shettima described AfCFTA as a cornerstone of shared prosperity and underscored Africa’s unique opportunities in addressing global talent shortages.

“A study by Korn Ferry projects a global talent deficit of over 85 million people by 2030. By 2050, Nigeria’s population will surpass that of the United States, reaching 440 million and becoming the third most populous country in the world,” Shettima noted.

He also highlighted Africa’s rapidly growing digital landscape, stating, “Nigeria alone has 220 million telecom subscribers and 163 million internet users. This positions us to empower our people and thrive in the knowledge economy. While Nigeria’s highest oil export earnings reached $35 billion in 2011, India earned $120 billion from outsourcing last year. AfCFTA represents more than an economic arrangement; it is a declaration of Africa’s shared destiny.”

WEF President Børge Brende echoed Shettima’s sentiments, emphasizing that Africa’s young population offers unparalleled economic potential. “Africa’s demographic advantage positions it uniquely, as most other regions face workforce challenges. If the AfCFTA Secretariat receives adequate support, intra-African trade could grow by 50%, unlocking tremendous growth,” Brende stated.

He further pointed out that Africa, representing one-third of global GDP at $29 trillion, holds immense promise, with the key challenge being the creation of new jobs for its growing youth population.

Other speakers at the forum included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Botswana President Duma Boko, DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and numerous global CEOs.

Ganduje: How we chased bandits out of Kano forest 

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Hama Media
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The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called for the military to take control of forests to tackle the problem of banditry in Nigeria,Daily Trust reports.

Dr. Ganduje made this statement during a visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to express condolences over the recent tanker explosion that claimed several lives in the state.

According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, on Thursday in Abuja, Ganduje emphasized the importance of proactive and decisive action to eliminate criminal activities in forests, which serve as hideouts for bandits.

As a former governor of Kano State, Ganduje recounted his own experience addressing banditry, stating: “The solution to this menace is to conquer the forests. The bandits are in the forest.

ALSO READ: NLC rejects 50% telecom tariff hike, threatens nationwide action

Why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive? When I was governor of Kano State, I requested, through the federal government, for the military to take over Falgore Forest. The military established a training ground there, and the bandits were driven out. That is why Kano enjoys peace today.”

In his response, Governor Bago thanked the APC leadership for their support and urged the federal government to address critical infrastructure needs, such as the Suleja-Minna road, to reduce accidents and enhance safety in the state.

NLC rejects 50% telecom tariff hike, threatens nationwide action

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Hama Media
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the federal government and telecommunications companies for approving a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, labeling it an attack on Nigerians’ welfare amid the soaring cost of living,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking at Labour House in Abuja on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the tariff increase as prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ well-being. While acknowledging the challenges of inflation, he rejected the approved rate, calling for an immediate halt to its implementation.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress unequivocally condemns the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), of a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs,” Ajaero said. “This decision, made during a time of unprecedented economic hardship, is an assault on the welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens, leaving them at the mercy of corporate profiteers.”

ALSO READ: Shettima sure Boko Haram would be conquered

Ajaero also criticized the National Assembly for failing to represent Nigerians’ interests in critical policy decisions. He noted the lack of dialogue with key stakeholders before announcing the tariff hike and questioned the government’s priorities.

“Telecommunication services are essential for communication, work, and access to information,” Ajaero stated. “Yet, an average Nigerian worker, earning the ₦70,000 minimum wage, already spends about 10% of their income on telecom charges. This tariff hike would increase their monthly telecom expense from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500—15% of their salary—an unsustainable burden.”

He highlighted the government’s swift approval of the telecom tariff hike compared to its sluggish response in implementing a long-overdue minimum wage increase, underscoring a perceived bias toward corporate interests over public welfare.

“When will the government prioritize the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly hold the executive accountable for policies that undermine the majority’s welfare? When will the common Nigerian find relief?” Ajaero asked.

The NLC called for the immediate suspension of the tariff hike and demanded a broader dialogue involving all stakeholders to agree on a more reasonable adjustment, if necessary.

“We are not opposed to a tariff review, but a 50% increase is excessive and unjustifiable,” Ajaero emphasized. “If dialogue proves the need for a hike, it must be a humane increase—not this punitive measure.”

