AIG Ewah Visits Ido-Osun Monarch, Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support for Policing

AIG Ewah Visits Ido-Osun Monarch, Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support for Policing

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey Samuel Ewah, has extended his familiarisation tour to the palace of the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Ishola Olayinka Oyetunde Jokotola II, in Osun State. AIG Ewah visited the monarch on Monday, September 28, 2026, accompanied by some members of the NPF Cadet ASP Course 27, who were the traditional ruler’s coursemates during their training in the Nigeria Police Force. Receiving the AIG, Oba Jokotola expressed delight at the visit and recalled that Ewah served as his Course Officer at the Police Staff College, Jos, during his training before he left the police to ascend the traditional throne of Ido-Osun. The monarch described the AIG as a father to many, including himself, and pledged his support and cooperation towards ensuring a successful tenure for the Zone 11 police chief. In response, AIG Ewah expressed pleasure at seeing his former trainee occupy the throne of his forefathers, describing his emergence as a traditional ruler as consistent with his positive character and leadership qualities. The AIG also assured the monarch and residents of Ido-Osun of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 11, to the professional discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, particularly the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of peace and security. He further sought the continued support of traditional rulers and other stakeholders, stressing that effective policing depends on strong partnerships and credible information from members of the public. The visit ended with a vote of thanks by the Babaloja of Ido-Osun, who, on behalf of the monarch, chiefs and residents, appreciated the AIG for the visit and his efforts to strengthen the relationship between the police and the traditional institution.

FG Moves to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide in Nigeria

FG Moves to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide in Nigeria

The Federal Government has begun the process of decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria after the Federal Executive Council approved the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day. Salako, who the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented at the event, said the government would now forward the proposal to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process. The minister described the proposed reform as both a legal and public health measure, stressing that people experiencing mental health crises need care and support rather than punishment. “A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment. “Removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and create greater opportunities for timely intervention,” Salako said. FG to Strengthen Mental Health Support Salako stressed that decriminalising attempted suicide alone would not end suicide in Nigeria. He said the government would continue to strengthen mental health services and expand community-based support. According to him, the government would also prioritise early identification and intervention while encouraging more open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Salako identified the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key policy instruments guiding Nigeria’s response to suicide and mental health challenges. He added that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had consulted policymakers and other stakeholders as part of efforts to advance the proposed reform. Government Plans Better Suicide Data Speaking on Nigeria’s mental health data, the National Coordinator, Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged gaps in available statistics on suicide and attempted suicide. Ojo said the ministry was conducting surveys and using other data-gathering methods to develop more accurate and verifiable national statistics within the next year. The National Coordinator, National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, also reaffirmed the ministry’s plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions. Stakeholders at the event welcomed the Federal Government’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide and pledged their continued support for the legislative process. They also backed efforts to strengthen suicide prevention programmes, improve access to mental healthcare and provide better support for people experiencing mental health crises in Nigeria.

