Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra state, has been sworn in for a second term in office.
Onyekachukwu Ibezim also took the oath of office for a fresh tenure as deputy governor.
Soludo secured victory in the November 2025 governorship election, which was conducted across 5,718 polling units in Anambra state.
The incumbent polled 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who came second with 99,445 votes.
Soludo was sworn in on Tuesday in Awka, the state capital, with several dignitaries in attendance.
Among those present were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and former Nigerian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
The event was attended by political stakeholders, government officials, supporters, and traditional rulers. It signposts the beginning of a new four-year tenure for the governor.
In his inauguration address, Soludo said he would deliver on his campaign promises.
He said his re-election was a “unanimous endorsement of his programmes and objectives”, promising the people of Anambra that “we would not take your support for granted”.
He thanked the federal government and international community for partnering with his government in the last four years.
The governor also appreciated members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and APC, saying “all progressives are working together”.
“Politics and elections are over. It’s time to work together for the development of Anambra,” he added. (TheCable)
Philip Aduda, a former senator, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aduda was received into the ruling party on Monday in Abuja by Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC national chairman.
Earlier on Monday, Aduda, who represented the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2011 and 2023 in the senate, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aduda, an ally of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the FCT, attributed his decision to quit the PDP to the leadership crisis in the opposition party.
The former senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity to serve in various elective positions in the country.
Earlier this month, Wike said Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT in the senate, would not be re-elected in 2027, claiming that she has “no project to show”.
Aduda lost the FCT senatorial election in 2023 to Kingibe. Aduda would later challenge the outcome of the polls, but both the tribunal and the appeal court upheld Kingibe’s election. (The Cable)
No fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed when heavily armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in Wanka and surrounding communities of the Garga area in the Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Kanam Development Association (KADA) disclosed this in a statement signed by its Secretary, ND Shehu Kanam, and Chairman, Garba G. Aliyu, issued on Saturday in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The association said the victims included 12 security personnel, among them two senior military officers, and eight vigilante members who were assisting security forces to protect the communities.
According to the statement, the patrol team—made up of military personnel and local vigilantes—was travelling in two vehicles on routine security operations across the communities of Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau when they were suddenly ambushed by hundreds of heavily armed bandits on their way to Wanka at about 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
“In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” the statement read.
KADA described the deaths of the security personnel and vigilantes as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” noting that the fallen operatives died while defending rural communities that have long faced repeated attacks.
The association added that after the ambush, the bandits reportedly stormed the Kyaram community, where they looted properties worth millions of naira and rustled a large number of cattle belonging to residents.
KADA warned that the incident was not isolated, stressing that communities around Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and neighbouring settlements located along the borders of Plateau, Taraba and Bauchi states have endured persistent attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling for the past three to four years.
The association said it had previously issued several appeals to authorities over the deteriorating security situation but lamented that the crisis had continued to escalate.
It therefore called on the local, state and federal governments to urgently intervene to prevent further bloodshed in the affected communities.
Among its demands, KADA urged the immediate deployment of additional military and security personnel to Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka and neighbouring communities, as well as the establishment of a permanent security presence in the border areas.
The group also called for coordinated security operations along the Plateau–Taraba–Bauchi border corridor, which it said bandits exploit due to the difficult terrain.
In addition, it appealed for relief support for affected residents, many of whom have reportedly lost homes, livestock and other sources of livelihood as a result of the attacks.
“The people of these communities are law-abiding citizens whose only desire is to live peacefully, farm their land, raise their families and contribute to the development of our nation. They cannot and must not be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals,” the statement added.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation of the incident from security authorities were unsuccessful, as both the military and the police did not respond to calls and messages seeking confirmation as of press time.
KADA also extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the families of the fallen soldiers and vigilantes, and the affected communities, saying their sacrifice would not be forgotten. (Channels)
Nigeria’s football community has been hit with yet another bout of grief following the death of former Super Eagles midfielder, Henry Nwosu, who passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 62.
The news of Nwosu’s passing was announced by Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami through his social media platforms on Saturday.
According to Odegbami, Nwosu died at about 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Idi-Araba, where he had been receiving intensive medical care since Wednesday, March 11.
“Henry Nwosu passes on! After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 a.m. this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday,” Odegbami wrote.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu MON. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven.”
Born in Imo State, Nwosu rose to prominence as a gifted midfielder known for his vision, creativity, and technical skill. He was the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, where the then Green Eagles secured the country’s first continental title on home soil.
His performances during the tournament and in subsequent international appearances established him as one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation.
Beyond his international career, Nwosu was also a prominent figure in Nigerian domestic football, where he earned admiration for his intelligence on the ball and leadership on the field.
