News

Debo Akande Boost Night Trading Activities At Mapo, Oja’oba, Oritamerin, With Solar Powered Street Lights

by

  The Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Adebowale Akande, has facilitated the installation and commissioning of 22 solar-powered street lights along the Mapo–Orita-Merin axis in Ibadan South West Local Government Area. The initiative, aimed at improving safety and stimulating economic activities, covers the historic Oja-Oba market corridor one of the busiest commercial hubs in Ibadan. Speaking during the commissioning, stakeholders noted that the project would significantly enhance visibility in the area, enabling traders to extend their business hours and increase daily earnings. Some market men and women expressed optimism about the immediate impact of the development. “Now we can stay longer to sell. Before, once it got dark, we had to close early,” a trader said. Residents also highlighted the security benefits of the solar-powered lights, noting that improved illumination would help reduce crime and aid local vigilante groups in monitoring the environment. “The dark corners used to be a problem. Now everywhere is visible. It will help security a lot,” another resident stated. The commissioning ceremony was attended by key political, traditional, and community leaders in Ibadan South West LGA. Among them were Baba Nureni Akanbi of the Oyo State Elders Council; the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West LGA, Hon. Kehinde Akande, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Hassan Aburyan; and Mr. Kunle Folarin, PDP Chairman in the local government. Others included Mogaji Qumardeen Adeniyi Salawudeen, President of Omo Ajorosun Ibadan; Hon. Wale Adelodun James, Leader of the Legislative House; councillors and supervisory councillors of the LGA; Hon. Lateef Ige, PDP Vice Chairman; the Babaloja of Mapo Orita-Merin, Mr. Rasak Ademola; and the Chairman of the Mapo Orita-Merin Community, among other dignitaries. The project underscores a broader development approach focused on practical interventions that improve livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and enhance community safety.

Ogun Shuts School Over Suspected Gas Leak

by

  The Ogun State Government has ordered the closure of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu Ode and launched an investigation following a suspected gas leak that hospitalised about 30 students. The incident occurred shortly after the school assembly on Wednesday, causing panic as a gaseous substance spread across the premises. PUNCH Metro gathered that more than 30 persons, including students and staff members, reportedly struggled to breathe. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said Governor Dapo Abiodun had directed security agencies to determine the cause of the incident, noting that the outcome of the investigation would help prevent a recurrence. The governor also ordered the immediate closure of the affected school. “Governor Abiodun has also directed the immediate opening of a Situation Room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, which will offer free treatment to other students and residents of the impacted areas such as Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto and Oke-Aje market,” the statement added. Residents of areas including Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto and Oke-Aje were advised not to panic, as the government said there was no confirmed security threat linked to the incident. Oresanya said officials of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency had deployed gas analysers to determine the source and nature of the substance. The statement noted that Oresanya, alongside other government officials, visited the school and the hospital where the victims were receiving treatment. The commissioner added that most of the affected students and teachers were in stable condition. PUNCH Metro gathered that while some insiders initially speculated that the incident may have been caused by a nearby gas explosion, others suggested it originated from a chemical odour in the school laboratory during a practical session. The school’s Vice Principal (Junior School), Adeola Borogun, dismissed reports of an explosion, describing the incident as the presence of a strange chemical smell within the premises. Uthman Salami Uthman, a Mass Communication graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has over six years experience in journalism. He reports crime to community-related news for Metro, business with a focus on the capital market and the oil and gas.

