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By Chidinma Eferebo Every election season, many Nigerians express frustration over bad governance and the widening gap between citizens and political leaders. Yet, when it is time to vote, large numbers stay away from the polls. Some believe their votes will not count; others are discouraged by broken promises and distrust in political institutions.  The truth is that democracy does not fail only when leaders abuse power or engage in corrupt practices. It also weakens when citizens surrender their voices. In Nigeria, political disengagement has increasingly become both a symptom of public frustration and a condition that benefits those who profit from the absence of public participation. Political disengagement occurs when citizens withdraw from democratic processes, including voting and other forms of civic participation through which they can influence public decisions. Although such withdrawal may seem harmless on the surface and a matter of personal decision, it often reflects ...

By Bukola Olukemi-Odele A mother walks into a store to buy a healthy snack for her child. The shelves are stocked with snacks, chocolates, and drinks, all featuring brightly coloured packaging adorned with child-friendly cartoon characters. She picks an item that displays bold nutrition claims, such as "fortified with brain-boosting vitamins for growth and vitality." This imagery gives her confidence that she is making a healthy choice for her family. However, it does not disclose the hidden sugars, excessive sodium, and unhealthy fats that could negatively impact her child's health.  This scene occurs every day in markets and shops across Nigeria, where consumers are bombarded with expertly crafted messages that make processed and prepackaged foods and drinks appear healthier than they actually are. Nigeria is currently undergoing a significant nutritional shift from traditional, nutrient-dense diets to processed and prepackaged foods. This change has resulted in a publi...

NCC Chairman, Idris Olorunnimbe The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a major policy drive to support local manufacturing of smartphones, tablets, routers and other telecommunications devices, promising executive backing and incentives aimed at reducing device costs for Nigerians. Chairman of the Commission, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, said the NCC is shifting from being only a market regulator to becoming a partner in building a domestic technology industry. He explained that strong regulation remains essential to making digital services affordable, noting that a device is only truly affordable when it is reliable, safe, properly connected and supported with a warranty. “Regulation and market integrity are what make a market affordable in the first place. They are the precondition for it. A phone is only truly cheap if it is real, if it is safe, if it connects properly, and if it carries a warranty the buyer can rely on,” Olorunnimbe said. The initiative see...

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against criminal activities, with the arrest of suspected telecom infrastructure vandals, recovery of firearms, stolen items, vehicles and seizure of counterfeit products. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this during a press briefing on the operational achievements of the department between March 30 and June 25, 2026. Akpanudom said the command remained committed to protecting critical national infrastructure, tackling economic sabotage and ensuring that criminal elements face justice. He revealed that operatives arrested three suspected members of a syndicate involved in vandalising telecommunication facilities in Ayobo, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos. The suspects — Ezekiel Omoloye, 46; Olaoluwa Shuwunmi, 44; and Olaleye Kehinde, 41 — were arrested following intelligence-led operations carried out on Jun...

The Lagos State Government and technology stakeholders have called for stronger commitment towards creating gender-inclusive opportunities in science, technology and innovation. The call was made at the fifth edition of the Women in Technology and Engineering Summit (WITESA), held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. Representing the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, said stakeholders must move beyond discussions and embrace practical collaboration to enable more women to thrive and lead in the technology space. Alake stressed that Lagos’ ambition as a digital hub depends on inclusive innovation, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and renewable energy. “We need to move beyond conversation to collaboration in creating an environment where women can thrive, where they can lead, and where they can innovate,” he said. At the summit, industry experts highlighted the need to ...

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Navy through expanded opportunities for journalists to participate in naval operations, exercises and strategic maritime engagements. DECAN made the call during a courtesy visit by its newly elected executive members to the Directorate of Naval Information in Abuja. The DECAN President, Sunday Odita, who led the delegation, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening the relationship between defence correspondents and the Nigerian Navy while improving national security communication. Odita said defence journalists play a crucial role in bridging the information gap between the military and the public, adding that limited access to naval activities often affects public awareness of the Navy’s operational achievements. He urged the Navy to sustain and expand media-embedding programmes, particularly for Abuja-based correspondents, to enable journalists gain firsthand knowle...

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to establish a comprehensive whistleblower protection law to safeguard individuals who expose corruption, misconduct and other wrongdoing. MRA made the call in commemoration of the 2026 World Whistleblower Day, stressing that whistleblowers in Nigeria continue to face retaliation, including job loss, intimidation, harassment, threats, discrimination and legal challenges. The organisation said Nigeria requires a legal framework that meets international standards by providing secure reporting channels, protecting whistleblowers in both public and private sectors, ensuring independent investigation of disclosures and imposing penalties against those who retaliate against whistleblowers. MRA Programme Officer, Ms Adesewa Akintokun, in a statement said existing policies encouraging the reporting of corruption and misconduct remain inadequate without enforceable legal protection. She noted that whistlebl...