After retiring from active football, the former international remained deeply involved in the game, working as a coach and mentor to younger players while contributing to grassroots development.
Nwosu’s death comes just days after the passing of former NFF technical director and Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup and died at the age of 88. (Channels)
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday has convicted and sentenced three people to death by hanging over the murder of a pharmacist.
The convicts are Confidence Kirinee, popularly called General Ilia, Precious Mona and Soniabari Sagha.
The court, presided over by Justice Augusta Chukwu, also convicted one Loveday Legah to life imprisonment for belonging to a secret cult group whose activities led to the murder of a pharmacist identified as Muenalo Sunday from Zaakpo community in Khana Local Government Area of the state.
Justice Chukwu convicted and sentenced the trio of Confidence Kirinee, Precious Mona and Soniabari Sagha to death by hanging for conspiracy, cultism, kidnapping, and murder of the pharmacist on 5th March 2019 in Zaakpo community, Khana LGA.
Justice Chukwu in her judgement held that the prosecution proved the case of conspiracy, cultism, kidnapping, and murder against Confidence Kirinee, popularly called General Ilia, Precious Mona and Soniabari Sagha, and a case of cultism against Loveday Legah.
The judge ruled that with confessional statements and evidence before the court, the suspects, who are members of the Iceland secret cult, actually conspired, kidnapped and murdered their victim, cut off his head and other sensitive organs and later dumped his remains inside a pit, while the head was taken to their shrine in a bush in a neighbouring community.
She held that while Loveday Legah should spend his entire life in prison, Confidence Kirinee, Precious Mona and Soniabari Sagha should be hanged by the neck until they are confirmed dead.
Counsel to the convicts declined to comment on the judgment. The prosecution counsel, speaking to newsmen, Chief State Counsel, Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu, commended the judge for a thorough job, which he described as proof of justice for both the dead and the living.
Ordu said, “The judgment today is a good one. We commend the judge for a thorough work. It has been a hectic one from when we started till date.
“We really thank God that the matter has come to an end. We have done our part and today the judge in her wisdom has convicted the four defendants for conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and cultism.
“It will restore hope to my client, who before now thought she would not get justice from the judiciary.”
He continued, “Today I’m sure she is happy and even the dead is also happy that justice has also been secured on his behalf, notwithstanding that he was brutally killed. He will also rest wherever he is today.”
On her part, the widow of the late pharmacist, who said she has sickle cell disease, Pretty Neewa-Sunday, expressed happiness over the judgment, which she said would allow the soul of her late husband to rest in peace.
She stated, “They have reaped what they sowed because they killed my husband who did not commit any offence.
“My pain is that I have sickle cell disease and only my husband knew how to care for me. Today I have become a widow that neither my husband nor I planned for.” (Punch)
A political advocacy group within the All Progressives Congress on Friday urged the national leadership of the party to exercise caution in selecting governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections, warning that poor choices could threaten the party’s fortunes in the South-West and potentially undermine the re-election prospects of President Bola Tinubu in the region.
The Oyo APC Youth League particularly cautioned against two prominent politicians who had previously failed in their attempts to clinch the governorship tickets in their respective states but are reportedly preparing to contest again in 2027.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s spokesman, Taorid Olawale, said the party must place a premium on integrity, credibility and grassroots appeal in choosing candidates across key South-West states.
He said, “We urge the party to prioritise integrity, credibility, and grassroots acceptance in selecting candidates for key states in the South-west, particularly Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states.
“In Yorubaland, personal history and public reputation of political aspirants remain critical factors in determining electoral support.”
According to him, voters in the region expect candidates whose lives reflect honesty, public service and a genuine connection to the grassroots.
Olawale warned that presenting aspirants with questionable records or widespread public distrust could damage the credibility of the ruling party and weaken its electoral chances in the South-West, particularly in Oyo State.
He further argued that such decisions could also negatively affect President Tinubu’s anticipated bid for re-election in 2027.
The youth league also highlighted the political significance of Ibadan and referenced the counsel of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, describing him as a respected technocrat, former senator and former governor whose voice still carries weight among the people.
Olawale emphasised that the royal father’s experience in governance and deep grassroots connection make his perspective valuable in guiding both the President and the APC in identifying credible candidates, especially in Oyo State.
He said, “In politics, sins are not forgiven; they are merely kept until the right time for reckoning,” warning that allowing controversial figures to secure party tickets through internal political manoeuvring could have far-reaching consequences for the party across the region.
“The stakes are high, and history will not forgive a misstep. In this regard, an opinion poll has truly indicated that the APC as a party may have a deficit of victory in the next governorship election in Oyo state if it fields any of its old candidates.
“The APC can rob itself of victory if its leadership turns defiant against public expectation of picking a young, fresh, virtuous and modest candidate to represent the party in the 2027 governorship election.”