2026 Police Week: Effective Policing Cannot Be Achieved In Isolation, Oyo CP Charges Stakeholders

by

  The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP. Abimbola Olugbenga, has called on stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that effective policing cannot be achieved in isolation. Olugbenga made the call on Wednesday at a public lecture held at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters Conference Hall, Eleyele, Ibadan, as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.” Addressing community leaders, media practitioners, political party representatives, market stakeholders, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and members of the public, the police chief emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force relies heavily on mutual cooperation, respect, and trust between law enforcement and citizens. He said, “Forums like this sensitisation lecture are indispensable. They educate, engage, and empower the public to make informed and lawful decisions.” Olugbenga also delivered a lecture on the sensitisation of drivers on safe driving practices and compliance with traffic regulations, noting that road traffic fatalities remain a major concern in the state. According to him, avoidable accidents continue to claim lives due to negligence and disregard for traffic rules. “When motorists obey traffic regulations and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, the risk of accidents and loss of life reduces significantly. We must all remain committed to safe driving,” he said. The CP urged participants to take the lessons from the lecture back to their respective communities, reiterating that security is a shared responsibility. “Effective policing is not the duty of the police alone. Through trust, cooperation, and active engagement, we can build a safer, more peaceful, and law-abiding society,” he added. In his presentation, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP James Usen Ekanem, who delivered the lead lecture on public sensitisation on the prevention of electoral violence, ballot snatching, and related offences, stressed the need for collective action to ensure credible elections. He warned that democratic processes cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence and intimidation. “Votes cannot be counted and democracy cannot thrive where violence and intimidation prevail,” Ekanem said. He outlined the roles of security agencies in safeguarding elections, including maintaining peace, protecting sensitive electoral materials, enforcing the law, and apprehending offenders, while also highlighting the role of citizens in ensuring electoral integrity. “Every citizen has a role to play in safeguarding our democratic process,” he added. Speaking on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Administrative Secretary in Oyo State, Mrs Agnes Olutimi, who represented the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, commended the police for its proactive engagement with stakeholders. She underscored the importance of electoral integrity and highlighted measures put in place to ensure credible polls, including the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, timely deployment of materials and personnel, voter education, and strict enforcement of the Electoral Act 2026. “Peaceful elections are a collective responsibility. When institutions are strong, laws are enforced, and citizens are informed, elections will reflect the true will of the people,” she said. The lecture also addressed the responsibilities of political parties, the media, and community leaders in preventing electoral violence. Activities marking the 2026 National Police Day, which commenced on March 30, have included environmental sanitation at Challenge Motor Park, a medical outreach at Alesinloye Market, and a walkathon across Ibadan to promote unity and healthy living. The lecture formed part of the third day of activities, focusing on electoral safety and road traffic education. The fourth day, scheduled for April 2, will feature the presentation of cheques to families of deceased officers, while the grand finale will hold on April 7 at Eagle Square, Abuja, with senior police officers from across the country expected in attendance.

Nigerians, Others to Pay More as Canada Raises Residency and Citizenship Costs

by

  The Government of Canada has announced an increase in application fees for permanent residencevv and citizenship for Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking residency in the country. The new fees will take effect on April 30, 2026, according to an official notice published on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website, sighted by The PUNCH on Monday. IRCC said the hike was aimed at maintaining timely and reliable services and keeping pace with inflation. “Starting April 30, 2026, fees for permanent resident applications will increase as part of a routine update. Applications received on or after April 30 will be subject to the new fees,” it said. The agency noted that permanent residence fees will increase by as low as $25, while the citizenship fee will rise by approximately 2.7 per cent. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee increases by $25, from $575 to $600, while the Provincial Nominee Programme increases by $40, from $950 to $990 For Business Class, there’s an increase of $85, from $1,810 to $1,895, while Family Class increases by $25, from $545 to $570. For Protected Persons, there is an increase of $25, from $635 to $660, while the fee for a visa on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures increases by $25, from $635 to $660 Permit Holders increase by $15, from $375 to $390, with the Right of Citizenship Fee also increasing from $119.75 to $123, effective March 31, 2026. IRCC explained that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, permanent residence fees are adjusted every two years to offset programme costs and respond to growing demand.