The Lagos State Police Command says it has recorded major operational successes in the fight against crime, with the arrest of several suspects and recovery of firearms, ammunition, illicit substances, stolen items and other criminal exhibits in June. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command's headquarters in Ikeja. He said the Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, crime prevention and protection of lives and property. Among the items recovered during the period were 14 firearms, four live cartridges, 51 mobile phones, two vehicle engine control units, an operational motorcycle, a diesel truck loaded with military camouflage uniforms, suspected illicit substances and vandalised electrical cables. CP Fatai said two suspected cable vandals, Ikenegboge Godwin, 23, and Aondoaka Jacob, 23, were arrested while allegedly vandalising electric cables on the Third Mainland Bridge. He said the command also arres...

The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) says it will establish a sustainable mental health and psychosocial support network for police widows, as part of efforts to address the emotional and psychological challenges faced by families of fallen officers. The National President of POWA, Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, disclosed this during activities marking the 2026 International Widows’ Day with the theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Police Widows.” Mrs. Disu said the loss of a spouse goes beyond financial hardship, noting that many police widows silently deal with grief while caring for their children and rebuilding their lives after the death of their husbands in active service. She stressed that emotional healing must receive the same attention as financial support. “Our goal is simple: to ease the financial, health and emotional burdens faced by our women and to ensure that no police widow feels abandoned after her husband's service and sacrifice,” she said. The POWA...

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has celebrated fathers across Nigeria and around the world, describing their contributions as vital to building strong families and communities. In a Father’s Day message on Sunday, the First Lady acknowledged the love, strength and sacrifices of fathers, father-figures, mentors and role models who continue to support and guide their families. She said fathers play an important role in shaping the character, confidence and future of children through their dedication, protection and leadership. “Today, we honour all fathers, father-figures, role models, and mentors who show up each day, working to provide for their families,” she said. Senator Tinubu encouraged fathers to continue being sources of wisdom, strength and inspiration to their families. “May you continue to be a source of wisdom, strength, and inspiration to your families. Happy Father’s Day,” the First Lady said.

By Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC Chieftain As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gradually gathers momentum, political actors across the country are once again recalibrating strategies, building alliances and testing narratives they hope will resonate with the Nigerian electorate. In the Southeast, there appears to be a growing temptation to return to the familiar and emotionally charged rhetoric of ethnic nationalism as a pathway to political relevance and electoral bargaining. While every ethnic nationality in Nigeria has the legitimate right to protect and promote its interests within the framework of our federal democracy, the hard truth remains that ethnic nationalism alone will not be enough to secure meaningful political gains in 2027. Nigeria’s political realities have evolved considerably. The electorate has become increasingly sophisticated, discerning and demanding. Across the country, citizens are looking beyond emotional appeals and primordial sentiments. They are askin...

Hon. Seye Oladejo The passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives represents one of the most consequential legislative milestones in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a major breakthrough in our nation’s battle against insecurity. For years, progressive voices across the country have argued that Nigeria’s security challenges require bold, innovative and constitutionally-backed solutions. The increasing sophistication of criminal networks, the persistence of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime have exposed the limitations of a policing structure designed for a much smaller and less complex nation. Today, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is once again demonstrating the courage to embrace reforms that previous administrations merely discussed but failed to implement. The House of Representatives deserves commendation for taking this historic step. Its action reflects a growing national consensus that the securit...

President Bola Tinubu Seye Oladejo   The Democracy Day address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was both reassuring and inspiring. It reflected the conviction of a leader who understands the challenges confronting our nation and possesses the courage, vision, and determination to surmount them. At a time when Nigerians desire renewed hope, security, and prosperity, the President’s speech offered renewed confidence in the resilience of our democracy and the capacity of our institutions to respond to the yearnings of the people. His unequivocal commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate is commendable and deserving of support from all patriots. Particularly inspiring was the President’s reaffirmation that democracy remains our best form of government despite its imperfections. His acknowledgment of the sacrifices of our democratic heroes and the struggles that birthed the Fourth Republic was a timely reminder th...