Nigerians Have Right to Film Police on Duty, Lawyer Counters IGP Warning

Nigerians Have Right to Film Police on Duty, Lawyer Counters IGP Warning

Legal practitioner, Inibehe Effiong, has challenged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over his warning against Nigerians recording police officers for social media skits. Effiong argued that Nigerians have the right to record law enforcement officers while they perform their statutory duties in public. The lawyer made the remarks on Friday during an interview with Channels Television. Disu had warned Nigerians against recording police officers for skits, describing the practice as “very, very demoralising” to members of the force. The IGP clarified that his concern was not about citizens’ right to record police officers, but about using policemen as sources of content for social media. However, Effiong questioned what qualifies as content creation and whether the key consideration should be financial gain or public enlightenment. He said, “What is content creation? Is it materials generated and disseminated or published or circulated for revenue generation? Or is it simply posting information for public enlightenment? “What is the determining factor? Is it the quest for financial gain or public enlightenment? And who is the content creator?” Effiong argued that the broad definition of content creation could also apply to the Nigeria Police Force because the institution operates several platforms through which it produces and shares information. “Because if you examine the phrase content creator and content creation broadly, one can say that even the police itself is a content-creating institution,” he said. He pointed out that the police maintains social media handles, a website and a radio station, among other platforms, where it creates and disseminates content. “The reason is that the police owns and operates different platforms through which contents are created and disseminated, including the police social media handles, the website of the police, and other platforms, and even the police radio,” he said. The lawyer said the police therefore needed to clarify what the IGP meant by using police officers for content creation. He specifically questioned whether the warning targeted skit makers, entertainers and pranksters who earn a living from producing humorous content online. “So when the IG speaks about using policemen for content creation, it is important for us to be cautious. Is it referring to skit makers, entertainers or pranksters who are individuals who make a career or make a living from making comical contents and reproducing them online to generate traffic as a source of living?” he asked. Effiong also questioned why the police appeared concerned about citizens recording officers while they were carrying out their duties. “The question is, why is the police constantly fidgeting over the recording of their officers in the course of their duties?” he asked. Disu had cited instances of Nigerians filming police officers while they were eating as part of his concerns about the practice. Effiong, however, said he had not seen evidence that such incidents were widespread on social media. “He cited an instance where he said police officers would be eating and people would be filming them. I haven’t seen that being a practice that is rampant on social media,” he said. He called on the police to provide examples to support the concern raised by the IGP. “So I would be happy if the police can cite some instances to portray the fact that the IG has referenced,” Effiong said. The lawyer maintained that Nigerians have a constitutional right to record police officers and other law enforcement personnel while they perform their official duties in public. “But speaking generally, Nigerians have the right, unmistakably, to record incidents. Not just the police, but law enforcement officers generally, in the course of discharging their statutory responsibility,” he said. Effiong cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, as the legal basis for the right. “That freedom includes the freedom to disseminate and propagate ideas and information,” he said. He added that the constitutional protection covers the various means people use to disseminate information, including mobile phones and other electronic devices. “Within the current constitutional framework, the right of the Nigerian people, the right of every person to record officers in public places usually, while exercising public responsibilities is important,” he said.

2027: Christian, Muslim Youths Sign Peace Agreement in Abuja

2027: Christian, Muslim Youths Sign Peace Agreement in Abuja

  The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations have entered into a peace agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to promote peace and unity throughout the electoral process. The signing took place at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Friday during the 2026 National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving Service, held under the theme: “Empowered for Leadership, Service and Nation Building.” The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the peace accord aimed to foster religious tolerance, reject political violence and promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 elections. The three-day summit brought together security officials, government representatives, church leaders and youth delegates from the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), five CAN blocs and six geopolitical zones. Delivering his welcome address, the National Chairman of YOWICAN, Ven. Evang. Ademola Arowolo, described the peace accord as a “covenant of hope and a declaration of unity” designed to curb electoral violence and interfaith friction from the national level down to the grassroots. “Today marks a defining moment in the history of youth engagement, faith-based leadership, national security advocacy, and interfaith collaboration in Nigeria. “This Peace Accord represents more than a document. It is a covenant of hope, a declaration of unity, and a collective commitment by Christian and Muslim youths to work together in promoting peace, justice, dialogue, tolerance, and national development.” Addressing newsmen during an interview, Arowolo emphasised the sanctity of human life and urged young people to resist political thuggery and vote-buying as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle. “The key objective of today’s gathering is for the Christian youth of this country to sit down and see that security is very important, because every life whether of a Muslim, a Christian, or any other faith is sacred. “God Himself does not divide us; it is human beings that divide us in their own mindsets. “An idle man is the devil’s workshop, but as elections approach, if somebody meets you for any violence, tell them your children should not come. We cannot destroy our own land,” he said. Corroborating the commitment, the National President of NACOMYO, Sani Sulaiman-Maigoro, stressed that interfaith solidarity remained the most viable tool to defeat security threats and political manipulation. “First and foremost is for us to accept the reality that we are first Nigerians, and Nigeria is our country. Together we live and prosper, and when we are divided, we all suffer. “When we work together, we are able to defeat the negative narrative and those few people who choose to be evil and divide us along religious, ethnic, or sectional lines. “Nigerian Muslim youths are here in solidarity with Christian youths to say we are together towards securing and making Nigeria a better place for all,” he said. Representing President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, cautioned young people against allowing politicians to use them as instruments of destruction. “We are meeting at a very crucial time in the history of our great nation a period when we are moving towards another election “It should be a period that none of you will be used as a sacrificial lamb. We don’t want any politician to use you and waste your life. “The Muslim and the Christian in Nigeria must work together; we are brothers and sisters, and it is only when you have peace that you can talk of progress.” The President of CAN, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, urged Christian youths to rise as nation-builders and moral exemplars. Okoh, represented by Rev. Simon Dolly-KIF, the Secretary-General of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), urged youths to rise beyond the limitations of yesterday. “The time has come for Nigerian Christian youths to rise beyond the limitations of yesterday and embrace the responsibility of building the Nigeria we desire to see tomorrow. “Let no Christian youth become an instrument of violence, hatred, manipulation, or destruction. “We must refuse to be recruited into anything that destroys the lives and future of our fellow Nigerians. Nigeria is bigger than our ethnicity, denomination, and political differences.” Highlighting the security perspective, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), noted that peace was essential for youth productivity. Musa, represented by Mr Musa Likita, Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence to the Minister of Defence, recognised the important role of the youth in national development under a whole-of-society approach. “The youth are full of energy, creativity, and innovation, so they will thrive better when the environment is peaceful. “Youths are implored to hold values where they will not allow themselves to be exploited by extremist forces or criminal elements.” (NAN)

