The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered the immediate deployment of additional officers and tow trucks along the Abuja–Lokoja Road.

The deployment is to ease the persistent traffic gridlock and ensure the prompt removal of obstructions.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, issued the directive, according to a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Assistant Corps Marshal(ACM), Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the directive was part of ongoing efforts by the Corps to improve traffic management and guarantee the safety of road users.

This, he said, was especially during the current period of increased vehicular movement.

He explained that the congestion on the corridor was largely caused by a surge in traffic volume and the presence of multiple construction points along the road.

The corps marshal said that the actions of indisciplined and impatient motorists who drove against traffic worsened the situation.

According to him, also contributing to the gridlock is lane indiscipline and impatience as drivers violate rules especially around construction areas where diversions are created for ease of movement.

“The deployment of more personnel and towing equipment is aimed at enhancing traffic control, enforcing discipline among motorists and ensuring that broken-down vehicles or other obstructions are quickly cleared to restore free flow of traffic,” he said.

Mohammed urged motorists travelling on the Abuja–Lokoja Road during the season to cooperate fully with FRSC personnel and other traffic managers on duty.

He stressed that compliance with traffic rules and lawful instructions would go a long way in reducing delays and preventing crashes.

The corps marshal reassured road users of the FRSC’s commitment to continuous monitoring of the situation and sustained intervention to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer travel on the route.

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The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for securing the successful revalidation of the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port, describing the development as a major milestone in the state’s economic advancement.

In a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere said the revalidated licence clears all administrative hurdles and provides the legal and regulatory backing required for the full-scale development of the port.

The group noted that the achievement reflects purposeful leadership, strategic planning and institutional discipline in driving projects of national and regional importance, while also boosting investor confidence.

Afenifere highlighted the strategic advantage of the Ondo Deep Sea Port, noting that its depth will enable it to accommodate very large vessels that are unable to berth at the congested Lagos ports.

Ondo: Senator Ipinsagba lauds Aiyedatiwa over seaport certificate revalidation

According to the organisation, the facility will help decongest Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridor, improve cargo handling efficiency, shorten turnaround times and significantly reduce logistics costs, positioning Ondo State as a leading hub for next-generation port infrastructure.

The group added that the economic benefits of the port will extend beyond Ondo State, stimulating industrial growth across the South-West through petrochemical development, agro-export processing, manufacturing value chains and industrial clustering.

These, it said, would translate into massive job creation, skills development, technology transfer and increased revenue for both state and federal governments.

At the regional level, Afenifere noted that the port is expected to serve as a key gateway within the ECOWAS trade framework, enhancing trans-shipment services, deepening trade integration and strengthening West Africa’s participation in global maritime commerce.

The organisation also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for aligning the project with national economic diversification objectives under the blue economy agenda.

While commending Aiyedatiwa for sustaining momentum on the transformative project, Afenifere urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure timely completion and operational efficiency, describing the Ondo Deep Sea Port as a legacy infrastructure with the potential to deliver long-term prosperity for Ondo State, the South-West and Nigeria at large.

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A Professor of Transport Planning and Policy at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Prof. Samuel Gbadebo Odewumi, has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State.

Odewumi’s appointment was approved by the Federal Government and conveyed in a letter dated December 15, 2025, signed by the University Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mrs. Blossom Okorie, following the approval of the Visitor to the university, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The letter read in part:
“Further to the approval of the Visitor to the University, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as communicated by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, I write on behalf of the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University to convey your appointment as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo, Nigeria.”

According to the letter, the appointment takes effect immediately and will remain in force pending the completion of the process for the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor for the university.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has congratulated Prof. Odewumi on his meritorious appointment, describing it as a recognition of his distinguished academic career, administrative competence, and outstanding contributions to scholarship.

She expressed confidence that Prof. Odewumi’s wealth of experience would significantly contribute to the growth, stability, and advancement of the University of Uyo, while wishing him a successful and impactful tenure.

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel period, following a surge in consumer complaints across several parts of the country.

The Commission acknowledged that seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may influence transport pricing.

However, consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. Any fare adjustment must therefore be transparently communicated and applied fairly, said Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, in a statement.

The FCCPC noted that these complaints come at a time when the pump price of premium motor spirit has reportedly been reduced in parts of the country.

While fuel costs are only one of several factors affecting transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns.

Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, said FCCPC is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide.

He explained that these engagements are preventive, aimed at promoting responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour.

