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Showing posts from July, 2025

Rotimi Amaechi: The Vanguard for Nigeria’s Future

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    Rotimi Amaechi: The Vanguard for Nigeria’s Future Sponsored by the Amaechi Vanguard – “One Term, One Purpose, One Nigeria” As Nigeria stands at another defining political crossroad, a new opposition coalition under the umbrella of African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a beacon of hope to the hopeless, hapless and hungry Nigerian populace. With respected figures such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai and many others in the fray, Nigerians are once again tasked with choosing a leader who can unify a divided nation, restore economic stability, and set the country on real progressive path. Among these contenders, one name stands out for his unmatched blend of boldness, experience, and results: Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi . The Amaechi Vanguard , a national political support group championing his candidacy, proudly presents him as the most qualified leader to take Nigeria forward—with a clear promise: O...

"Nigerians must Leave"- Ghanaians protest alleged crimes, prostitution, Ritual killings.

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 Torchlight news. “Nigerians Must Leave” – Ghanaians Protest Alleged Crimes, Prostitution, Ritual Killings A section of Ghanaians has staged a protest calling for Nigerians to leave their country over allegations of widespread prostitution, ritual killings, and other crimes. In a viral video posted on Tuesday, a large group of protesters held placards with messages like “Stop armed robbery and violence,” “Mass prostitution endangers our health,” “Who defends Ghanaians’ rights?” “Nigerians are behind kidnappings and ritual killings,” and “Our children are disappearing because of the Igbos.” The protesters also displayed a photo of a man said to have been murdered by a Nigerian in the Accra region. One woman in her 30s could be heard shouting, “Nigerians must go! You can’t just misbehave in someone else’s country.” Another protester expressed frustration over what he described as Nigerians—particularly the Igbo—dominating markets and violating local laws by conducting unauthoriz...

Tinubu’s Super Falcons Rewards Justified – Presidential Aide Cites BBNaija N150m Prize

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Torchlight news. Tinubu’s Super Falcons Rewards Justified – Presidential Aide Cites BBNaija N150m Prize Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to honour and reward Nigeria’s Super Falcons after their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Reacting to mixed public opinions about the gesture, Onanuga addressed critics via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, arguing that Tinubu’s rewards were well-deserved and aligned with how excellence is typically acknowledged. He compared the gesture to the ₦150 million prize awarded to the winner of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show, saying, “When you realise Multichoice is giving out ₦150 million to the BBNaija winner, it’s surprising that some Nigerians still find fault with the President’s recognition of the Super Falcons. Tinubu simply rewarded talent, hard work, and the resilient Nigerian spirit.” This response followed President Tinubu’s reception of the team at the Presid...

Governor Nwifuru Suspends Top Ebonyi Officials Over Absenteeism

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 Torchlight news. Governor Nwifuru Suspends Top Ebonyi Officials Over Absenteeism Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has suspended 25 commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), 24 Special Assistants (SAs), and 22 Permanent Secretaries for failing to attend a critical government function. The suspension, which takes effect immediately, will last for one month without pay. This was announced in a statement released Monday by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, in Abakaliki. The affected officials include: Commissioners: Stanley Mbam, Leonard Uguru, Mathew Nwobashi, Nwogo Obasi, Victor Chukwu, Jude Okpor, Ikeuwa Omebe, Chidi Onyia, Oguzo-Offia Nwali, Ben Uruchi Odo, Donatus Ilang, Ngozi Obichukwu, Moses Ikenna, Richard Idike, Felicia Nwankpuma, Chinedu Nkah, Ogbonna Abara, Nkechinyere Iyioku, Francis Ori, Tochukwu Okorie, Valentine Okike Uzo, Sunday Inyima, Ogbonnaya Okorie, Elechi Elechi, and Stanley Ogbuewu. Senior Special Assistants (SSAs): B...

Nigerian Farmers Criticize Tinubu’s Support for Grain Imports Amid Falling Food Prices

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Torchlight news. Nigerian Farmers Criticize Tinubu’s Support for Grain Imports Amid Falling Food Prices Local farmers in Nigeria have expressed displeasure over the influx of imported rice and maize, saying it is undermining domestic grain production. The criticism follows a noticeable drop in the prices of rice and maize nationwide, which farmers attribute to excessive imports. In various posts on social media platform X, farmers argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s import-driven policy is severely affecting local agriculture, particularly rice and maize cultivation. Food Prices Decline Due to Imports The Federal Government had in July 2024 granted a 150-day import waiver on rice, maize, and other key food items, leading to increased availability and lower prices in the market. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed that the waiver contributed to food price reductions in the first quarter of 2025. Market reports show that a 50kg bag of locally produce...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

Dangote: Lifting fuel drom our refinery costlier than Lomé due to charges.