INEC, JAMB Strengthen Partnership on Biometric Verification

INEC, JAMB Strengthen Partnership on Biometric Verification

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to assist the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology as the two federal agencies move to strengthen their collaboration. The offer was made on Friday, when the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, led members of the Board’s management team on a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja. Speaking during the visit, Aina said JAMB approached INEC because of its extensive experience in deploying biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians. He said the Board was seeking to further strengthen the integrity of its examination processes and had learnt that INEC had biometric verification equipment that might no longer be in active use. “We approached INEC as a sister agency with considerable experience in the deployment of biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians,” Aina said. He appealed to the Commission to consider making some of the equipment available to JAMB to support its efforts to enhance biometric verification. Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, welcomed the delegation and commended JAMB for its statutory responsibilities, describing the Board as “a critical institution in Nigeria’s education system and the development of the country’s youth.” Amupitan said INEC’s recent electoral engagements, including the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections conducted across the country, had demonstrated the Commission’s growing technological capacity. According to him, the deployment of technology in recent elections had attracted commendations from stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission. He said the commendations were particularly linked to the credibility and peaceful conduct of the electoral exercises. The INEC Chairman directed the Director of Information and Communications Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, to review JAMB’s request and undertake a proof-of-concept assessment. The assessment, he explained, would determine the availability, technical condition, and suitability of any biometric verification equipment that could potentially be deployed by JAMB. Amupitan described the visit as a reflection of “the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration” and stressed the need for government institutions to leverage their expertise and resources to advance national development. He assured the delegation that “INEC remained willing to explore further areas of cooperation” that could strengthen the capacity of both institutions to deliver on their respective mandates. In his response, Aina expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman and management for the warm reception accorded to him and his team. He reaffirmed JAMB’s interest in strengthening institutional collaboration with INEC, particularly in leveraging technology to improve the integrity and efficiency of the Board’s examination processes.   Punch

Don’t Call Me By My First Name, Mo Abudu Tells Young People

Don’t Call Me By My First Name, Mo Abudu Tells Young People

  Media mogul and EbonyLife CEO, Mo Abudu, has explained why she expects younger people to address her formally, saying her views on respect were shaped by her traditional upbringing. Abudu stated this during a conversation with Toke Makinwa on Toke Moments, which was shared on IG on Saturday where she described herself as “very traditional” and said she was raised by her grandmother in Ondo. The media executive said she would not accept being addressed casually by her first name, particularly by younger people. “I am very traditional. I was brought up in Ondo by my grandmother. You can’t be calling me by my first name anyhow. I won’t take it!” she said. Abudu also spoke about perceptions of women in business, arguing that qualities that may be used negatively to describe successful women would often be framed differently when referring to men. “If I was a man, they wouldn’t say I was a shark. They’re going to say she’s an astute businesswoman,” she said. On relationships, the 61-year-old media executive said “nobody can break my heart,” insisting that heartbreak is no longer something she worries about at her age. She added that she would rather date someone her age or older, stressing that for her to respect a partner, “you must have achieved something.” Her comments come amid a recent debate over workplace etiquette and how younger employees should address senior executives. At the graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, a trainee was recently stopped mid-greeting by the bank’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, after addressing him simply as “Tony”. In a video from the event, the trainee was heard saying, “Good morning, Tony,” while addressing the businessman. Elumelu, however, expressed displeasure and corrected the graduate trainee, asking her to address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE”.  