Tinubu Condemns Killings in Plateau, Kaduna, Vows Justice

by

  President Bola Tinubu has condemned recent attacks by gunmen in Plateau State and Kaduna State, describing the incidents as barbaric and unacceptable. The attacks occurred in Angwan Rukuba district in Jos and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area, where several people were reportedly killed and others abducted, including wedding guests. In a Tuesday statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President assured Nigerians that those responsible would be brought to justice. He said, “Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward. By attacking soft targets in Jos, their objective is not only to cause harm but also trigger a spiral of reprisal attacks and further bloodletting.” Tinubu directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and curb the spread of misinformation capable of escalating tensions. He also cautioned sections of the media against suggesting that the attacks were religiously motivated. The President reaffirmed that security agencies were actively addressing the situation and stressed the importance of public cooperation. “I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees from Kahir village must be rescued immediately,” he said. He also commended the efforts of the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in managing the crises and supporting rescue operations. “I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his efforts in containing the situation in Jos and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for supporting the rescue and containment efforts. I assure the people and government of the two states of my support,” the President said. Tinubu expressed condolences to families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening security operations across the country. “Our government is currently acquiring more sophisticated equipment to enable our security agencies to track and smash criminals, in real time, wherever they are,” he added.  

NCC to Curb SIM Fraud with New Platform

by

  The Nigerian Communications Commission has unveiled plans to introduce a Telecoms Identity Risk Management System platform to tackle SIM-related fraud, strengthen digital security and boost confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy. The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Aminu Maida, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the proposed platform and planned regulatory changes. Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number, commonly known as SIM or mobile phone number, had become central to financial transactions, digital identity and access to services, but warned that its widespread use had also created vulnerabilities. He noted that fraudulent activities linked to recycled, swapped, churned and barred SIMs had emerged as a major channel for identity theft and financial crimes, weakening trust in digital platforms. He said, “The Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number commonly known as the SIM or mobile phone number has evolved into a critical identifier underpinning financial transactions, digital authentication, and access to essential services across all sectors of our economy. “This evolution, however, has created new and challenging vulnerabilities. The fraudulent use of churned, recycled, swapped, and barred MISISDN’s has become a significant vector for financial fraud and identity theft, eroding public trust in our digital platforms and undermining the identity of systems we have worked hard to build. “It is in direct response to these challenges that the Commission has initiated the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System Platform.” According to him, the platform will allow service providers to verify mobile numbers flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activities before granting access, a move expected to reduce exposure to fraud and improve accountability. He added that the system would enhance coordination among regulators, financial institutions and security agencies to build a more resilient digital ecosystem. To support the rollout, the commission has proposed amendments to its Quality of Service Business Rules and the Registration of Communications Subscribers framework. The proposed changes require telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before recycling their lines and to upload details of churned numbers to the platform within seven days. The amendments also introduce stricter provisions for blocking fraudulently registered or misused SIMs, aimed at improving transparency and protecting consumers. Maida said the initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to collaboration and a whole-of-government approach to addressing digital risks, urging stakeholders to actively contribute to shaping the framework. Also speaking, the Director of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at the commission, Olatokunbo Oyeleye, said trust remains critical to the digital economy. “As rightly noted, digital trust is the operating licence of modern economy. Without it, nothing scales and with it everything accelerates. For our sector, this trust must be embedded across the entire value chain,” she said. The PUNCH earlier reported that the NCC proposed that telecom operators must give subscribers a minimum of 14 days’ notice before deactivating their SIM cards over inactivity or post-paid churn. The proposal was contained in a consultation paper titled Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform, dated February 2026 and published on the Commission’s website. Under the proposed amendments to the Quality-of-Service Business Rules, the NCC stated that “prior to churning of a post-paid line, the Operator shall send a notification to the affected subscriber through an alternative line or an email on the pending churning of his line.” It added, “This notification shall be sent at least 14 days before the final date for the churn of the number.” A similar provision was proposed for prepaid subscribers. The commission said, “prior to churning of a pre-paid line, the Operator shall send a notification to the affected subscriber through an alternative line or an email on the pending churning of his line,” stressing again that the notice “shall be sent at least 14 days before the final date for the churn of the number.”  