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Torchlight news. Dangote: Lifting Fuel from Our Refinery Costlier Than Lomé Due to Charges Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has voiced frustration over the high logistics and regulatory costs making it more expensive for marketers to lift refined petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery in Lekki than from offshore facilities in neighbouring countries like Togo. Speaking at the Global Commodity Insights Conference in Abuja, co-hosted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and S&P Global, Dangote revealed that multiple port and regulatory fees imposed on marketers at both loading and offloading points have eroded the cost advantage of his $20 billion refinery. In contrast, offshore terminals such as the Lomé Floating Storage Terminal do not impose such burdens. He noted that these inefficiencies contribute to Africa’s heavy dependence—69%—on imported refined fuels, many of which are substandard and laced with toxic blends th...

CBN: Eight banks reach recapitalisation target

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 Torchlight news. CBN: Eight Banks Reach Recapitalisation Target .MPC Maintains Interest Rate and Other Policy Parameters .Central Bank Aims for Single-Digit Inflation The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that eight banks have already met the new minimum capital requirements set for their respective licenses. The recapitalisation effort, which began last year and is expected to conclude by March 2026, is part of broader reforms to strengthen the financial system. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso stated that several banks have made meaningful strides in boosting their capital base to meet the new regulatory standard. “Eight banks have so far complied fully with the recapitalisation benchmark, while others are on track to meet the deadline,” he said. The recapitalisation policy, introduced in March 2024, redefined the minimum capital base to include only paid-up share capital and shar...

Nigeria’s ICT sector grows by 31.63% in Q1 2025

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 Torchlight news. Nigeria’s ICT Sector Grows by 31.63% in Q1 2025 The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Nigeria posted a notable 31.63% year-on-year growth in nominal terms for the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This marks a sharp increase of 28.23 percentage points compared to the 3.40% recorded in Q1 2024, and a 13.67-point rise from Q4 2024, highlighting the sector’s growing economic significance. In real terms, the ICT sector expanded by 7.40% in Q1 2025, up by 3.36 percentage points from the 4.04% growth seen during the same period last year. However, compared to the previous quarter, the sector shrank by -8.86% in real terms, a decline attributed to seasonal patterns and temporary economic headwinds. Despite the quarterly dip, the ICT sector’s contribution to real GDP climbed to 10.59% in Q1 2025, up from 10.17% in Q1 2024 and 9.32% in Q4 2024. In nominal GDP terms, it accounted fo...

Dangote exports 1.3 billion litres of petrol while Nigeria continues to import Fuel

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 Torchlight news. Dangote Exports 1.3 Billion Litres of Petrol While Nigeria Continues to Import Fuel The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced large-scale exports of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), shipping out roughly 1.35 billion litres to international markets in just 50 days. This was revealed by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets, jointly organized by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and S&P Global Insights. Dangote noted that between June and July 2025, the refinery exported around one million tonnes of PMS, equivalent to 1.35 billion litres. “Nigeria has now become a net exporter of refined petroleum products. I confirmed before coming on stage that we've exported about one million tonnes of PMS since early June—within just 50 days,” he stated. Despite these exports, Nigeria still largely depends on imported fuel. Acco...

Okoye suspended for two months over betting incident

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Torchlight news. Okoye Suspended for Two Months Over Betting Incident Nigerian and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has received a two-month suspension from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following a betting scandal connected to a match against Lazio in the 2023/2024 season. The 24-year-old was found guilty of sporting misconduct after investigations suggested he intentionally got booked during the match to manipulate betting outcomes. The suspicious nature of the yellow card prompted a probe into irregular betting activity tied to that moment. The FIGC stated that Okoye’s deliberate act to earn a caution was aimed at affecting the outcome of certain bets. This case has reignited concerns over the integrity of professional footballers and the growing impact of illegal betting rings on the sport. After a comprehensive disciplinary process, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal confirmed on Tuesday that Okoye would serve a two-month suspension from all official matches, effe...