  The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting investors in the hospitality sector, assuring businesses of continued efforts to create a favourable environment for sustainable growth and development. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, gave the assurance when he received the management team of Metro Tulip Apartment Hotel & Suites, Akobo, Ibadan, during a courtesy visit to the ministry. Olatubosun expressed satisfaction with the hotel’s interest in partnering with the state government to promote Oyo’s tourism potential. He said the increasing interest of investors in the sector was an indication that the culture and tourism policies of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde were yielding positive results. The commissioner explained that the state’s tourism development was being driven by collaboration among government and industry stakeholders, noting that teamwork, commitment and passion remained essential to achieving sustainable growth. He assured hospitality investors of government’s support through improved infrastructure, enhanced security and other initiatives designed to strengthen the tourism ecosystem. Olatubosun also urged Metro Tulip to develop programmes in partnership with the ministry, particularly around major cultural and tourism events such as the World Egungun Festival, World Tourism Day, Sango Festival and Isese Day celebrations. He encouraged other investors in the hospitality industry to explore the opportunities available in Oyo State, assuring them of the ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that would contribute to the growth of the sector. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, commended the Metro Tulip management for its hospitality initiative and encouraged the hotel to sustain its investment in the sector. Babalola urged the management to submit proposals for government consideration, particularly those capable of contributing to the development of the hotel industry and the broader hospitality sector. Similarly, the General Manager of the Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Adekunle Agboola, praised the hotel’s proposal to establish a cultural corridor for showcasing monuments and tourism attractions. He advised the management to collaborate with the Visual Arts Department of the council to complement the project with artworks showcasing Oyo State’s rich cultural heritage and tourism destinations. Earlier, the General Manager of Metro Tulip Apartment Hotel & Suites, Mr. Clifford Ndubuisi, commended the ministry’s leadership and Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts to position Oyo State as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria. Ndubuisi highlighted some of the state’s tourism achievements, including the hosting of the International Tourism Summit and the recognition of the World Sango Festival as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that the expansion of tourism activities across the state was creating new opportunities for the hospitality industry, particularly with the growing number of visitors to attractions such as Idere Hills, the Iyake Suspended Lake in Ado-Awaye and the World Egungun Festival. According to him, Metro Tulip’s visit was aimed at transitioning from being a passive observer of the state’s tourism development to becoming an active partner. He said the hotel was prepared to align its operations with the ministry’s tourism calendar and agenda while contributing to the government’s efforts to grow the sector. Ndubuisi proposed several areas of collaboration, including the establishment of a cultural information hub within the hotel, curated heritage tour packages, partnerships around major festivals, and support for the proper structuring, registration and standardisation of the hospitality sector. He also pledged the hotel’s support for the actualisation of the state government’s tourism objectives. The Metro Tulip team appreciated the commissioner for his open-door policy and commitment to advancing culture and tourism in Oyo State, expressing optimism that the proposed partnership would attract more visitors, promote the state’s cultural heritage and boost its hospitality and tourism economy.

  Applicants found to have submitted fraudulent or altered documents or information in Canadian immigration applications may face severe penalties, including a minimum five-year ban from entering Canada, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. IRCC warned applicants on Wednesday on X that immigration fraud can involve a range of false or altered documents, including passports, travel documents, visas, language test results, employment records, educational documents, relationship certificates, police certificates and court documents. “Providing false or altered documents or information can have serious consequences,” IRCC said in a warning shared on X. The department said applicants must also provide truthful information during medical examinations. “Providing false medical documents or misleading a panel physician about existing or previous medical conditions is considered fraud,” IRCC warned. Applicants must also accurately disclose their physical presence in Canada when applying to renew permanent resident status or for citizenship. According to IRCC, where false information or documents are submitted by an applicant, representative or interpreter, the application could be refused. The person could also receive a permanent fraud record with IRCC, lose temporary or permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship, be barred from applying for citizenship for five years, or be removed from Canada. The department also warned applicants about so-called relationships of convenience, in which a marriage, common-law or conjugal relationship is entered into primarily to obtain Canadian immigration status. “Immigration officers may use document checks, interviews and home visits to determine whether a relationship is genuine,” IRCC said. Canadian citizens or permanent residents involved in a marriage of convenience for immigration purposes could also face criminal charges. IRCC further cautioned applicants about chargeback fraud, which occurs when a visa application fee paid by credit card is reversed by the applicant or someone acting on their behalf. “A reversed payment could result in your application being cancelled, delayed or refused,” the department said, adding that applicants could potentially face a ban from travelling to Canada for up to 10 years. IRCC said it works with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, foreign police services and document-issuing authorities to detect and investigate immigration fraud. The department said it contacts issuing authorities to verify documents, uses programme-integrity measures to deter fraud and pursues cases of misrepresentation involving people attempting to exploit Canada’s immigration system. IRCC urged applicants to ensure that all information and documents submitted as part of an immigration application are genuine and accurate.