Mr. Bello clarified that price increases are not inherently unlawful. However, conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory scrutiny under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

He further warned that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercion, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will be subject to strict regulatory action. Offenders, he added, face stiff penalties if violations are established.

Consumers have been advised to confirm fares before travel, retain proof of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices to the Commission via its complaint portal and official channels.

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The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally made firearm and a stolen motorcycle during an operation in Nasarawa town.

The suspects, identified as Isaac Audu and Jamilu Yusuf, were arrested by operatives of the Nasarawa Division over allegations of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

A statement released on Sunday by the State’s Spokesperson reveals that preliminary investigations showed that the duo, armed with a locally fabricated gun, allegedly attacked a resident in the Foundation Area, behind the Federal Polytechnic Staff School, Nasarawa, in the early hours of Saturday, December 20, 2025.

During the attack, the suspects reportedly dispossessed the victim of an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle.

Following timely intelligence, police operatives trailed the suspects and arrested them shortly after the incident.

A locally fabricated firearm and the stolen motorcycle were recovered from them during the operation.

Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the swift response of the officers involved and urged personnel of the command to remain proactive and vigilant in the fight against crime.

He also reassured residents of Nasarawa State of adequate security, particularly during the Yuletide season, and pledged the command’s continued commitment to the protection of lives and property.

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The son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi and his wife, Layal, have arrived at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, for a chieftaincy installation.

Naija News reports that the city of Oyo is currently witnessing an influx of political figures and traditional rulers for the installation of new high-ranking chiefs by the Alaafin.

According to Punch, the event venue is set, with several notable figures in attendance, including former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, lawmakers, and a diverse assembly of traditional rulers and chiefs.

Seyi Tinubu will be installed as the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” a title which translates to “the beloved child” or “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people.”

The title is said to symbolise a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, in a statement on Sunday, also stated that the Senator representing Zamfara West and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari, has been in Oyo, accompanied by a delegation of northern senators and political figures.

Yari will also be installed as the “Obaloyin of Yorubaland” on the same occasion by the Alaafin.

Durojaiye stated that the ‘Obaloyin of Yorubaland’ title represents love, compassion, justice, and a bridge between physical and spiritual realms.

Both titles are said to come with responsibilities that include promoting Yoruba culture, advising the Alaafin, fostering unity, and advancing education and social welfare.

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The President of Dangote Group, Dr Aliko Dangote has given a Kaduna based businessman Kailani Mohammed a 7-day ultimatum to retract a libelous publication made against him and his business or face N100Bn suit.

Dangote, in a letter to the businessman demanded immediate public explanation, retraction and unreserved apology from the Kaduna businessman for accusing him of engaging in an unclean business especially in 1980s in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Dangote’s letter was served on the Kaduna businessman by his lawyer Dr Ogwu James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria of Onoja law firm in Abuja.

In the letter dated December 20, 2025, Dangote complained that the Kaduna businessman defamed him, lowered his reputation and tarnished his business engagements with the accusation that he engaged in unclean business in Port Harcourt and also queried his source of wealth as the richest man in Africa.

The offending remarks were said to have been made by Engr. Kailani Mohamed during an interview aired on Wednesday December 17th, 2025 on TrustTV news in reaction to his petition against Dr Farouk Ahmed submitted to independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ICPC.

The letter is titled “Demand for public explanation, retraction and unreserved public apology on your libelous publication against Alhaji  Aliko Dangote, GCON” and signed by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja SAN.

It read “We are solicitors to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and we write pursuant to his express instructions regarding grievously libelous statements broadcast by TrustTV news and uttered by you during an interview aired on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 in reaction to the petition submitted by our client to Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”

“Our client is a widely reputable international businessman. He is the richest black man on earth and he has the largest business conglomerate in Africa.

“Our client, through dint of hard work, integrity, diligent and perseverance over the years earned for himself the reputation and honour he is reckoned with all over the world.

“Our client’s attention has been drawn to statements made by you during the televised broadcast on TrustTV on the aforementioned date in reaction to our client’s petition submitted to Independent Corrupt Practices and the other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate and possibly prosecute Engr. Farouk Ahmad if found wanting, wherein you made false, reckless, malicious, scandalous and libelous publications concerning our client as a man that has monopolistic tendencies, corruptly enriched himself in business and engaged in economics cerbutach.