DSS, Army rescue US-based cleric abducted by boko haram

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 Torchlight news. DSS, Army Rescue US-Based Cleric Abducted by Boko Haram The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, John Bakeni, has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army for the successful rescue of Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, who was abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on June 1, 2025. Father Afina, who served as a priest in Alaska, USA, from 2017 to 2024, was kidnapped in Gwoza, Borno State, along with several other travelers on the Liman Kara–Gwoza road. On Monday, DSS operatives, backed by Nigerian Army troops, rescued Father Afina along with 10 women. Bishop Bakeni, who also chairs the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, expressed gratitude to the security forces for rescuing the victims without harm. The Bishop noted that the global Catholic community was relieved and overjoyed at the news of Father Afina’s release after nearly two months in captivity. He explained that the cleric was en route from Mubi in Adamawa Stat...

Nigerian Citizenship: FG counters Kemi Badenoch’s claim

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Torchlight news. Nigerian Citizenship: FG Counters Kemi Badenoch’s Claim The Federal Government has dismissed as false a statement made by British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, that Nigerian law prevents women from transferring citizenship to their children. Badenoch, during an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, said she could not pass her Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman. She argued that while it is relatively easy for Nigerians to obtain UK citizenship, acquiring Nigerian citizenship remains “virtually impossible,” citing her inability to pass on hers despite acquiring it through her parents. Reacting, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, told The Nation that Badenoch’s assertion is not only inaccurate but troubling. He clarified that Section 25 of Nigeria’s Constitution permits children born abroad to inherit citizenship from either parent, without gender bias. Presidential aide ...

Ortom: I never hated Buhari or the Fulani

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 Torchlight news. Ortom: I Never Hated Buhari or the Fulani Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has refuted claims that he bore any hatred toward late President Muhammadu Buhari or the Fulani ethnic group, stressing that his criticisms were strictly about the federal government's handling of insecurity in Benue State. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Ortom stated that his actions were driven by his duty to protect the lives and welfare of his people. "I never hated Buhari, his administration, or any Fulani individual. I was simply fulfilling my responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of my constituents," he said. Ortom emphasized that his public outcry stemmed from frustration over the federal government’s inaction while violent attacks continued in Benue. "I couldn’t stand by and keep burying my people. I spoke up, and beyond that, my government proposed solutions we believed could address the problem." He lamented that...

NNPC reports N905bn profit in June, remits N6.96tn in five months.

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 Torchlight news. NNPC Reports N905bn Profit in June, Remits N6.96tn in Five Months The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N905 billion for June 2025, a decline from the N1.054 trillion recorded in May. Despite the dip, the company said it remitted a total of N6.961 trillion to the Federation Account between January and May 2025, an increase from N5.583 trillion remitted as of April. According to its June Monthly Report Summary, released on Monday, NNPC's revenue for the month stood at N4.571 trillion, down from N6.008 trillion in May. The drop reflects volatility in the global oil market. Crude oil and condensate production saw a modest increase, rising from 1.629 million barrels per day (bpd) in May to 1.68 million bpd in June—marking the highest daily output since January. Natural gas production also grew to 7.581 billion standard cubic feet per day (scf/d) in June, compared to 7.352 billion scf/d the previous mon...

Court rejects Yahaya Bello’s request to travel, cites unsigned medical report

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 Torchlight news. Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Request to Travel, Cites Unsigned Medical Report The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to release his international passport so he could travel abroad for medical treatment. In his ruling on Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite said the medical report submitted alongside the application was unsigned, rendering it legally invalid. The judge emphasized that such a document holds no legal weight and cannot be considered by the court. The ruling came during a session in the ongoing money laundering trial against Bello, initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello had requested permission to travel to the UK for medical care, claiming he has been battling hypertension for 15 years. His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, presented two documents meant to support the application. While Daudu argued that sufficient evidence had been presented to justify the request, the...

Ex-NAFDAC Director urges Nigerians to forgive Buhari, blame the cabal

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 Torchlight news. Ex-NAFDAC Director Urges Nigerians to Forgive Buhari, Blame the Cabal As reactions continue to trail the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a former Director of Public Affairs at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, has called on Nigerians to forgive the late leader, while holding his inner circle accountable for the administration’s shortcomings. In a press statement, Dr. Abubakar, who currently serves as an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the University of Abuja, described Buhari as “a pious, honest, patriotic and nationalistic statesman,” whose noble ambitions for Nigeria were thwarted by a powerful cabal and close aides. “President Buhari genuinely intended to lift Nigeria out of economic hardship, insecurity, and mass poverty,” he said. “But those he trusted—his kitchen cabinet and certain ministers—betrayed him. They hijacked power and prioritized their personal interests over national p...

