The North East Health Awareness Forum (NEHCAF) has expressed serious concern over the inability of the Federal Ministry of Health to access the budgeted sum of ₦218 billion in capital expenditure for 2025, as only ₦36 million was reportedly released. The disclosure was contained in a statement distributed to journalists by the Chairman of the Forum, Abdullahi Ahmad, and the Secretary, Ummu Kulsum Rabiu. The Forum stated, “Our attention has been drawn to the widely circulated publication in various national dailies of a statement credited to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, alleging that out of the ₦218 billion capital project funds appropriated for the health sector in 2025, only ₦36 million was released.”It added, “We express our profound shock and astonishment at this revelation made by the Coordinating Minister. It is alarming to learn that only ₦36 million has been received by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare out of the staggering ₦218 billion earmarked for this critical sector.”The statement further noted, “This disclosure raises serious concerns about transparency and the effective management of healthcare resources in Nigeria. We remain committed to advocating for the necessary reforms to ensure that financial resources are not only allocated but also effectively utilised for the benefit of all Nigerians.”It urged stakeholders, “We urge all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and the media, to collaborate in addressing these concerns and to work towards a more accountable and responsive health financing system.”The Forum concluded, “Together, we can ensure that the promise of quality healthcare is fulfilled for every Nigerian.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved a major operational milestone with the full restoration and optimisation of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block. Following a scheduled maintenance exercise on the CDU and MS Block, the refinery has commenced an intensive 72-hour series of performance test runs in collaboration with licensor UOP. These tests are designed to validate operational efficiency and confirm that all critical parameters meet global standards. He further confirmed that all remaining processing units will begin their respective performance test runs in Phase 2, scheduled to commence next week. With the CDU and MS Block now fully restored, the refinery is positioned to comfortably deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS to the domestic market as required.

Federal Government, through the National Social Investment Programme Agency, says no fewer than 22,000 farmers will benefit from interest-free loans under its FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season Programme. “We are targeting more than 22,000 farmers for this phase, looking at about 28 farmers per local government,” he said. “The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is anchored on inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity. “The Renewed Hope G3.0 is a practical expression of this commitment,” he said. Our farmers remain the backbone of the Nigerian economy.”He said that supporting the farmers was an economic necessity and also a moral obligation.

The Grammy Awards are the most prestigious music awards in the world. NominationThe voting members at the Grammy Academy vote only in their expertise to ensure credibility. Grammy Award StatuetteYou have to acknowledge and agree to certain terms before receiving a Grammy Award Statuette. Key Phrase: Grammy Award. Meta Description:Before you can win a Grammy Award, your recordings must pass the nomination stages, and you must have the highest votes.

The Oyo State Government has held high-level talks with the leadership of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, as part of efforts to advance collaborative initiatives and commence full implementation of the state’s AfCFTA Strategy. The meeting, described as the first engagement between both parties in 2026, followed a Training of Trainers workshop on AfCFTA implementation held in Ibadan last week. According to her, discussions centred on Oyo State’s 2026 AfCFTA Action Plan, particularly following the allocation of dedicated funds for AfCFTA implementation in the state’s 2026 budget — a move considered rare at the sub-national level. The deliberations also focused on advancing AfCFTA implementation at the sub-national level, accelerating industrial development, and enhancing Oyo State’s competitiveness within the continental market. She added that the engagement with the AfCFTA Secretariat underscored the growing importance of proactive state-level leadership in translating continental trade policy into measurable economic outcomes.

The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has said that a well-structured, low-risk approach in Nigeria’s energy sector is essential to unlocking investments, accelerating economic development and strengthening energy security. Anowi stated that reducing risks in oil and gas projects, beyond being a business strategy, was a matter of national importance for Nigeria’s economy, energy security, and long-term development. Anowi also highlighted the importance of good infrastructure, local skills, and modern technology in reducing everyday operational risks. He said that when pipelines, processing facilities, and digital systems work well, projects are safer, cheaper to run, and more reliable over time. In his closing remarks, Anowi noted that Africa and Nigeria in particular are investable when risks are planned for and managed carefully, not ignored.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has identified shared infrastructure, policy alignment, coordinated investment frameworks, cross-border knowledge and technology exchange, integrated gas market development, and sustained regional diplomacy among National Oil Companies (NOCs) as key pillars for securing Africa’s energy future. Ojulari disclosed this during a chat with the Deputy Chair of Ørsted and President of the Energy Institute, Andy Brown, at the 2026 International Energy Week (IEW) in London, on Wednesday. Addressing the imperative of expanding cross-border energy infrastructure, the NNPC boss said the Company’s ongoing regional gas initiatives demonstrate how shared assets can unlock scale, efficiency and resilience. He emphasised that accelerated delivery of flagship projects such as the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline and the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline is critical to strengthening regional integration and advancing cross-border energy trade. He also called for structured joint investment platforms among African NOCs, stressing that Africa can attract and deploy capital more effectively when acting collectively rather than individually.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026. Yusuf replaces the erstwhile Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who resigned from the post on Monday, citing “personal reasons” for his decision. According to the presidential spokesman, Ambassador Yusuf, a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat, served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. Yusuf becomes the third NAHCON Chairman/CEO appointed by Tinubu since assuming power in May, 2023. “I wish to state unequivocally that this decision is taken entirely for personal reasons.

