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APC rejects PDP allegation on PVC, personal data collection in Gombe

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:15:08 +0000

The Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party that the APC-led administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is collecting Permanent Voter Cards, bank account details and biometric information from citizens under the guise of an empowerment programme.
The APC, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Gombe State Publicity Secretary, Murtala-Usman Tale, described the allegation as “baseless, unfounded and politically motivated.”
The party said the claim was an attempt to “create unnecessary fear, suspicion and distrust” around government empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of residents.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Permanent Voter Card is issued and administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the statutory body responsible for the registration of voters and the conduct of elections in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The APC stressed that it was neither the issuing authority nor the statutory custodian of PVCs.
It urged the PDP and members of the public to distinguish between legitimate government programmes and political activities, arguing that requests for citizens’ information to access empowerment or social intervention programmes should not automatically be interpreted as electoral manipulation.
The party challenged the PDP to present evidence to the appropriate authorities if it had proof that any government agency, official or individual was unlawfully collecting, retaining or misusing citizens’ personal information or PVCs. Ebonyi PDP gov candidate promises economic transformation 2027: Toyin Abraham distances self from Lagos APC campaign council Morning recap: Tinubu may broker Wike-APC govs truce, 40 miners die in NSCDC custody, other top stories
“If the Gombe State PDP has credible evidence that any government agency, official or individual is unlawfully collecting, retaining or misusing citizens’ personal information or PVCs, it should present such evidence to the appropriate authorities for investigation rather than relying on unsubstantiated allegations,” the statement added.
The ruling party also accused the PDP of resorting to political rhetoric instead of presenting what it described as constructive alternatives and policy solutions to the people.
The APC said the people of Gombe State were capable of distinguishing between genuine concerns about their welfare and what it described as “politically motivated narratives” aimed at undermining legitimate government programmes.
It maintained that the administration of Governor Yahaya remained focused on people-oriented governance, infrastructure development, economic empowerment and initiatives aimed at improving the standard of living of residents.
“No amount of political rhetoric, misinformation or unfounded allegations will distract the administration from its responsibilities and commitment to the people of the state,” the party said.
The APC called on the PDP to stop spreading what it described as unsubstantiated allegations and allow citizens to participate freely in legitimate government programmes.
The party added, “Politics should be issue-based and centred on ideas, policies and programmes that improve the lives of the people. Gombe State belongs to all of us, and the welfare, peace and development of its people should always rise above partisan political interests.”

Chima Azubuike

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‘No value for human life’ – Outrage trails viral video of damaged bus conveying passengers in Lagos

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:45:12 +0000

Traffic management and law enforcement agencies in Lagos State have been urged to step up monitoring and enforcement activities after the circulation of a video showing a dilapidated commercial bus conveying passengers in the state.
In the video sighted by this reporter, the bus loaded with passengers can be seen driving on a highway with the left A-pillar severed from the roof.

It was gathered that the bus plies the Mile 2 – Badagry route, with the incident recorded around Volks under bridge, close to Alaba International Market.
The video generated outrage on X, with many netizens calling on the authorities to increase monitoring of commercial vehicles to ensure transport safety in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

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An X user, @jude_chiji said, “We don’t value life in this part of the world, because how did they make them board this particular vehicle? They don’t just care; they just want to get to their destinations. Both police and FRSC will see this and look the other way.”
Eteobong Edem said, “So people saw the state of this bus and still pay to enter it for transportation???”
Another user, @chinonny45 said, “The crazy thing is lastma officers will see this bus and turn a blind eye. They are only efficient when they come across private cars.”
Faulting the passengers, @natta_nael wrote, “My biggest issue is people agreed to enter that vehicle, they paid full fare for it. Feels like an indicator that the people cannot effect change in something immediate which directly affects their life. Sad!”

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DR Congo stampede after school fire kills 14 children

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:30:09 +0000

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Terrorism: US delivers military equipment to Nigerian Air Force

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:15:07 +0000

The United States has supplied the Nigerian Air Force with military equipment as part of efforts to enhance the country’s ability to confront terrorism and other security challenges.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed the development on Thursday through a post on X, noting that a US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft delivered the equipment to Nigeria over the weekend.
AFRICOM said the shipment was provided under a foreign military sales arrangement between the US and Nigerian governments.
The command described the delivery as another step in the security partnership between Washington and Abuja, saying the equipment would support Nigeria’s operations against terrorist threats in the region.

