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Boat Mishap at collapsed Taraba bridge: Three feared missing as locals slam Government inaction

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Torchlight news. Boat Mishap at Collapsed Taraba Bridge: Three Feared Missing as Locals Slam Government Inaction Tension has gripped parts of Taraba State and neighboring regions after a boat overturned near the dilapidated Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area, leaving three people unaccounted for. The incident occurred Friday evening following a heavy rainstorm that lasted more than three hours. Though residents confirmed the accident, the total number of passengers on board remains uncertain. Search and rescue efforts are underway, led by local volunteers and emergency responders. The Namnai Bridge, once a vital transport link between Taraba and the North Central, North East, and North West regions, collapsed over a year ago and has remained unrepaired. In the absence of government intervention, locals have resorted to using improvised boats to cross the river, raising serious safety concerns. Friday’s tragedy has sparked renewed anger among residents, many of whom view...
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Class of '99 to Tinubu: Invest in cottage industries, not N5000 handouts.

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 Torchlight news. Class of ’99 to Tinubu: Invest in Cottage Industries, Not N5,000 Handouts Former governors who served from 1999 to 2007 have urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the creation of cottage industries across Nigeria’s local government areas instead of distributing N5,000 palliatives, which they say offer no lasting relief to struggling citizens. Speaking after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, the ex-governors — collectively known as the Class of ’99 — advised that sustainable job creation, particularly in rural areas, would better serve the nation than temporary handouts. Chairman of the group and former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion, highlighted the need to address growing economic hardship and rising insecurity. “People in rural communities are the most affected by the current economic challenges,” Igbinedion said. “We told the President that security must be the foundation of any meaningful dev...
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2027 elections already secured for APC– Party Chairman Yilwatda declares

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 Torchlight news. 2027 Elections Already Secured for APC – Party Chairman Yilwatda Declares           Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Newly sworn-in National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared the 2027 general elections a foregone conclusion in favour of the ruling party. “We will expand beyond bounds. By God’s grace, 2027 is a done deal for the APC,” Yilwatda said during his inaugural meeting with members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) at the Muhammadu Buhari House, APC’s national secretariat, shortly after taking his oath of office at the Presidential Villa. Assuming office as the party’s 7th national chairman, Yilwatda arrived at the secretariat around 4:10 p.m., accompanied by other NWC members, to a warm reception from party staff and supporters. Addressing NWC members and state chairmen, he likened the party to a vehicle that requires maintenance and steering. “All of us here, especia...
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2027: PDP zones Presidency to South, elective convention moves to Ibadan

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 Torchlight news. 2027: PDP Zones Presidency to South, Elective Convention Moves to Ibadan       Umar Damagum  In a shift from its 2023 strategy of an open presidential contest, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This decision aligns with resolutions reached by the party’s founding members on Wednesday. The move, ratified during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, also saw a change in venue for the party’s Elective National Convention — now scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, rather than Kano. The change in location is expected to heighten tensions between camps loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. The NEC’s endorsement of a southern presidential candidate is widely interpreted as a boost to Makinde’s potential 2027 ambitions, a development that could sideline Wike and his allies within the part...
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Tinubu approves full allowances, bonuses for super falcons ahead of WAFCON Final

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 Torchlight news. Tinubu Approves Full Allowances, Bonuses for Super Falcons Ahead of WAFCON Final President Bola Tinubu has approved the full disbursement of allowances and match bonuses for the Super Falcons ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final clash with Morocco on July 26, 2025. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, announced the development on Thursday in Abuja, stating that all entitlements for players, coaches, and officials—covering the entire tournament—have already been released for immediate payment. Dikko hailed the move as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s renewed commitment to Nigerian athletes, describing it as “policy in motion” and a shift toward timely and consistent support for sports professionals. He emphasized that this prompt payment system will now become standard practice under the current administration. The gesture also extends to the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, who are preparing fo...
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FG sets new 12-year minimum age for JSS1 admission

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 Torchlight news. FG Sets New 12-Year Minimum Age for JSS1 Admission          Minister of Education, Rauf Alausa The Federal Government has established a new minimum age requirement of 12 years for students seeking admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) after completing six years of primary education. This directive is outlined in a newly launched policy document on Non-State Schools by the Federal Ministry of Education. Non-State Schools—also known as private, independent, or non-governmental schools—are educational institutions not operated by the government. They are typically funded through tuition fees and supplemented by donations from individuals, corporate bodies, religious groups, communities, and charitable foundations. According to the policy document, non-state schools are playing an increasingly prominent role in education delivery across Nigeria, although the quality of instruction varies widely among them. Clarifying the structur...
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Subsidy removal faced resistance, but Tinubu stayed firm– Shettima

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Torchlight news. Subsidy Removal Faced Resistance, But Tinubu Stayed Firm – Shettima Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reforms are being carried out in the best interest of the Nigerian people. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima highlighted the administration’s commitment to economic revival and creating a conducive environment for business. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the delegation was led by NACCIMA’s National President, Mr. Jani Ibrahim. Shettima cited critical reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the exchange rate, and ongoing tax reforms as part of the government’s economic strategy. He emphasized Nigeria’s readiness for business and praised the role of the private sector as key drivers of national progress. “I admit to being closely aligned ...
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