All Posts in "Month: October 2025"

As PDP fell, so shall APC – Mahdi Shehu

Human rights activist and public commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may soon face the same downfall that befell the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying power built on arrogance and injustice cannot last forever.

Shehu made the remark on Tuesday morning on his official X handle.

He drew a sharp comparison between the PDP’s fall from power after 16 years and what he described as the APC’s growing disregard for Nigerians.

According to him, “Whatever goes up must surely come down. Just as PDP rose and fell after its years of pride and betrayal, APC is now walking the same path.”

He recalled how the former PDP National Chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor, once boasted in 2008 that the PDP would rule Nigeria for 60 years, but the party later collapsed under its own weight.

“God showed them who truly owns power. The same will happen to APC if they don’t change,” he added.

Mahdi Shehu accused the APC of destroying institutions, intimidating citizens, and taking the country for granted.

He warned that such arrogance always ends in disgrace.

Quoting the Bible, he said, “Psalm 37:10 says, ‘A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.’

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in Politics 0
Anambra guber: INEC extends collection of PVC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the ongoing collection of the Permanent Voter Card, PVC, in Anambra State to November 2, to enable eligible voters collect their cards.

Director, Voter Education and Publicity in the state, INEC, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Awka.

“The INEC has approved the extension of the ongoing collection of PVC in Anambra from October 29 to November 2.

“The decision was reached at a meeting of the commission held on October 27, following several appeals from citizens and stakeholders requesting additional time to enable eligible voters to collect their cards,” she said.

Eta-Messi stated that registered voters who have not collected their PVCs are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to do so at the designated collection centres across the 326 Registration Areas (Wards) in the state.

According to her, the exercise covered persons who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, in the state.

The Director further stated that the collection of the PVCs must be in person, as no collection by proxy would be allowed.

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in Politics 0
NPF present cash assistance to families of slain officers in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has presented 59 cheques amounting to the sum of N31,450,025.16k to families of fallen police officers.

Spokesman of the command, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, disclosed this in a press statement issued to DAILY POST.

CP Dahiru presented the cheques on behalf of the Inspector General of Police under the Group Life Assurance (GLA) and IGP Family Welfare Scheme to the fifty-nine (59) families of police officers who died while in active service.

He said the gesture is part of the ongoing welfare initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aimed at providing financial relief and moral support to the families of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

He, however, described the fallen officers as “heroes who laid down their lives in defense of peace, justice, and the unity of the nation.” He emphasized that their sacrifices would never be forgotten and that the Nigeria Police Force remains firmly committed to ensuring that the welfare and well-being of their dependents are adequately catered for.

CP Dahiru Muhammad urged the beneficiaries to make prudent and judicious use of the funds for the benefit of their families and dependents.

He further reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force, under the visionary leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in upholding the principles of discipline, accountability, and welfare enhancement for both serving and retired personnel.

The CP assured that the Command will continue to support all initiatives aimed at improving personnel morale and family welfare.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Surajo Shehu expressed deep appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, for their compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of families left behind by deceased officers.

He pledged that the money received would be used responsibly and meaningfully to sustain the legacy and uphold the memory of their loved ones.

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in General News 0
Economic hardship fueling human trafficking in Nigeria – Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has blamed decades of economic hardship in Nigeria for the rising cases of migration and human trafficking.

Yilwatda stated this on Monday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during the public presentation of Vicious Red Circle, a novel by Ambassador Alex Ugochukwu Oriaku that highlights the realities of human trafficking in Nigeria.

He said the country’s prolonged economic decline had created conditions that make citizens vulnerable to traffickers.

“Our economic decay over four decades created fertile ground for exploitation. When industries collapsed and hope disappeared, migration and trafficking surged,” he said.

Recalling his experience as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Chairman of the African-European Migration and Development Team, Yilwatda said the problem was rooted in long-standing economic challenges.

He urged stakeholders to adopt community-driven and inclusive approaches to tackle human trafficking, stressing that the fight should not be left to government institutions alone.

“We can stop this cycle. This book challenges us to do so. It must not remain on your shelf — let it remain in your heart,” he said.

On his part, Ambassador Oriaku described human trafficking as “a vicious, self-perpetuating cycle of exploitation, vulnerability, and silence,” noting that his novel was written as a call to action rather than mere fiction.

The event, chaired by Yilwatda, was attended by lawmakers, heads of government agencies, and development partners, who all called for stronger collaboration to curb human trafficking in Nigeria.

