New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Tinubu condoles as Super Eagles icon Henry Nwosu dies at 62

    Tinubu condoles as Super Eagles icon Henry Nwosu dies at 62

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of legendary Super Eagles midfielder Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62.

    In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Tinubu joined the Nigerian football community in mourning Nwosu, describing him as an exceptionally skilled player whose artistry on the pitch remains the stuff of legends.

    The president recalled Nwosu’s brilliance as a 17-year-old in the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, his decade-long service to the national team, and his role in subsequent AFCON tournaments in 1982, 1984, and 1988. He also acknowledged Nwosu’s contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

    “The President states that Nigerians will always remember the late playmaker for the pride and joy he brought to the nation and for inspiring many compatriots to greater accomplishments,” the statement read.

    Tinubu prayed for the repose of Nwosu’s soul and comfort for his family.

  • US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island as Trump warns of total destruction of oil assets

    US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island as Trump warns of total destruction of oil assets

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The United States Army Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed a large-scale precision strike on Iran’s oil-rich Kharg Island and the epicentre of its oil and industry.

    In a statement on Saturday, CENTCOM said the operation destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile bunkers, and multiple military sites, successfully hitting more than 90 Iranian targets while deliberately preserving the island’s oil infrastructure.

    Following the attack, US President Donald Trump warned that any further Iranian attempt to block vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger the destruction of Iran’s oil and gas assets on Kharg Island. The island, which handles about 90% of Iran’s crude exports, sits near the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic chokepoint through which 20% of global oil flows. Control or disruption of Kharg directly impacts global energy markets and regional security.

    A portion of the CENTCOM statement read: “Last night, U.S. forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil infrastructure.”

    Iran has vowed to retaliate by targeting energy production facilities across the region if its oil and gas infrastructure comes under attack.

    The escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran shows no sign of easing. The confrontation began two weeks ago, with Iran launching missile strikes on Gulf nations and energy infrastructure in a bid to drive up global energy costs as part of its war strategy.

    Meanwhile, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has expressed concern over the rising tensions, warning that any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz or Kharg Island could destabilise global oil supply and trigger sharp price increases. OPEC urged restraint from all parties, stressing the need to safeguard energy infrastructure critical to the stability of international markets.

  • Heroic Nigerian Army storms kidnappers’ den in Benue, rescues five and seizes weapons

    Heroic Nigerian Army storms kidnappers’ den in Benue, rescues five and seizes weapons

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke of the Nigerian Army freed five kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, and recovered pistols and ammunition in separate raids described as offensive actions to restore peace in the Joint Operations Area.

    According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, the rescued individuals are Babaji Muhammad, 40, abducted along Chede Takun Road and held for ten days; Sunday Yamusa, 45, detained for six weeks; Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, both abducted along Tor Donga Road; and Doofan Ahula, 54, held for one month and two days after being taken along Chede Takun Road.

    The statement added that on March 13, troops acting on intelligence about bandits at Mtam Village, Utange Council Ward, Katsina-Ala LGA, conducted a rapid response operation. The criminals fled before arrival, but troops recovered items including camouflage, desert boots, a smoke grenade, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, a Dane gun, six pistols, magazines, motorcycles, and charms.

    Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops’ professionalism and urged them to sustain momentum against criminal elements. He also thanked the public for credible intelligence and encouraged continued reporting of suspicious activities to support peace efforts in the region.

  • Sanwo-Olu flags off return of monthly sanitation exercise in Q2 2026

    Sanwo-Olu flags off return of monthly sanitation exercise in Q2 2026

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday joined officials of the Ministry of Environment at the Mushin–Agege Motor Road axis to flag off the return of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

    The governor announced that the exercise will officially resume on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and will thereafter be held on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. “This morning, I was at Mushin–Agege Motor Road with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment to flag off the return of our monthly environmental sanitation exercise,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I’m glad to share that the exercise will resume on Saturday, 25 April 2026, and will now hold on the last Saturday of every month from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.”