“Your statement also portrayed our client as a very cruel businessman whose stock in trade is vendetta and campaign of calumny to bring down others and exert monopolistic powers.

Among others you started as follows: “Can Dangote tell us the source of his money in the 80s when he was in Port Harcourt. Who is clean? Every time you want to monopolize, you bring allegations against people. Let him come and prove it. In the 80s we are aware of what happened in Port Harcourt and how he got his money. Nobody came out and said all these things”.

“These statements are false, scandalous and gravely deliberately impute unlawful or morally questionable conduct to our client and are calculated to expose him to public hatred, ridicule, suspicion and odium.

“By your reckless and unguarded defamatory statement and assertions, our client’s reputation has been greatly lowered in the sight of reasonable members of the International Community, including his business partners, associates and various governments of nations of the world where our client carries on business.

“Take Note that our client categorically states that at no time in his life has he carried out any business, commercial activity or wealth generating enterprise in Port Harcourt, whether in the 1980s or at any other period whatsoever as you alleged.

“Your assertion are therefore entirely fictitious, unfounded, malicious and without doubt, render you susceptible to both civil and criminal defematory action.

“In view of the gravity and depth of the allegations made by you against our client, you are hereby demanded to do the following within 7 days upon receipt of this letter:

“That you publicly explain on the same TrustTV platform and to the same audience, when, where and in what capacity our client was allegedly involved in any unclean activity or any activity whatsoever in Port Harcourt as claimed by you.

“That in the absence of verifiable facts capable of substantiating your assertions, you immediately and unequivocally retract the said statement in their entirety.

“That you issue a full, clear and unreserved public apology to our client which must be broadcast with equal prominence as your original publication.

“To pay our client the N100Bn only in damages for loss of reputation, character defamation and public redicule our client has been subjected to since the said statements were published.

“That you give a written undertaking to desist from making or publishing any further false or defamatory statements concerning our client.

“Be advised that allegations of this nature made without proof on a national media platform are indefensible in law and amount to a gross abuse of the right to freedom of expression which will culminate in both civil and criminal liability.

“Take further notice that should you fail to comply with the conditions stated above and within the time frame, our client shall, without further recourse to you, institute a legal action at a competent court of law against you and claim aggravated damages.

“This is without prejudice to our client’s right to make a formal report against you to the law enforcement agencies for your investigation and and prosecution for criminal defamation,” the letter said.

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Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has warned that he would return to Nigeria to defend his people if the government continues to fail in its duty to protect them from attacks by suspected armed Fulani assailants.

Igboho issued the warning following the killing of two residents of his hometown, Igboho, in Oyo State.

In a statement, Igboho said the latest incident confirmed the concerns he had raised over the past four years about what he described as persistent killings and violent attacks on Yoruba communities by armed Fulani elements.

He lamented that despite repeated appeals and warnings to authorities, the security situation had continued to worsen, forcing many indigenous residents to abandon their ancestral homes for fear of being killed.

“Today, two innocent people have been killed in Igboho. This is exactly what I have been warning the government about for years,” he said.

“Nothing has changed, and our people continue to suffer attacks while those responsible roam freely.”

Igboho accused the government of failing to adequately protect lives and property, saying insecurity had become a daily reality for residents of Igboho and neighbouring communities.

He stressed that the continued killings showed a breakdown of security and justice in the area.

The Yoruba activist called on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to take immediate and decisive steps to stop the attacks and restore peace.

According to him, failure to act would leave him with no option but to return home to personally defend his community.

“I am calling on the government to act now and protect the lives and properties of the people of Igboho,” he said.

“If nothing is done, I will come back home to defend my people.”

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Leaders’ Forum in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State has called for unity among party members ahead of the August 8, 2026, gubernatorial election in the state.

The call is contained in a communiqué issued by co-conveners of the Forum, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye and Hon. Tunji Adesokun, on Sunday in Osogbo.

The Forum said that if the members of the party could come together in oneness, the candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, would win the election without stress.

The communiqué, which described Oyebamiji as a loyal, committed, and highly experienced politician, said that his victory in the election must be pursued with unity of purpose.

The group, however, appealed to leaders of the party, both at the state and national levels, to work hard and unite all interests and opinions within the party for success to be achieved.

“We are approaching a major election, and we must ensure that we go into the poll as a united and cohesive group.

“The choice of Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate has made the task easier, but our leaders, both at the state and national levels, must still work hard and prevent internal sabotage.