The Oyo State Police Command have confirmed the arrest of the suspected kidnappers as well as the recovery of the firearms at the Komu village area of Oyo state. He gave their identities as one Aliu Umaru, male, aged 22 years, Gure Wadi, male, aged 60 years, and Ibrahim Yobo, male, aged 35 years, all of Komu Village. The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its sustained fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of firearms, following intelligence-driven and coordinated security operations. “Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, after which all suspects will be charged in court accordingly. “The Oyo State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges continued cooperation through the provision of credible and timely information.”

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting depositors’ funds and promoting financial stability in the country. The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NDIC, Mr Thompson Oludare Sunday, made the assertion at the ongoing 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday. Sunday emphasised that NDIC’s mandate encompasses deposit insurance coverage for depositors of licensed banks, bank supervision, distress resolution, and liquidation of failed banks. NDIC’s presence at the trade fair has been welcomed by participants, who appreciate the corporation’s efforts to promote financial stability and protect depositors’ funds. The NDIC Special Day at the trade fair featured presentations, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, providing opportunities for attendees to learn more about the corporation’s activities and initiatives.

The management of Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDC) has notified its customers about service disruptions under its jurisdiction. ALSO READ: FG to empower over 20,000 farmers nationwideTitled ‘Power supply update’, it read, “Dear Valued Customers, we are writing to inform you that the recent service interruptions are due to challenges beyond our direct control. These include nationwide gas shortages affecting generation and a fault on the 330kv Shiroro lines 1 & 2, which supply our transmission stations. “Due to this fault, we are currently receiving reduced supply via the 330kv Jos line due to load limitations. Our technical team is in constant communication with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to monitor efforts to fully restore the primary lines.

The Nigerian equities market extended its bullish run on Wednesday as sustained buying interest in banking and insurance stock counters lifted the benchmark index higher. In tandem with the index performance, market capitalisation appreciated by N880.34 billion to settle at N114.38 trillion, reflecting value accretion across major counters. Leading the gainers’ chart were Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Meyer Plc, and Chemical and Allied Products Plc, all of which recorded notable price appreciation on the back of renewed demand. The NGX Insurance Index followed closely, climbing 1.53 per cent as investors rotated into undervalued counters within the segment. In contrast, the NGX Industrial Goods Index slipped slightly by 0.02 per cent, while the NGX Commodity Index closed flat, reflecting mixed sentiment in those segments.

A political group in Ogun State, Caucus 7202 (The Coalition), on Wednesday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senatorial seat, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) for Governor of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Activities later shifted to Adeola Odutola Event Hall, where APC leaders and members from across Ogun East Senatorial District gathered to formally endorse President Tinubu, Governor Abiodun and Senator AdeolaAccording to Hon. The event was attended by numerous APC members and party chieftains from Ogun East Senatorial District, including the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Local Govt. Emilola Gazal, Otunba Adewale Oshinubi and former Commissioner for Sports/ Wealth Creation & Tourism in Lagos State, Hon. Caucus 7202 is a progressive political group with a membership drive of over 300,000 and has 1,500 subgroups across the 20 LGs of Ogun State.

Addressing dignitaries, security chiefs and stakeholders at the ceremony, Adeniyi declared that the project represents a shift in how national institutions should view security and correction. “This project represents more than infrastructure. It represents belief. It must include education, rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said, commending the Nigeria Customs Service for what he termed visionary and compassionate leadership. With the complex now operational, authorities say inmates at Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre will benefit from expanded classroom capacity, improved access to books and digital learning resources and enhanced welfare support.

“My husband and I had two children and lost them both,” she writes, and words can only “fall short”. James, a brilliant linguist studying at Princeton, where Li teaches creative writing, took his last Japanese class on a Friday. Things in Nature Merely Grow is by necessity profoundly sad, but in the act of sharing details of the “abyss” she now inhabits, Li has created something both inclusive and humane. Months before his death, he reread Albert Camus’ play Caligula “a bit obsessively”, and watched English, Spanish and Japanese productions of it online. There is no redemptive moment of healing here; things in nature merely grow, they are not automatically resolved, wounds are not neatly sutured.