    He encouraged Lagosians to take the two hours seriously by cleaning their surroundings, clearing drains, and disposing of waste properly. “The Lagos we all want will not appear overnight. It will come from the small actions we take together, street by street, from LGA to LGA,” he added.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier Lagos, stressing that the measures will be enforced to improve the environment for all residents.

    The decision follows growing calls from residents for the reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise amid worsening waste management challenges. Critics on social media have repeatedly urged the government to act, citing deteriorating cleanliness across the city.

    Lagos continues to grapple with domestic waste littering major roads and streets, worsened by unregulated disposal practices and illegal dump sites. Authorities say the renewed sanitation exercise is part of broader efforts to restore discipline in waste management and safeguard public health.

  • Umo Eno inspects Agric Equipment Leasing Company, expresses satisfaction with progress

    Umo Eno inspects Agric Equipment Leasing Company, expresses satisfaction with progress

    UYO, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has inspected ongoing work at the state’s Agric Equipment Leasing Company, designed to provide tractors and modern farming equipment to farmers at subsidised rates. The initiative aims to boost productivity and support large-scale agriculture across the state.

    Located at Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo, the facility is a flagship project of the government to promote mechanised farming. In a statement issued March 12, the governor confirmed that the centre will soon be commissioned to deliver essential tools needed to enhance food production.

    “With over 25 tractors already in place, our goal is to make farming more efficient, increase food production, and improve the earnings of our farmers,” he said. He further noted that as the rainy season approaches, the state is set to commence its tree-crop revolution programme, with palm seedlings ready for distribution to farmers.

    Governor Eno reaffirmed that agriculture remains a critical pillar of his ARISE Agenda, stressing that investments in mechanisation and crop diversification are central to achieving food security and empowering rural communities.

  • Peter Obi slams lawmakers for criminalising dual party membership while overlooking forgery and false declarations

    Peter Obi slams lawmakers for criminalising dual party membership while overlooking forgery and false declarations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — Mr Peter Obi, opposition party leader and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned the Nigerian parliament for criminalising dual political party membership while simultaneously removing certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging elections in a tribunal. He warned that Nigeria cannot rise above the integrity of its leaders, stressing that laws must defend truth, character, competence, and accountability, and be intolerant of criminal behaviour.

    Obi described the move as a direct contradiction of the Constitution and a troubling reflection of misplaced priorities in the political system. 

    In a statement on Friday, he noted: “In any serious democracy, the gravest offence in public life is deceiving the people to gain power. Submitting false documents, falsifying one’s age, forging certificates, and making dishonest declarations to electoral authorities are among the most serious offences. Such actions not only lead to automatic disqualification but also warrant criminal prosecution.”

    He lamented that “today, our electoral system seems more focused on protecting political structures than on upholding the truth.” 

    Obi argued that there is no justification for prioritising punishment for party alignment over punishing forgery and deception in the pursuit of public office. 

    He called for laws that strengthen democracy rather than weaken it, and those that promote ethical leadership instead of lowering standards for those who aspire to govern.

  • President Tinubu pledges tariff review to support Nigerian media industry

    President Tinubu pledges tariff review to support Nigerian media industry

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday promised to address tariffs on newspaper and broadcasting materials to strengthen the media industry’s constitutional role.

    Speaking at the State House while hosting leaders of the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), NPAN, BON, the Guild of Editors, and NUJ, Tinubu commended media owners and journalists for informing citizens and providing livelihoods. He acknowledged the tough decisions his administration has taken to save Nigeria from bankruptcy.

    “Leadership must, as a matter of responsibility, make decisions at the best time. Yes, I accepted my predecessor’s assets and liabilities because I applied for the job and was given the job. But if anybody tells you it’s easy, it’s a lie,” he said. “We had to save the nation and bring it back from the brink. Today, I can stand proudly before you and say that we are back from the brink.”

    On tariffs, Tinubu added, “We discussed issues of tariffs this afternoon. What I cannot report back here is whether I took action in the areas that affect you. But if I missed that, I will go back to rectifying whatever was necessary.” He praised the media’s constructive criticism, noting, “All of us want the best for this nation.”