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“The equipment is part of a foreign military sales agreement that furthers the US-Nigerian partnership and will aid in Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region,” AFRICOM stated.
The development comes amid continued military operations by Nigerian security forces against terrorist organisations and other armed groups operating in various parts of the country.
Washington has supported Nigeria’s security efforts over the years through defence cooperation, military training and the supply of equipment intended to improve the country’s capacity to respond to terrorist threats.
The latest assistance reflects the ongoing defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States as both countries work to strengthen cooperation in tackling terrorism and broader regional security challenges.

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2030 World Cup: Morocco reveals host city for final

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:45:07 +0000

Morocco has said that the 2030 World Cup final will take place at the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, Casablanca, even though FIFA has not confirmed the host city for the tournament’s most-important match.
President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa disclosed this at a political party event in Bouznika, Morocco, on Thursday, Spanish newspaper Sport reports.
Spain and Morocco are in a bidding war to host the final match.
“What you should know is that the province of Benslimane will have the honour of hosting the 2030 World Cup final,” Lekjaa said.

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The RMFF president also expressed hope that Morocco would face France in the final.
“And God willing, may there be a final bringing together Morocco and France so that we can take our revenge,” he said.
Morocco lost 2-0 to France in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals on July 9.
The Hassan II Stadium, which is being built for the tournament with a projected capacity of 115,000, is expected to become the world’s largest football-specific venue.

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EPL: Hull City terminate Akintola deal ahead of Omonoia transfer – The Sun Nigeria

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:31:22 +0000

Hull City have terminated Nigerian winger David Akintola’s contract by mutual consent, allowing him to complete a permanent transfer to Cypriot club Omonoia FC.
The 30-year-old joined Hull City from Turkish Süper Lig side Çaykur Rizespor in August 2025 and made 21 appearances for the Tigers during the 2025/26 campaign.
Akintola scored once and registered two assists as Hull secured promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season.
He made his Hull debut as a substitute in the Tigers’ 3-2 home victory over Oxford United in August 2025 and went on to feature regularly throughout the campaign.
The Nigerian winger also represented the club in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before his departure was agreed.

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Akintola had previously played for Turkish clubs Adana Demirspor and Hatayspor, as well as clubs in Norway and Cyprus, before moving to England.
Confirming his departure on Thursday, Hull City thanked Akintola for his contribution during his time at the MKM Stadium.
“We would like to thank David for his efforts throughout his time at the MKM Stadium and wish him well for the future,” the club said in a statement on its X handle.
The termination clears the way for Akintola to return to Cyprus and complete his permanent move to Omonoia FC, while Hull will continue their preparations for their upcoming Premier League fixture.
Akintola’s exit comes after a season in which he helped Hull achieve promotion, recording three goal contributions across his 21 appearances.

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Adekunle Gold reveals condition that could have stopped his marriage to Simi – The Sun Nigeria

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:30:11 +0000

Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold, has said genotype was an important consideration for him before getting married because he has the SS genotype.
Speaking on a recent episode of the One54 Podcast, the singer said he would not have married his wife, Simi, if she had not been AA.
He said he would not want to have children who could be at risk of inheriting a serious health condition.
“I wouldn’t have married my wife if she were SS or AS. Forget love. I don’t think it makes sense to bring a child into this world and they would be sickly.

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“When me and my wife first met, the first thing I did was to know her genotype. She is AA. That was why I proceeded with the relationship,” he said.
Adekunle Gold has been advocating for sickle cell awareness since revealing that he is SS.
He got married to fellow singer Simi in January 2019. The couple have two children.

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latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:15:25 +0000

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FG scraps data costs for students, to regulate internet for under-16