Ajaero warned of potential mass action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to force the reversal of the tariff increase.

“The NLC urges Nigerian workers and citizens to reject this unjustifiable hike,” he declared. “Prepare for collective action, including a nationwide telecom boycott, to demand a reversal. This is about our dignity, rights, and survival as a people.”

He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to defending Nigerians against policies that deepen poverty and inequality. “We will not allow policies that entrench hardship to go unchallenged. Together, we will resist this injustice and push for a government that places citizens’ welfare above corporate interests,” Ajaero concluded.

4o

Shettima sure Boko Haram would be conquered

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Hama Media
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Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has expressed confidence that Boko Haram will ultimately fail in its campaign against the Federal Government.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Tuesday during a press briefing about the abduction of 234 students from Government Girls Secondary School (GGSC) in Chibok, Governor Shettima described the incident as a divine trial.

“We will overcome it soon,” he said, extending his condolences to the parents of the abducted girls. “Our hearts go out to them because this tragedy affects us all.”

The governor expressed hope that the girls would soon be rescued, noting the intense efforts of security agencies to ensure their release. “We are going to survive and rebuild our lives because truth will always triumph over falsehood,” he added.

ALSO READ: DSS files terrorism charges against Mahdi Shehu

Shettima criticized Boko Haram’s ideology as being rooted in falsehood and unsustainable in the long run. “The abduction of these innocent girls is a trial from God, and we will overcome it soon,” he reiterated.

Despite the declaration of a state of emergency in May 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan in three northeastern states plagued by Boko Haram attacks, violence has persisted. On April 14, 2014, a car bomb with an estimated 500-800 pounds of explosives detonated at Nyanya District bus station in Abuja, killing 79 people and injuring 180 others.

Two days after the Nyanya bombing, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram militants attacked Wala Village, about 130 kilometers southwest of Maiduguri. The assault claimed 18 lives and left many others injured, further highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

DSS files terrorism charges against Mahdi Shehu

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Hama Media
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The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed five terrorism-related charges against Kaduna-based activist and social critic Mahdi Shehu over his recent online and offline activities,Daily Trust reports.

The charges were submitted at the Federal High Court in Kaduna last Friday, just two days after Shehu was re-arrested by plainclothes operatives at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa.

According to Daily Trust, the activist was previously arrested in December 2024 and arraigned for sharing a misleading video on his social media platform. The DSS alleged that Shehu distributed “doctored videos claiming the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in the North.” He was later granted bail by the Kaduna State High Court on January 9, 2025, on conditions that included a ₦3 million bond and two prominent clerics as sureties.

ALSO READ: Gov Sani Reinstates Piriga Chiefdom Monarch Sacked By el-Rufai

The DSS’s new legal action follows a motion ex parte filed at the same court seeking an order to detain Shehu for 60 days. An operative, speaking anonymously, stated that the motion was based on Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the order, allowing the DSS to hold Shehu for 60 days to complete their investigations.

The charges against Shehu include:

  • False publication intended to incite public alarm, contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
  • Dissemination of terrorism-related false information, contrary to Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • Intentional dissemination of false information, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).
  • False allegation of treasonable acts, contrary to Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.
  • Using social media to support false claims of a national security threat, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The DSS claims these actions violate multiple national laws and pose significant security concerns.

Gov Sani Reinstates Piriga Chiefdom Monarch Sacked By el-Rufai

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Hama Media
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Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has reinstated His Highness, Mr. Jonathan Paragua Zamuna, as the Chief of Piriga Chiefdom in Lere Local Government Area, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court,leadership reports.

During a ceremony at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna on Wednesday, Governor Sani presented Mr. Zamuna with his appointment letter. The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, due process, and justice.

The reinstatement follows a National Industrial Court ruling on June 14, 2024, which nullified the removal and deposition of Chief Jonathan Zamuna by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai. The court declared the action “null and void” and ordered the restoration of Mr. Zamuna to his position, along with all associated salaries, allowances, and benefits.