    Information Minister Mohammed Idris lauded the President’s resilience and urged journalists to hold all tiers of government accountable. NPAN Grand Patron Aremo Olusegun Osoba commended Tinubu’s bold reforms, including the Nigeria Revenue Service and National Single Window policy, while calling on governors to use federal allocations to improve grassroots lives.

    BusinessDay publisher Frank Aigbogun, speaking for the NPO, sought Tinubu’s intervention on import tariffs for newsprint and broadcast equipment, and urged protection of Nigerian media jobs from big tech companies that use local content without compensation.

  • NEMA warns Nigerians on fire risks amid heatwave, encourages residents to monitor weather forecasts

    NEMA warns Nigerians on fire risks amid heatwave, encourages residents to monitor weather forecasts

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has cautioned Nigerians about heightened risks of fire disasters and heat-related health challenges following the recent surge in daily temperatures across parts of the country.

    In a statement signed by Manzo Ezekiel on March 14, quoting Director-General Mrs Zubaida Umar, the agency warned of persistent heat conditions during this period and urged citizens to exercise caution in handling materials and appliances that could easily ignite under extreme heat.

    Umar advised households, businesses, and public institutions to ensure the safe use of electrical appliances, gas cylinders, and other combustible items, stressing that excessive heat increases their vulnerability to ignition. She further emphasised proper storage of flammable substances, avoidance of bush burning, and maintenance of electrical connections to reduce fire risks.

    Beyond fire safety, NEMA urged citizens to guard against heat-related health issues by staying hydrated, limiting direct sun exposure, and paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. The agency also encouraged residents to monitor weather forecasts and safety advisories from NiMet and other emergency bodies, and to promptly report any fire outbreak or emergency.

    Mrs Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to continuous public awareness and proactive disaster risk reduction, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to safeguard lives, property, and the environment.

  • NDPC warns Nigerian content creators to respect citizens’ privacy

    NDPC warns Nigerian content creators to respect citizens’ privacy

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has cautioned Nigerian content creators against violating citizens’ privacy by filming or photographing unsuspecting members of the public and posting such material on social media.

    The Commission stressed that these acts infringe on the constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and contravene provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act). In a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye Esq., Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC cited a recent case involving a Lagos-based creator who staged a “reality show” using images of passersby without their consent. The Commission noted that processing personal data in such circumstances requires clear consent or another lawful basis.

    National Commissioner/CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji has directed platform owners, including TikTok, X, and Meta, to strengthen enforcement of community guidelines to prevent harm caused by unlawful data processing. The statement further warned that failure by platforms to act promptly could attract sanctions under the NDP Act.

    NDPC emphasized that individual creators remain accountable for their actions and may face criminal prosecution for violating citizens’ privacy rights. The Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ informational self-determination and ensuring that digital innovation does not come at the expense of fundamental rights.

  • Umo Eno rolls out red carpet for young scholars, vows brighter future through bold education policy

    Umo Eno rolls out red carpet for young scholars, vows brighter future through bold education policy

    UYO, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 —The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday welcomed pupils of King’s Kids Christian Montessori School during a guided tour of the Government House, Uyo.

    In a statement issued Saturday, the governor expressed delight at the visit, noting that he always makes time for children because they represent the future of the state and the nation. He emphasised the responsibility of leaders to provide a peaceful and secure environment where young people can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.

    The governor encouraged the pupils to study diligently and aspire to become responsible leaders of tomorrow, while commending their teachers for their dedication in shaping young minds. “It was my pleasure to receive the pupils of King’s Kids Christian Montessori School, Uyo, who visited Government House to learn about the workings of government,” the statement read.

    He added, “I encouraged them to study hard and become responsible leaders of tomorrow, and I commend their teachers for their dedication. It was a joy to interact with them and to receive their Award of Leadership Excellence.”

    The governor further noted that Akwa Ibom State’s education policy is anchored on free and compulsory schooling, improved literacy, and human capital development. By investing in teachers, infrastructure, and universal basic education, the state aims to empower children with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive, ensuring that today’s pupils become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.