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in General News 0
Traffic directors demand unified vehicle administration to curb insecurity

The Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation has called for improved motor vehicle administration to enhance national security and road traffic safety in Nigeria.

The National Chairman of the association, Paul Bepeh, made the call in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday while addressing a press conference, as part of the activities marking the 2025 national conference for officers from the 36 states of the federation.

The conference, hosted by Plateau State, has the theme: “Enhancing National Security and Road Traffic Safety through Effective Motor Vehicle Administration in Nigeria.”

Bepeh stressed that effective motor vehicle administration was crucial to achieving road safety and national security.

“The administration of motor vehicles is far more than a matter of routine regulation; it is a pillar of national security.

“A country’s ability to identify, track, and regulate vehicles and drivers directly affects its capacity to safeguard lives, protect property, and enforce laws.

“When vehicle registration, inspection, and licensing processes are inconsistent or poorly coordinated, unroadworthy vehicles, untrained drivers, and untraceable vehicles find their way onto our roads.

“These gaps not only endanger road users but also provide loopholes for crimes such as smuggling, kidnapping, terrorism, and vehicle theft,” he said.

Bepeh highlighted the challenges facing Vehicle Inspection Officers and Motor Vehicle Administration systems, including overemphasis on revenue generation, neglect of vehicle inspection, poor legal framework, and lack of standardised processes.

He called for a unified legal framework, automation and digital transformation, capacity building, public enlightenment, and inter-agency collaboration to address these challenges.

“To address these challenges, the conference advocates for a unified and strengthened legal framework for vehicle inspection, registration, and licensing across the 36 states and the FCT.

“Automation and digital transformation of all motor vehicle administration processes to enhance transparency and traceability.

“Capacity building through continuous training and retraining of VIOs in modern inspection techniques and technology.

“Public enlightenment and attitudinal reorientation to change the perception of vehicle inspection from a punitive measure to a safety service.

“Inter-agency collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps, police, customs, and other relevant bodies to ensure a coordinated approach to road traffic enforcement,” he said.

Bepeh, who was represented by the General Secretary, Durojaye Olalekan, also advocated for adequate funding and institutional reform to strengthen VIO structures and improve officer welfare.

“This conference will provide us the opportunity to deliberate on these critical issues, learn from global best practices, and design sustainable reforms,” he said.

Plateau State Commissioner for Transportation, Jatau Gyang, welcomed participants to the conference, highlighting the state’s transportation initiatives, including the Jos Greater Master Plan and Tin City Metro Buses.

Gyang noted that these initiatives had improved commuting safety and convenience in Jos, aligning with the conference theme of enhancing security and safety in road transportation.

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in General News 0
Gombe police arrest suspects, recover pistol, vehicles

The Gombe State Police Command has clamped down on criminals across the state, leading to the recovery of stolen vehicles, arrest of suspects, and seizure of a locally made pistol.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Buhari Abdullahi disclosed this in a statement obtained by Arewa PUNCH.

The police mouthpiece noted that the successful operations were achieved through credible intelligence and proactive policing.

“These arrests and recoveries reflect our commitment to ensuring Gombe remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. The Command will continue to pursue criminals until the state is completely free of their activities,” he added.

According to the statement, “the first breakthrough occurred on October 13, 2025, when a patrol team from Balanga Division intercepted a suspicious black Toyota Jeep with registration number ABUJA ABC 241 DW along the Bangu–Laura feeder road.

“Upon sighting the police, the suspects sped off, prompting a chase. During the pursuit, the police patrol vehicle suffered a flat tyre, forcing two officers to continue the chase on a motorcycle.

“The suspects also ran into trouble when their vehicle developed a flat tyre near Laura village.

“As the officers approached, one of the suspects allegedly struck a police constable with a pestle before fleeing on a motorcycle, abandoning the vehicle.

“Upon inspection, detectives discovered that the supposed Toyota Prado was actually a Lexus Jeep that had been repainted black and altered to disguise its identity.

“Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been stolen from Abuja on October 5, 2025, and the theft was earlier reported at Nyanya Police Division, FCT.

“We are already collaborating with the FCT Police Command to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure justice is served,” DSP Abdullahi confirmed.

In another operation, the police in Gombe Division arrested 45-year-old Sani Bappari of Mallam Inna Quarters for allegedly stealing an ash-coloured Honda Civic with registration number DKU 564 AA.