DECAN Newly Elected Officers  The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new executive committee to lead the association for the next two years. The new officials emerged through a peaceful and transparent electoral process and include Sunday Odita as President, Linus Aleke as Vice President, Musa Umar Bologi as Secretary and Benjamin Samson as Treasurer. Other elected officers are Kikelomo Okere, Financial Secretary; Ihotu Odoh, Welfare Officer; Agbor Jame, Provost; and Mathew Abi, Public Relations Officer. Sunday Odita Speaking after his election, the new DECAN President, Sunday Odita, pledged to prioritise members' welfare while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the defence and security sector. Odita said a professionally empowered and motivated membership was crucial to effective defence journalism and promised that the new leadership would work towards building a stronger and more united association. He also said the association would...

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that Nigeria's worsening insecurity poses a serious threat to the country's democratic progress and could undermine participation in the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary, the organisation urged the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a direct challenge to democracy, the rule of law and electoral credibility. CAPPA's Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said democracy cannot flourish when citizens live under the constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal violence and other forms of criminality. “Democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel on highways, send their children to school, cultivate their farms, operate businesses, or participate in elections,” Ibeh said. The organisation expressed concern over the continued spread of kidnapping-for-ransom across the country, noting t...

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate allegedly linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on May 1, 2026. The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba, stating that the arrests followed weeks of intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations across Bayelsa and Imo states. According to the commissioner, the suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike. CP Oyeniyi said investigators traced the firearm recovered in Effurun to Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, who was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside a friend and roommate whose phone was allegedly used in communications relating to the purchase of the weapon. He said during interrogation, Chukwuemeka reportedly confessed to purchasing the firearm from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before resell...

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued a female victim who sustained serious injuries in a hit-and-run accident along the Lekki-Epe Expressway and facilitated her prompt evacuation for medical treatment. The incident occurred at EFF Bus Stop inward Marwa on the busy expressway when an unidentified motorist allegedly knocked down the woman and fled the scene, leaving her injured and unattended. According to a statement issued by LASTMA's Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, officers on traffic monitoring and control duty in the area quickly responded to the emergency after discovering the victim, who suffered fractures to her arm and leg. The traffic officials immediately secured the accident scene, removed the victim from further danger and alerted the Lagos State Ambulance Service while implementing traffic management measures to prevent secondary accidents and maintain the free flow of vehicles along the corridor. The a...

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained the reasons behind the delayed conduct of Mathematics and Agricultural Science papers in some centres during the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates. In a statement issued and signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, on behalf of the Head of National Office on Monday, WAEC said it immediately launched preliminary investigations following reports of delays experienced by candidates in some examination centres across the country. According to the council, the disruption was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, including a fatal road accident involving officials transporting sensitive examination materials. WAEC disclosed that the accident, which occurred on June 3, 2026, claimed the lives of three personnel who were conveying examination materials across state boundaries. The council described the incident as a tragic loss that ...

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai The Lagos State Police Command has reassured residents that there is no verified intelligence indicating any imminent attack on schools following the circulation of a threatening notice alleging that bandits planned to abduct schoolchildren in parts of the state. In a statement issued and signed by its State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi on Monday, the command said it had become aware of reports concerning a notice purportedly pasted at a school warning of a planned attack by bandits. It, however, urged parents, guardians, school authorities and residents not to panic, stressing that there is currently no credible intelligence to support the claim. According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, has ordered an immediate assessment of the situation and directed the deployment of enhanced security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations within the sta...

  CAPPA's Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi As the world commemorates World Food Safety Day 2026, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian government to adopt stronger healthy food policies to address the growing burden of diet-related diseases across the country. In a statement marking the observance themed "From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere," CAPPA argued that food safety should extend beyond protection against contamination and foodborne illnesses to include safeguards against excessive levels of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and harmful additives linked to non-communicable diseases. The organisation warned that Nigeria is facing a worsening public health challenge driven by increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, coupled with what it described as weak regulatory measures that leave consumers vulnerable to unhealthy products. According to CAPPA's Executive Director, Akinbode O...

The Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards Initiative has praised the leadership of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), commending its chairman, Mikail Abdulraheem, for efforts aimed at improving the welfare of retired military personnel and reforming the military pensions system. The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the founder and convener of the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, Odita Sunday, and his team to formally invite the MPB chairman to the eighth edition of the awards ceremony scheduled to hold on June 27 in Abuja. Speaking during the visit, Sunday lauded Abdulraheem's stewardship of the Military Pensions Board, noting that his leadership has brought positive changes to the administration of military pensions and enhanced the welfare of retirees. He described the chairman's contributions as deserving of recognition, stressing that the award initiative was established to celebrate individuals whose efforts have significantly impacted society, often without...