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:15:08 +0000

The Federal Government has announced the removal of data costs for millions of Nigerian students accessing approved educational platforms in a major digital education intervention aimed at making learning resources more accessible to learners across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, saying the intervention would help ensure that the cost of internet connectivity did not determine who could access quality education.
Alausa said the initiative, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was designed to break one of the barriers limiting the expansion of digital learning in Nigeria.
According to him, “This initiative goes beyond connectivity. It is about putting learning within reach of children who may otherwise be unable to afford the data required to access it.”
The minister said poverty, geography and limited access to conventional educational infrastructure should not prevent Nigerian learners from accessing educational opportunities.
He explained that a mobile phone, tablet or computer could serve as a classroom, library and gateway to opportunities when the cost of accessing educational content was removed.
The intervention comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s persistent education crisis and a widening digital divide that has left many children and young people without reliable access to learning opportunities.
UNICEF has reported that millions of Nigerian children remain out of school, while access to digital learning is constrained by inadequate connectivity, electricity and digital literacy, particularly in rural communities.
The situation has made the cost and availability of data an important consideration as the government and development partners increasingly turn to digital platforms to supplement conventional classrooms.
Nigeria has previously introduced zero-rated access to some educational content. UNICEF has reported that data costs were removed for users accessing the Nigeria Learning Passport through whitelisting on an Airtel SIM, while connectivity was also extended to schools in hard-to-reach communities.
The Nigeria Learning Passport was developed by the Federal Government, UNICEF and other partners to provide digital curriculum content to learners and teachers and expand access to education beyond the conventional classroom.
Against this background, Alausa said the latest intervention was part of a broader effort to transform the education sector through digitalisation under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education was strengthening the management and delivery of education through initiatives including the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and Learner Identification Number.
However, Alausa stressed that the success of the government’s digital reforms would ultimately be measured by their impact on learners.
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“The real measure of digital transformation would be its ability to reach the learner and improve the quality of education,” he said.
The minister also announced plans for regulated internet access for children below the age of 16 as part of measures to strengthen child protection online.
Alausa said the increasing use of digital platforms by children made it necessary for the government and other stakeholders to address threats in the online environment, including cyberattacks and other forms of harm.
He said, “At some point, there would be regulated internet access for every child below the age of 16 years as part of measures to strengthen online child protection.”
The announcement adds a child-protection dimension to the government’s digital education agenda, with Alausa stressing that expanding access to technology must be accompanied by measures to safeguard children.
He further called for sustained collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecommunications operators, technology companies, development partners, educational institutions and teachers.
The minister said Nigeria must move beyond producing young people who merely consume technology to developing a generation capable of creating technology, innovating and solving problems.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, commended the initiative, describing the high cost of data as one of the major barriers to learning in the digital age.
Akpatason said the House of Representatives remained committed to policies and legislative measures that would leverage technology to bridge the education gap, particularly for learners in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, stressed the need to ensure that no Nigerian child was left behind in accessing knowledge and educational opportunities.
Dandutse commended the telecommunications industry for its contributions to education, including corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting children and expanding access to learning.
The initiative comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to digitise Nigeria’s education system, improve learner identification and strengthen the management of education data.
Alausa assured that the Ministry of Education would continue working with the NCC, state governments, telecommunications operators, educational institutions and development partners to ensure that the zero-rated access initiative translated into lasting benefits.
He said the government’s goal was to build an education system where “geography does not determine a child’s future, poverty does not close the door to knowledge,” and every Nigerian learner had an opportunity to realise their full potential.

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.

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2027: Obi denies turning down Atiku’s VP offer – The Sun Nigeria

latestnews — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:30:09 +0000

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied reports that he rejected an offer to become the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Obi said no such proposal was made to him.
Obi made the clarification during an interview on Arise TV while responding to questions about a possible alliance among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 election.
In 2025, Obi, Atiku and other opposition leaders came together under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form an opposition coalition.
The coalition later split, with Obi emerging as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Atiku became the ADC’s presidential candidate.
Asked whether he would step down for Atiku or accept the vice-presidential slot if an alliance was reached, Obi said the discussion had moved beyond individual candidates.
“I’m a candidate, yes. So, my leader, Atiku, is a candidate of another party. I am a candidate for another party. So, you are talking about two parties coming together; it is no longer him or me,” he said.

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Obi said any potential alliance must be negotiated by the political parties rather than reduced to discussions between individual candidates.
“All those parties have candidates. So, it is a discussion. It is no longer me, as Peter is talking. It is like a situation where two corporations are trying to come together. It is no longer something the two CEOs go to a drink and say we are going to work together. They need to look at how to bring these two corporations together,” he said.
When told that he had previously said he would not accept a vice-presidential position from any candidate, Obi denied rejecting any such offer.
“I don’t know where that was said. I wasn’t even in a position where that was being offered, and I refused,” he said.
Obi was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election. They, however, contested the 2023 election on different platforms, with Obi running on the Labour Party (LP) platform and Atiku on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.
Obi said he would support any alliance committed to national unity, the rule of law, order, accountable leadership, education, healthcare and job creation.
“I want to be part of any coalition that will make Nigeria work. That will make Nigeria productive. That will create jobs for the young ones. That will pull people out of poverty. That will make education work,” Obi added.

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