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LAHA 2027: Ogundipe Denies Withdrawal Rumours, Reaffirms Bid

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Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, has dismissed reports suggesting he has withdrawn from the 2027 race, describing them as unfounded and misleading. In a statement on Monday, Ogundipe, who is seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, said he remains firmly in the contest and confident of securing the party’s nomination. “The attention of my office has been drawn to rumours that I have stepped down or been edged out of the race. Let me state clearly that I am very much in the race, focused, prepared, and confident of securing the party ticket,” he said. The lawmaker called on supporters, party leaders, and stakeholders across Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I to remain calm and resolute, noting that his ambition is rooted in years of service, leadership, and community-focused initiatives. Ogundipe, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Information Strategy and Securi...
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OPINION: Nigeria’s Sugary Drinks Boom: Why Higher SSB Tax Is a Public Health Imperative

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By Humphrey Ukeaja Nigeria’s sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) market is not just growing; it is expanding its product lines and accelerating the establishment of new plants in a country already carrying a heavy and costly burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).  Evidence indicates that SSB consumption in Nigeria rose by 123 percent between 2008 and 2022, while per capita SSB sales increased by 119.1 percent between 2010 and 2024, placing Nigeria among the fastest-growing SSB markets in Africa, and the largest consumer on the continent of soft drinks. The country is also the 4th largest in the world by total volume in 2025. At the same time, the health system is absorbing the consequences of rising obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease—conditions that are tightly linked to excess consumption of SSBs and poor dietary environments. Worthy of note is that approximately 81 percent of Nigerian adolescents were found to consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) dail...
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Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Delta

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Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, with recovered arms and ammunition The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms proliferation across the state. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command disclosed that operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team arrested a suspected kidnapper, Shehu Malami, in Ogor Market, Ughelli, following credible intelligence. The suspect was said to have led operatives to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor, where one AK-47 rifle and 63 rounds of live ammunition were recovered. Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the suspect is a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri, and other parts of Delta State. The command added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang. In a related development, operatives led by the Assistan...
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CAPPA Urges People-centred Reforms as Nigerian Workers Face Rising Cost-of-living Crisis

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CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi As Nigeria marks the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on all tiers of government to move beyond symbolic gestures and implement people-centred reforms to address the country’s worsening economic realities. In a statement issued on Thursday, CAPPA said this year’s May Day commemoration comes at a time when workers are grappling with rising living costs, stagnant wages, and weakening social protections. Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, described the situation as critical, noting that survival has become increasingly difficult for millions of Nigerians. He said soaring inflation, high rents, and shrinking incomes are eroding workers’ dignity, productivity, and overall quality of life. The organisation highlighted a deepening housing crisis in major urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers State, where accommodation costs have surged beyond the ...
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Workers’ Day: NPF Pensions Salutes Police Officers’ Service, Sacrifice

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The Board, Management and Staff of NPF Pensions Limited have commended officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to national security as the country marks the Workers’ Day celebration. In a goodwill message issued on Thursday, the pension firm paid tribute to the dedication of police personnel in safeguarding lives and maintaining law and order across the country. “On this significant day, we pay tribute to your unwavering courage, resilience, discipline, and steadfast dedication to duty. Your tireless commitment to safeguarding lives, upholding law and order, and preserving the peace across our nation stands as a beacon of service and patriotism,” the organisation stated. The company acknowledged the sacrifices made daily by police officers, often under difficult and risky conditions, noting that their contributions remain critical to national stability and development. “We deeply acknowledge the sacrifices you make daily, of...
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IGP Disu Visits Akwa Ibom, Presides Over Passing-Out of 1,068 Retrained Constables

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has undertaken an operational visit to Akwa Ibom State, where he presided over the passing-out ceremony of 1,068 retrained police constables. During the visit on April 30, 2026, the IGP paid a courtesy call on the state governor, Umo Eno, in Uyo, with discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between the state government and the Nigeria Police Force in advancing ongoing policing reforms. Disu reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to building a modern, service-oriented institution anchored on professionalism, accountability, and intelligence-led operations. In his remarks, Governor Eno commended the Police for reforms aimed at improving discipline and service delivery, while assuring continued support for security agencies to ensure the safety of residents. The IGP later presided over the passing-out parade of the retrained constables at the Police Mobile Force Base, 26 PMF, Uyo, where he charged the officers to uphold professi...
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President Tinubu Elevates Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Foreign Affairs Minister

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Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu                Sola Enikanolaiye President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, now assumes full leadership of the ministry as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements. In the same development, the President nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.  He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience in Nigeria’s foreign se...
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