Author: Faith Babatunde

Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger action against substance abuse among young people during an anti-drug awareness campaign at Caleb University, Imota. The event, organised to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, featured advocacy sessions, a campus walk and the launch of a student anti-drug club. She urged students to make positive life choices and avoid drug abuse, stressing that addiction remains a major threat to education, productivity and national development.

Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League after finishing top of the Super Six tournament in Port Harcourt. The Benin-based club secured the title with a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens, ending the competition with 10 points from five matches. Coach Moses Aduku praised his players for bouncing back from an opening defeat to claim the trophy, while officials described the victory as a reflection of the team’s determination and consistent performances throughout the season.

Three people, including 22-year-old Abdulmalik Bakare, were reportedly killed after suspected cultists attacked Oreta community in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Residents said the violence followed an earlier altercation involving a trailer driver and local youths. The situation escalated when armed men reportedly stormed the community on motorcycles and opened fire on residents. Several shops and properties were damaged during the attack, forcing many residents to flee for safety. Six suspects have reportedly been arrested while investigations continue.

European Council President Antonio Costa has welcomed the reported agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East. Costa said the European Union looked forward to the restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and was ready to support efforts towards lasting peace. The proposed agreement is expected to ease geopolitical tensions, stabilise global oil markets and improve trade activities that were disrupted by the conflict.

Petrol prices could fall to as low as N900 per litre if the proposed peace agreement between the United States and Iran succeeds and crude oil prices continue to decline, industry operators have said. Crude oil prices have dropped from over $120 per barrel during the conflict to about $87 per barrel, raising hopes of lower fuel costs. A source at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery said cheaper petrol was possible, although the refinery still holds crude purchased at higher prices. Industry stakeholders noted that a continued decline in crude prices and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger…

The Federal Government spent N57.78bn on security projects and operations between January and April 2026, representing a 127.97 per cent increase from the N25.35bn spent during the same period in 2025. Data from the Open Treasury Portal showed that the funds were used for defence equipment, security infrastructure, military barracks, police facilities and other security-related projects. However, only 1.24 per cent of the N4.66tn security budget had been utilised by April. The spending comes amid worsening insecurity across the country. A police report revealed that 98 criminal incidents, including homicides, kidnappings, armed robberies and bandit attacks, were recorded nationwide within…

Former NNPC boss Mele Kyari has expressed surprise over the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts over an ongoing investigation into NNPCL’s financial records. Kyari said he had earlier informed the committee that he was outside Nigeria receiving medical treatment and therefore could not attend the hearing in person. He insisted that his absence was not an attempt to evade the investigation and reiterated his willingness to cooperate fully. He also offered to provide written responses to any questions from lawmakers. The Senate committee issued the warrant after he failed to appear during its…

The Federal Government has unveiled a new National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (2026–2030) aimed at reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on donor funding and building a more sustainable, locally driven HIV response. The strategy focuses on integrating HIV services into broader sectors such as healthcare, education, youth development and social welfare. It also promotes the use of digital health technologies, local manufacturing and innovative service delivery models. Officials said the country has made significant progress in reducing new infections and expanding access to treatment over the years, but shrinking international support means Nigeria must take greater ownership of its HIV…

Operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army have reportedly foiled an alleged plot by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network to abduct students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination in parts of the South-East. According to security authorities, intelligence reports led operatives to raid suspected armouries in Enugu State, where weapons, ammunition, explosives and NYSC uniforms were recovered. Investigators believe the uniforms were intended to disguise the attackers during the operation. The planned attacks allegedly targeted schools in Enugu, Anambra and Imo states. Several suspects were reportedly arrested, while security agencies said…

Seriake Dickson has acknowledged that irregularities occurred during the Nigeria Democratic Congress primaries but appealed to aggrieved members to remain patient and support the party. Dickson said the NDC is still a young political party, having been formed only a few months ago, and has had to conduct membership registration, congresses, conventions and primaries within a very limited timeframe. He argued that many of the complaints stem from the direct primary system and are not unique to the NDC. To address future concerns, he announced plans for technology-driven primaries and said a reconciliation committee had already been established to resolve…