YOUTH DAY: ITÀNSÁN Creative Experience Partners CICIALADIRE Train Young People In Adire Art

  ITÀNSÁN Creative Experience, in partnership with youth-led Adire brand, CICIALADIRE, has marked the 2026 International Youth Day with an inaugural creative workshop focused on Adire, the traditional Yoruba textile art. The event, held on Sunday, August 16, in Ibadan, brought together young creatives, culture enthusiasts and participants to learn, create and engage with indigenous culture. Convened by Adekunle Adewunmi Elizabeth and organised by ITÀNSÁN ENTERTAINMENT, the team behind the ITÀNSÁN Art Festival, the maiden edition was designed to provide practical creative experiences for young people. CICIALADIRE, an Ibadan-based youth-led Adire brand, co-hosted the session and provided practical guidance on Adire production techniques. The organisers said the partnership was aimed at strengthening the connection between young people, creativity and cultural heritage, starting with Adire as a symbol of Yoruba identity and artistic expression. Participants were introduced to the history and creative processes behind Adire production before taking part in a hands-on session. They experimented with different techniques, colours and patterns to create their own Adire fabrics, which they took home at the end of the event. The programme also provided opportunities for networking, idea exchange and discussions on the role of young people in preserving cultural heritage. Speaking on the initiative, Convener of ITÀNSÁN Creative Experience, Adekunle Adewunmi Elizabeth, said the programme was designed to create a community of young people passionate about learning and preserving indigenous practices. “This is the beginning of something we’re hoping will grow into a beautiful community of young people and creatives who are passionate about learning, creating and preserving,” she said. The organisers noted that young people should not only consume culture but should also have opportunities to experience, reinterpret and preserve it. They added that subsequent editions of the ITÀNSÁN Creative Experience would explore other indigenous practices, with CICIALADIRE and other cultural partners expected to collaborate in expanding the initiative.

China Pledges N40bn Grant to Support Development Projects in Nigeria

  Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced that China will provide a RMB200 million (N40.3 billion) grant to support development projects across Nigeria. Yu disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with Dr Dunoma Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja. He said the grant would support projects jointly agreed upon by the governments of the two countries as part of efforts to advance Nigeria’s development priorities. According to him, the grant is part of China’s continued support for Nigeria’s national development and economic growth, and efforts to translate bilateral agreements into tangible benefits for the people. The envoy recalled that China-Nigeria relations had remained at the forefront of China-Africa relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 55 years ago. “Over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, bilateral relations have consistently remained at the forefront of China-Africa relations,” Yu said. According to him, the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has entered a new stage of high-quality development under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. He said both countries had maintained close communication and coordination in implementing the common understandings reached by their leaders and the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit. Yu said the objective was to ensure that cooperation between both countries was translated into concrete outcomes capable of improving the lives of their citizens. “China and Nigeria have maintained close communication and coordination, working together to implement the common understandings reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit,” he said. Responding, the permanent secretary expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government for its continued support for Nigeria’s economic and social development. He said the grant demonstrated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development, and reflected the longstanding friendship between the two countries. “The grant assistance fully demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility as a major country and reflects the deep friendship between Nigeria and China,” he said. Ahmed assured that Nigeria would ensure effective utilisation of the grant and work closely with China to implement existing bilateral cooperation agreements. He said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening Nigeria-China relations and ensuring that bilateral cooperation produced greater benefits for the peoples of both countries. NAN reports that the meeting bothered on the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, and ongoing efforts to implement the 2024 FOCAC outcomes. NAN