2027: Why Obi and El-Rufai haven't officially joined ADC—Party Spokesman

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  2027: Why Obi and El-Rufai Haven’t Officially Joined ADC – Party Spokesman The Interim National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has explained the reasons behind the delay in Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai formally joining the party. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja over the weekend, Abdullahi stated that both political figures were given time to conclude ongoing political activities in their former parties, including by-elections and the selection of governorship candidates. He affirmed their commitment to the ADC coalition, noting that they would officially become members once those obligations were fulfilled. “They were allowed to wrap up outstanding electoral matters in their previous parties,” Abdullahi said. Addressing questions on the party’s internal democracy, he emphasized that ADC has no predetermined candidate and assured a level playing field for all aspirants. Abdullahi also dismissed allegations of legal t...

Politics 2027: PDP working to bring back Peter Obi– 'He's a major political asset'

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 Torchlight news. Politics 2027: PDP Working to Bring Back Peter Obi – ‘He’s a Major Political Asset’ The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed ongoing efforts to bring back former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, into its fold ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Arise News Thursday night, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described Obi as a “political asset” and “a product of the PDP,” noting that any party with Obi in its ranks would benefit significantly. “Peter Obi is our product, and the PDP indeed wants to get him back. He is a very great capital for any political party. The fact that he was able to secure over six million votes in the last election despite alleged rigging and systemic frustrations speaks volumes,” Abdullahi said. Obi, who was PDP’s vice presidential candidate in 2019, defected to the Labour Party (LP) in the lead-up to the 2023 elections. He secured the party’s presidential ticket and went on to win ...

Outrage greets move to rename UNIMAID after Buhari

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 Torchlight news.  Outrage Greets Move to Rename UNIMAID After Buhari A wave of criticism has followed the federal government’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) as Muhammadu Buhari University, with alumni, students, and concerned citizens urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the move. In a widely circulated open letter, stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari but warned that altering the university’s name would erode an identity that has been carefully built over more than four decades. Describing UNIMAID as “a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride,” the petition — led by Opeyemi Olatinwo — recalled the university’s steadfast presence during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, when it remained operational despite persistent threats. “UNIMAID is more than just a name — it represents hope, strength, and continuity in the Northeast,” the statement read. Petitioners ...

Dangote suspends fuel discount scheme over alleged fraud

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 Torchlight news. Dangote Suspends Fuel Discount Scheme Over Alleged Fraud The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has suspended its discounted fuel supply scheme following revelations of abuse by some affiliate marketers and strategic partners. An internal investigation revealed that certain marketers, granted access to discounted fuel meant to promote affordability and stable supply, were instead diverting products to unauthorized third-party dealers. These marketers allegedly used their Authority To Collect (ATC) tickets to allow unregistered importers pick up products directly from the refinery, bypassing costs like logistics and compliance, and profiting from the price difference. This misconduct prompted the refinery to halt the discount scheme on July 13, 2025, as it was undermining the initiative’s original goal — supporting affiliated retailers while ensuring nationwide product availability. The refinery observed that the diverted products were being sold at ...

FG delays launch of recruitment portal for Immigration, Civil Defence, others

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 Torchlight news. FG Delays Launch of Recruitment Portal for Immigration, Civil Defence, Others The Federal Government has postponed the opening of the recruitment portal for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and Federal Fire Service (FFS). Initially scheduled to go live on Monday, July 14, 2025, the portal will now be accessible from Monday, July 21, 2025. This update was disclosed in a statement by Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, Secretary of the Board overseeing the paramilitary agencies. He noted that the suspension affects the official recruitment portal — https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng — used for hiring into the services under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). The government explained that the delay is to ensure a transparent, efficient, and fair recruitment process. It also thanked Nigerian youths for their enthusiasm in seeking t...

2027: Atiku’s exit won’t derail PDP— Makinde, Bode George

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 Torchlight news. 2027: Atiku’s Exit Won’t Derail PDP — Makinde, Bode George Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially withdrawn his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deep-seated differences and a departure from the party’s original ideals. He made this known in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State. In the letter, Atiku expressed appreciation for the opportunities he had while in the party, including serving as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and twice running as the party’s presidential candidate. However, he noted that the PDP had veered off course and no longer aligned with the values upon which it was founded, making his continued membership untenable. Atiku’s Third Exit From PDP This marks the third time Atiku is leaving the PDP. He first left in 2007 to contest the presidency under the defunct Action Congress, spearheaded by then-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu. He later returned to the ...