The spokesman concluded by warning that the decisions taken by the party in selecting candidates for Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states would play a decisive role in determining whether the APC retains its dominance in the South-West or faces rejection by the electorate. (Punch)
Britain will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III.
Tinubu is expected to begin the visit in the company of his wife Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police in a statement on its website on Wednesday, said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners.
The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation for the visit.
“The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not..
“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning, and preparation has gone into this event,” Hall said.
He said the force would take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.
“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested.”
The police chief said officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing, and armed units, would be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources.
“We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said.
The authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures for the event.
Hall said, “We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.”
He urged members of the public to support the security operation by remaining vigilant.
“The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999,” Hall added.
Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it was being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Persons with legitimate reasons for drone flying were directed to email TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has nominated a former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Lamido Yuguda, as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The nomination, which is subject to confirmation by the Senate, was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the appointment was made in line with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Onanuga said Yuguda’s nomination follows the recent appointment of the former CBN Deputy Governor, Bala Bello, as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.
“The President charges them to discharge their responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, in their respective roles,” the statement read.
“The President charges them to discharge their responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, in their respective roles,” the statement read.
The President urged the nominee to discharge his duties with professionalism and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
Yuguda served as Director-General of the SEC from 2020 to 2024. (Punch)
Three persons have died in a multiple-vehicle crash at the Toll Gate area of the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.
Six others sustained injuries in the accident involving a white Howo Sino truck with registration number T4995LA; a yellow commercial bus marked SMK 199YK; another yellow commercial bus with registration number AGL 394YA; an LT commercial bus with registration number FKJ 360YH; a yellow Suzuki bus marked AKD 98YL; and another yellow Suzuki bus with registration number KSF 23YA.
Following the crash, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) warned traders against displaying their wares on walkways and roadsides to prevent avoidable accidents.
TRACE spokesperson Babatunde Akinbiyi said 15 persons were involved in the crash. Six victims — three males and three females — sustained injuries, while three others, a female toddler, an adult female and an adult male, died.
He attributed the crash to brake failure involving the Howo truck, whose driver reportedly lost control and rammed into other vehicles, crushing commuters who were attempting to board a bus.
Akinbiyi said TRACE officials, police officers and operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were deployed to the scene for rescue operations.
According to him, the injured victims were taken to General Hospital, Ota, while the bodies of the deceased were moved to the Ifo morgue.
He also warned articulated vehicle drivers to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles to prevent similar incidents.
Akinbiyi urged traders displaying goods on walkways and roadsides to remove them to avoid being exposed to danger.
“Traders who display their wares on walkways and roadsides are advised to remove them in view of the risks involved,” he added.
He said the accident vehicles had been towed to the Papa Oscar yard for further investigation, while traffic on the road had been restored. (Guardian)
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday announced the resolution of the long-running dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, clearing the path for the development of one of Nigeria’s most commercially significant deepwater oil assets.
The breakthrough followed the signing of a settlement agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria, ENI, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of ENI, Claudio Descalzi; the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Guido Brusco; Head of Sub-Saharan Region, Mario Bello; Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration, Fabrizio Bolondi; and the President’s Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen.
The agreement brings to an end more than 15 years of legal and commercial disputes surrounding the oil block, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising deepwater assets.
With the settlement concluded, attention is expected to shift to the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Zabazaba, Etan deepwater development project, which could add about 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity.
President Tinubu described the agreement as a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to resolve legacy disputes, restore investor confidence and unlock the country’s energy potential.
“This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law and create a stable environment for long-term capital,” the President said.
The President’s Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, said the settlement represented a significant improvement over the 2011 Resolution Agreement and aligns with the regulatory framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
According to her, the revised terms strike a balance between providing investors with the clarity and predictability required for large-scale deepwater investments while ensuring stronger value for the Nigerian federation.
“The revised terms provide investors with the certainty required to proceed with major deepwater investments, while ensuring stronger value accretion and safeguards for the federation,” she said.
The resolution forms part of broader reforms introduced since 2023 to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy markets. These reforms, anchored in the Petroleum Industry Act and supported by executive policy measures, have begun attracting renewed investor interest and capital inflows into the country’s oil and gas sector.
Verheijen noted that resolving the OPL 245 dispute removes one of the most prominent legacy risks in Nigeria’s upstream industry and reinforces the government’s commitment to predictable regulation, transparent governance and commercially viable investment frameworks.
President Tinubu commended all institutions and stakeholders involved in achieving the settlement, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited and the leadership of ENI.
The administration said the resolution underscores its determination to unlock Nigeria’s strategic energy assets, attract responsible investment and ensure that the nation’s resources translate into economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity for Nigerians. (Guardian)
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