ALSO READ: Court denies el-Rufai’s ex-commissioner bail in ‘money laundering’ trial

Governor Sani congratulated the reinstated monarch and urged him to lead his people with fairness and without bias, ensuring equal treatment for all, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

In his response, Chief Zamuna expressed gratitude to Governor Sani for his reinstatement. He noted that the Piriga Chiefdom comprises 12 ethnic groups living in harmony and pledged to continue fostering peace among his people.

Court denies el-Rufai’s ex-commissioner bail in ‘money laundering’ trial

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Hama Media
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The Kaduna State High Court has declined to hear the bail application of Mohammed Bashir Sa’idu, a former commissioner in the state, who is facing trial on charges of alleged money laundering,Thecable reports.

Sa’idu was arraigned by the Kaduna State Government on Tuesday on a 10-count charge of money laundering, embezzlement, and theft. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The state government accused Sa’idu of selling $45 million in hard currency belonging to the Kaduna State Government at an undervalued rate of N410 per dollar, instead of the parallel market rate of N498 per dollar, during his tenure as commissioner for finance in 2022 under former governor Nasir el-Rufai. The transaction allegedly caused a loss of N3.96 billion to the government.

ALSO READ: Federal Gov’t Certifies Contractor Handling Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Competent

During the proceedings, M.I. Abubakar, counsel for the former commissioner, requested bail for his client, citing his arrest on January 2, 2025, and the need to adequately prepare his defense. However, the prosecuting counsel, Nasiru Aliyu, opposed the application, arguing that the law allows the prosecution seven days to file a response to such requests.

In his ruling, Justice Isa Aliyu upheld the prosecution’s argument, granting their request for time to respond. The judge adjourned the case to January 23 for a hearing on the bail application.

Sa’idu previously served as commissioner for local government affairs, chief of staff, and commissioner for finance during the el-Rufai administration. He is also facing a similar charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Federal Gov’t Certifies Contractor Handling Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Competent

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Hama Media
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The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed confidence in the competence of the contractor handling the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project, after the contract was revoked from Julius Berger. Umahi clarified that the new contractor is Infiouest International Nigeria Limited, not InfoQuest Nigeria Limited as previously misreported by a national daily,leadership reports.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Umahi accused some contractors of deliberately delaying projects to demand higher payments when material prices increase. Addressing allegations that the project was awarded to an inactive company, he noted that sections of the road delivered by Julius Berger were already showing signs of failure.

He criticized Julius Berger for publishing misleading information following the contract termination, stating that the company had failed to resolve issues related to timelines and pricing after 14 months and over 20 meetings with the Ministry of Works. Umahi also alleged that Julius Berger was attempting to incite public discontent against the federal government.

ALSO READ: Niger Residents Scoop Oil From Another faulty Tanker Days After Explosion…

“Julius Berger lacks the necessary equipment and is living on past glory,” he said. “They claim to have completed 65% of the project, covering 750 kilometers, with N391 billion paid to them. Yet, they are demanding an additional N1.1 trillion to complete the remaining 35% without any additional work.”

Umahi defended the government’s decision to disaggregate the project after Julius Berger failed to meet the 14-month deadline for completing the remaining 240 kilometers. Sections 1 and 3 of the road were subsequently awarded under a tax credit scheme. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later directed the Ministry of Works to complete the project without the tax credit system, expanding the scope to include the Aminu Kano International Airport road and other improvements such as solar lighting.

The project, now covering 119 kilometers, was re-awarded for N252.9 billion, significantly lower than the N3.12 billion per kilometer Julius Berger had requested. “We are using reinforced concrete to ensure durability and align with the president’s vision for sustainable road infrastructure,” Umahi said.

He also criticized Julius Berger’s handling of the Bodo-Bonny Road project, accusing the company of reneging on a prior agreement and demanding an additional N80 billion for completion. Despite negotiations involving top government officials, Umahi expressed skepticism about the contractor meeting its September completion deadline.

The minister condemned contractors who delay projects to exploit inflation, noting that these tactics result in higher costs for the government and suffering for citizens due to accidents and delays. He emphasized that stricter conditions would be enforced for contractors to claim variations on pricing.

Umahi concluded by warning against public incitement by contractors, urging stakeholders to focus on delivering results. “The true measure of success lies in the quality of work delivered, not in endless debates and delays,” he said.

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