APC Convention: FG Orders Workers to Work from Home

by

  The Federal Government has directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home on Friday, March 27, 2026, ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress. The directive was contained in a circular issued and signed by Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. According to the circular, all access roads leading to and around the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II and III, will be closed from Friday, March 27, to Saturday, March 28, 2026. “All Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agencies and Offices located within the Federal Secretariat, Phases I, II & III are hereby informed of the closure of all access roads leading to and around the said Federal Secretariat Complex, from Friday, 27th to Saturday, 28th March, 2026,” the statement read. The government explained that the measure was necessitated by the use of Eagle Square for the APC national convention. “This is due to the use of Eagle Square for the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party on the said dates,” the circular stated. It further directed that workers in affected offices should stay off-site on the specified day. “Accordingly, all personnel whose offices are located within Phases I, II and III of the Federal Secretariat Complex as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are to work from home on Friday, 27th March, 2026,” it added. The government also tasked heads of ministries, departments and agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive. “All concerned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Agencies are kindly requested to bring the content of this Circular to the attention of their staff, and ensure strict compliance,” the circular stated. The directive comes as the APC prepares to hold its national convention at Eagle Square, Abuja, a major political gathering expected to attract party leaders, delegates, and supporters from across the country. The convention, which will be held on Friday, is a key event where party officials are expected to deliberate on internal matters and set the tone for future political activities, including preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.  

Nigerians to see Better Electricity Supply Within Two Weeks – Adelabu’s Aide

by

  The Chief Technical Adviser to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Olowoniyi, says Nigerians should begin to see gradual improvement in electricity supply as maintenance work on a major gas pipeline nears completion, with full restoration expected within two weeks. Olowoniyi stated this on Thursday while appearing on Arise TV, days after the minister, Adebayo Adelabu, issued a public apology over the persistent power outages that have deepened hardship across homes, businesses, schools and industries in recent weeks. Defending the minister’s apology, Olowoniyi said it reflected strong leadership rather than an admission of personal culpability. “I think, first of all, I’d like to start with the apology from the Honourable Minister, which we believe is all about taking leadership in the sector. “Not necessarily directly his fault for the challenges that we have, but as the Minister of Power, he just took—it was the right leadership step to say, okay, I take ownership of this issue, and I’m going to prefer a solution that would ensure power supply comes back in the shortest available time,” Olowoniyi said. He explained that the current crisis was largely driven by disruptions to a key gas pipeline that supplies fuel to power plants, noting that about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity generation is gas-dependent. “One of the major gas pipelines in Nigeria was undergoing maintenance, and gradually that process is being completed. We’re sure that within the next two weeks, full gas pressure will be back on the gas pipelines, and the power plants will be able to get enough gas at least to go back to their level of generation that they had in the last two to three months,” he said. Olowoniyi expressed confidence that the recovery process had already begun, saying improvements would be gradual but steady. “I would already say that from yesterday, we would have gradually started to see some improvement as the pressure on the pipeline gradually starts to build up, and we will see continuous improvement over the next couple of weeks,” he said. The development follows Adelabu’s public apology on Tuesday in Abuja, where he told Nigerians that the outages were caused by factors beyond the government’s immediate control but gave a firm two-week timeline for recovery. “I can tell you, with the committee that we have set up, and commitments from gas suppliers, and the timeline for repair of the gas pipelines, two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply. Two weeks,” Adelabu had said. The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s target of ramping up electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current disruption as a temporary setback. Nigeria’s power sector has long grappled with a combination of inadequate gas supply, ageing infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks and persistent liquidity challenges across the value chain.