Again, DSP Buhari Abdullahi narrated the incident to our correspondent: “The vehicle was reportedly stolen from Central Roundabout, Gombe, on October 15, 2025, around 9:18 p.m

“Thanks to swift intelligence gathering, detectives tracked and arrested Bappari later that night. The stolen vehicle was recovered intact and secured as an exhibit.”

He added, “Our detectives acted with precision and speed to recover the vehicle within hours of the complaint. Investigation is still ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate.”

The Command also arrested one Augustine Nkwakoye of Bolari Quarters for alleged possession of a locally made pistol and one cartridge.

“The incident occurred on October 14, 2025, when a misunderstanding between the suspect and a customer at Old Tipper Garage escalated into a threat.

Nkwakoye allegedly pulled out a pistol and threatened to shoot the complainant but was swiftly disarmed by a bystander. Police later recovered the weapon from his residence.

“The case has been transferred to the State CID for further investigation,” Abdullahi added.

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in General News 0
Nigerians trade $50bn in crypto, ignore capital market, says SEC

AgamaNigeria’s capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission, has raised concerns over the growing preference of Nigerians for cryptocurrency trading over investments in the traditional capital market.

According to the Director-General of the SEC, Emomotimi Agama, more than $50bn worth of cryptocurrency transactions passed through Nigeria between July 2023 and June 2024, reflecting a high level of investor sophistication and risk appetite that has not translated into participation in the formal market.

“Over $50 bn worth of cryptocurrency transactions flowed through Nigeria between July 2023 and June 2024, underscoring the sophistication and risk tolerance of investors that the traditional market has yet to capture.”

In a statement, Agama, who spoke while presenting a paper titled ‘Evaluating the Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan 2015–2025’ at the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, said fewer than four per cent of Nigerian adults currently invest in the capital market.

He said, “There are concerns over the alarmingly low participation of Nigerians in the traditional capital market, revealing that fewer than four per cent of the country’s adult population are active investors.”

He described the low participation rate as a major obstacle to economic growth and capital formation, noting that while less than three million Nigerians invest in the market, over 60 million engage in daily gambling activities worth an estimated $5.5m.

Agama further lamented that Nigeria’s market capitalisation-to-GDP ratio stands at about 30 per cent, far below that of South Africa at 320 per cent, Malaysia at 123 per cent, and India at 92 per cent.

He called for deeper financial inclusion, stronger trust-building measures, and renewed reforms to attract retail investors and harness the capital market as a driver of long-term economic transformation.

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in Business 0
Equities lose N94bn as investors take profit on blue chips

Nigerian Exchange LimitedThe Nigerian equities market opened the week on a bearish note as investors embarked on profit-taking in some high-cap stocks, leading to a loss of N94bn in market capitalisation at the close of trading on Monday.

Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited showed that the market capitalisation dipped to N98.7tn from N98.8tn recorded on Friday, representing a 0.1 per cent decline. Similarly, the benchmark index fell by 148.90 points to close at 155,496.15.

Despite the overall decline, the market remains on a positive trajectory, reflecting a one-week gain of 3.71 per cent, a four-week gain of 9.4 per cent, and an impressive year-to-date return of 51.08 per cent.

Trading data revealed that investors exchanged a total of 502.99 million shares valued at N24.94bn in 39,945 deals, showing a 58 per cent decline in volume and a 21 per cent drop in turnover compared with the previous session, although the number of deals rose by 33 per cent.

Market activity was driven largely by trades in the financial and industrial sectors. Access Holdings led in volume with 68.9 million shares worth N1.62bn, followed by FBN Holdings with 66.6 million shares valued at N2.09bn. Others on the volume chart included Universal Insurance with 19.2 million shares, Sovereign Trust Insurance with 19.1 million shares, and Zenith Bank with 18.2 million shares.

On the value side, Aradel Holdings topped the chart with trades worth N5.63bn, followed by Presco with N2.25bn, FBN Holdings with N2.09bn, Dangote Cement with N1.65bn, and Access Holdings with N1.62bn.

The market breadth closed negative, with 25 gainers and 34 losers. Aradel Holdings led the gainers with a 10 per cent rise to close at N869 per share, while NEM Insurance gained 9.67 per cent to close at N32.90. Aso Savings & Loans appreciated 9.09 per cent, and Eterna rose 8.75 per cent.