“We, the members of the Forum, are in full alignment with the choice of Oyebamiji as our flag bearer, and we will mobilise for his victory across the grassroots”, the statement read.

The Forum restated the agreement earlier reached by leaders of APC in the LGA, that every member should jettison allegiance to other aspirants, once the party produces a candidate, irrespective of the constitutional mode of choice.

While commending the leaders of the party for ensuring a peaceful party primary in the state, the Forum urged them to bring all the aggrieved members together for the success of the party.

It declared that from all indications, the electorate is yearning for the return of APC in the state, but “members of the party must shun divisive tendencies.”

With the dedication of members, the Forum said the victory of APC at the polls would be easier.

The Forum commended “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the national leader Chief Bisi Akande, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, the national secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the chairman of the party in the state, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the leader of the APC Elders’ Forum in the state, Pa Sola Akinwunmi, and others for their commitment to the growth of the party.”

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a comprehensive timetable for its 2025/2026 nationwide ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, setting the stage for the party’s National Convention scheduled for March 2026.

The detailed schedule, signed by the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, underscores strict adherence to Articles 11 and 17 of the party’s constitution, which govern membership, congresses and internal democracy.

The timetable outlines a phased, bottom-up process that begins with membership registration and culminates in the election of national party officers at the convention.

The document signals the formal commencement of preparations for the convention, widely regarded as crucial to the APC’s organisational cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.

The release of the timetable followed the conclusion of the APC National Caucus meeting, held on Thursday, and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, held on Friday.

Membership update and notice of congresses

According to the schedule, the process will begin with the commencement and completion of membership electronic registration, which will run from Monday, 1 December, to 30 January 2026. This will be followed by the issuance of formal notices of congresses to state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday, 2 February 2026.

The party will then open the window for the purchase and submission of forms for ward and local government area (LGA) congresses from Wednesday, 4 February to Monday, 9 February 2026. On Tuesday, 10 February 2026, the APC will inaugurate ward and LGA congress and screening appeal committees to oversee the conduct of the exercises at the grassroots level.

Screening, ward and LGA congresses

The screening of aspirants for ward and LGA party positions is scheduled to take place between Wednesday, 11 February, and Friday, 13 February 2026, followed by the inauguration of the LGA/Ward Congress and Congress Appeals Committees on Saturday, 14 February.

Ward congresses will be held nationwide on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, after which appeals arising from the ward congresses will be received on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

The LGA congresses are slated for Friday, 20 February 2026. These congresses will include the election of three delegates per LGA to the National Convention, with at least one of the delegates required to be female, in line with the party’s gender inclusion provisions. Appeals arising from the LGA congresses will be heard on Saturday, 21 February 2026.

State and zonal congresses

Activities at the state level will commence with the purchase of forms for state executive committee positions from Monday, 23 February to Friday, 27 February 2026. Screening and screening appeal committees for state executive aspirants will be inaugurated on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Screening of aspirants for state executive positions will hold from Monday, 2 March to Wednesday, 4 March 2026, while appeals arising from the screening exercise are scheduled for Thursday, 5 March and Friday, 6 March 2026.

State congresses will then take place on Saturday, 7 March 2026, followed by the consideration of appeals from the state congresses between Monday, 9 March and Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Zonal Congresses and National Convention

For the zonal congresses and the National Convention, the APC has fixed Thursday, 12 March to Tuesday, 17 March 2026 for the purchase and submission of forms.

The inauguration of the zonal congress and National Convention screening and appeals committees will take place on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

Screening of aspirants for zonal and national positions will be conducted on Thursday, 19 March 2026, and continue through Friday, 20 March 2026.

Zonal congresses are scheduled for Thursday, 19 March and Saturday, 21 March 2026, across the six geopolitical zones, with designated zonal offices in Ibadan for the South West; Enugu for the South East; Rivers and Cross River states for the South South; Kaduna for the North West; Gombe and Bauchi for the North East; and Nasarawa for the North Central.

READ ALSO: APC governors pass vote of confidence in Tinubu

Appeals arising from the zonal congresses will be considered on Monday, 23 March 2026, ahead of the APC National Convention, which is scheduled to hold from Wednesday, 25 March to Saturday, 28 March 2026.

The release of the schedule effectively kickstarts the APC’s march towards its 2026 National Convention, a pivotal event expected to shape the party’s leadership structure and strategic direction in the years ahead.

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