PDP Crisis: Wike Camp Declares Party Is Stable Ahead of Convention

by

  The Peoples Democratic Party leadership, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the party had regained stability after weeks of internal tensions and legal disputes, as it prepares for its national convention on March 29 and 30. Speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, told party leaders that recent state and zonal congresses were largely successful, though he acknowledged underlying strains within the party. “We have made significant progress in stabilising our structures and restoring confidence in our party. “There is no victor and no vanquished—only a shared commitment to rebuild, reposition, and strengthen our party,” Mohammed said. The meeting comes amid lingering factional disagreements and court cases that have tested the opposition party’s cohesion in recent months. He added that recent court rulings had been handled “with a spirit of reconciliation and inclusiveness,” and urged members to move past divisions. “Our party remains open to constructive engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation,” he said. The PDP is scheduled to hold its national convention on March 29 and 30, a gathering expected to determine the party’s leadership direction ahead of future elections. Mohammed described the event as “a critical milestone that will shape the future direction of our party.” He called on party members to avoid actions that could deepen internal rifts. “As we approach the National Convention, I urge all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions. “The eyes of the nation are upon us,” the NCWC Chairman noted. Mohammed also praised party figures who have played roles in recent negotiations and organisational efforts, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the convention planning committee, and Wike, whom he described as a stabilising influence. “His commitment to the ideals of the PDP, even in challenging times, stands as a testament to true leadership,” Mohammed said of Wike. Despite the conciliatory tone, the NEC meeting highlighted the delicate balance the party must maintain as it attempts to unify competing interests ahead of the convention. Mohammed insisted the PDP remains “a formidable political force and a credible alternative for governance in Nigeria,” but stressed that unity would be critical to sustaining that position. “What is required of us at this moment is unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and commitment to the ideals that bind us together,” he said. Also addressing the NEC, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the moment as critical for the party’s future and called for caution and collective responsibility. Ohuabunwa commended party leadership and members for conducting ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, describing them as evidence of the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles. He also highlighted the importance of the ongoing electronic registration of members, urging widespread participation. “The ongoing electronic registration of members (e-registration) is a major step in the right direction. It reflects our commitment to modernisation, transparency, and credibility in the management of our Party. “A credible membership register is the foundation of any serious political organisation. It strengthens internal democracy, enhances planning, and builds confidence among members and stakeholders. “I therefore encourage all members across the federation to embrace this process and ensure its success,” he said. On the issue of zoning, Ohuabunwa urged party leaders to approach recommendations with fairness and unity. “I urge members of this distinguished Committee to receive the recommendations of the Zoning Committee with an open mind, guided by equity, justice, and the overriding interest of unity. “No arrangement is perfect, but what is most important is our collective willingness to accommodate one another for the greater good of the Party,” he said. He emphasised that the PDP’s strength lies in its ability to manage differences and remain united. “Distinguished members, the strength of the PDP has never been in uniformity of opinion, but in our ability to manage our differences and emerge stronger as one united family. “Let us therefore rise above personal preferences and sectional interests, and focus on what will preserve the stability, cohesion, and progress of our Party. Nigeria is watching. Our members are watching. The expectations are high. We must not disappoint,” he said. Ohuabunwa called for unity and reaffirmed confidence in the party’s leadership. The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has plagued the party since November 2025. Governors of the PDP had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure. Leadership was handed over from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9. However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat. Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.

Power Supply Drop Linked to Gas Shortage – Ikeja Electric

by

  Electricity distribution company, Ikeja Electric, has attributed the ongoing reduction in electricity supply to a nationwide decline in power generation caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants. In a public notice issued via its X handle on Monday, the distribution company said the development has significantly affected the volume of energy available on the national grid and, by extension, the allocation to electricity distribution companies. “The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants,” the company stated. It explained that the situation has led to a noticeable decrease in the energy received for distribution to customers. “This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” it said. The company acknowledged the impact of the development on customers and appealed for understanding. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by this development and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period,” the notice read. Ikeja Electric also assured customers of its commitment to fair and efficient distribution of the available electricity, saying, “We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible.”

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.