Author: bibncollar

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday took to the streets of Ikeja, Lagos State, to protest the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, calling for urgent government intervention. The demonstration attracted a large number of teachers and supporters who marched through parts of the state capital carrying placards and singing solidarity songs. The protesters urged security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped victims and strengthen security measures in schools across the country. Messages displayed on placards highlighted concerns about safety in educational institutions, with inscriptions…

Six schoolchildren, their driver, and two other passengers who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Akwando–Kachia Road in Kaduna State have been released after spending 36 days in captivity. The victims were kidnapped on April 26, 2026, when armed attackers intercepted a vehicle transporting pupils from Akwando village to Kachia, the headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area. During the attack, nine passengers were taken away, while a young girl was reportedly killed. Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Manasseh Samuel, said the victims regained their freedom on Sunday and returned home after…

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has refuted claims suggesting that its General Overseer, Enoch Adeboye, supports any political party or candidate. In a statement issued on Tuesday through the church’s official public relations X account, RCCG emphasized that Pastor Adeboye has never endorsed any politician. Instead, he has consistently encouraged members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in elections by voting according to their conscience. The church stressed that Adeboye’s teachings promote civic responsibility rather than partisan allegiance, noting that RCCG members belong to various political parties and should freely exercise their democratic rights. RCCG…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched the Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028), a strategic framework aimed at achieving 95 percent financial inclusion and creating a faster, safer, and more efficient digital payment ecosystem across the country. Speaking at the launch of the initiative, CBN Governor, , said the vision seeks to bring an additional 15 million Nigerians—particularly market women, farmers, and young people—into the formal financial system by 2028. Cardoso emphasized that the success of the initiative will depend on effective implementation rather than policy documentation. He noted that Nigeria must move away from the culture…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has carried out a major reassignment of its four deputy governors as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen coordination across key departments. The changes, which took effect on June 1, 2026, were published in updated profiles on the apex bank’s official website on Monday. Under the new arrangement, Philip Ikeazor has been appointed to oversee the Policy Directorate, taking over from Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, who has been moved to the Corporate Services Directorate. Emem Usoro, previously in charge of Corporate Services, has been reassigned to the Operations Directorate, while Lamido…

The University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) has announced that 8,156 students will graduate during its 36th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for June 5 and 6. Speaking during a media briefing at the university on Monday, Vice-Chancellor Professor Owunari Georgewill said 120 graduates who achieved first-class honours would be specially recognised during the event. According to him, 5,822 students will receive first-degree certificates, while 510 will be awarded postgraduate diplomas. In addition, 1,386 students will earn Master’s degrees and 438 will receive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) certificates. The convocation programme began with a media briefing on Monday and will continue…

Australia’s independent wage-setting authority, the Fair Work Commission, has approved a 4.75% increase in the national minimum wage, benefiting about 2.8 million low-income workers from July 1. The adjustment will raise the minimum wage to A$1,004.90 per week, or A$26.44 per hour, exceeding the increases granted in the previous two years but falling short of the 5% to 6% rise demanded by labour unions. In its decision, the commission cited ongoing economic uncertainty, including the impact of tighter monetary policy and inflationary pressures linked to disruptions in global oil supplies resulting from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. While acknowledging that…

Hundreds of residents took to the streets of Nanyuki, Kenya, on Monday to protest plans by the United States to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military air base in the town, despite a recent court order temporarily suspending the project. The proposed 50-bed facility, located at an air force base in Laikipia County, is intended to accommodate American citizens who may have been exposed to Ebola but are not showing symptoms. However, concerns over public health and safety have sparked strong opposition among local residents. On Friday, Kenya’s High Court ordered a temporary halt to the project…

Nigeria imported £1.1 billion worth of refined petroleum products from the United Kingdom in the year ending December 2025, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on fuel imports despite ongoing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity. According to the latest Trade and Investment Factsheet released by the UK Department for Business and Trade, refined oil was the UK’s largest export to Nigeria during the period, accounting for 60.5 per cent of total British goods exports to the country. The value of these exports increased by 9.4 per cent compared to the previous year, reflecting sustained demand for imported fuel even…

The kidnappers holding the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Alamu, have reportedly refused to negotiate with her family, insisting instead on direct communication with government officials. Her husband, Professor Wole Alamu of the Department of Forest Resources Management at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), disclosed that the family has been unable to engage the abductors, who communicate solely through WhatsApp messages. According to him, the kidnappers made it clear that they were not interested in discussing her release with family members, leaving them powerless in the situation. Mrs…