On the losers’ chart, Deap Capital Management and Trust led with a 9.71 per cent decline to close at N1.58, followed by Champion Breweries, which fell 9.64 per cent to close at N15 per share. Red Star Express dropped 8.64 per cent, while Wapic Insurance and PZ Cussons shed 6.45 per cent and 5.94 per cent, respectively.

Sectoral performance was mixed, as the Oil and Gas Index gained 4.24 per cent, the Insurance Index rose 1.09 per cent, and the Main Board Index advanced 0.22 per cent. Conversely, the Pension Index fell 0.48 per cent, while the Top 30 Index declined 0.08 per cent.

The PUNCH reported that the Nigerian Exchange recorded its strongest performance in months as investors pushed the market higher by 4.48 per cent, adding N4.32tn to its overall value in a single week. The market capitalisation closed at N98.793tn, while the All-Share Index settled at 155,645.05 points, reflecting renewed investor confidence and increased activity across major sectors.

Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in Business 0
Apapa gridlock resurfaces as Truckers flood Port access roads

… Profiteering Syndicate allegedly fingered for fueling chaos
The notorious traffic gridlock that once crippled Apapa and its environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations .
Despite previous interventions, residents, commuters, and port workers are now facing renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily.
Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) revealed that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points.
From the Ijora-Olopa bridge to Apapa and from Coconut bus stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and ₦50,000 to secure a spot in the queue.
Sources alleged that some officials of key agencies—including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police—are complicit in the illegal toll collection, turning a blind eye as the situation worsens.
The most affected areas include such roads as Wharf , Warehouse, Commercial , Burma  and Creek .
By 5 PM, vehicle owners often abandon their cars and resort to motorcycles to escape the gridlock while their cars are out of the affected areas before the close of work daily.
Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the resurgence to the return of vested interests who previously profited from the chaos. He noted that the Lagos State Government knows what steps to take to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Martins Enibeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed government insincerity for the relapse.
He urged authorities to prioritise rail transport for cargo evacuation from Lagos ports and to revive Eastern and Delta ports to ease pressure on Apapa.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enibeli stated.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is profiting from the tolls collected from truckers, exacerbating the traffic crisis.
Stakeholders are calling for urgent federal intervention to dismantle the alleged racketeering network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors.
Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in Business 0
TRANSCORP GROUP REPORTS STRONG Q3 2025 PERFORMANCE, REVENUE UP 39% YOY

Transcorp Plc reports pre-tax profit of N38.8 billion in Q3 2025, up 54% - Nairametrics
Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”), Africa’s leading listed conglomerate, has announced its
unaudited Q3 2025 financial results, delivering strong growth across business
lines.
The Group recorded a 39% year-on-year increase in revenue, rising from
₦297.7 billion in Q3 2024 to ₦413.4 billion in Q3 2025.
Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew by 18%, closing at ₦124.5 billion, compared to ₦105.5 billion in the same period last year.
Transcorp Group maintained its strong growth trajectory, driven by the Company’s resilient business strategy and operational excellence.
 Transcorp Group delivered a revenue of ₦413.4 billion, representing a
39% rise from ₦297.7 billion in Q3 2024.
All operating units recorded significant growth, with the increased
power generation capacity at the Group’s power plants and expansion in the hospitality revenue stream with the inclusion of the 5,000-capacity
Transcorp Centre Abuja.
Sustained Profitability. Profit Before Tax rose by 18% to ₦124.5 billion, up from ₦105.5 billion in Q3 2024.
 Profit After Tax increased by 20.5%, reaching ₦91.4 billion, compared to
₦75.9 billion in 2024.
 The Group maintained a gross profit margin of 48%, reflecting disciplined
cost management and strategic pricing across its business units,
underpinned by a strong ethos of operational efficiency.
Chairman Transnational Corporation Plc, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, commented;
“Transcorp’s robust revenue and earnings delivery demonstrates the opportunity in the Nigerian economy. Our diversified portfolio continues to
offer investors access to key drivers of Nigeria’s growth opportunity. As the macro-economic climate improves, the Group is well-positioned to take advantage of Nigeria’s extraordinary potential. We are executing our impact-
driven mandate through strategic investments that solidify our leadership in
Nigeria’s vital sectors. Our diversified model continues to demonstrate
resilience, generating significant value.
In power generation and distribution, we are closing the energy deficit in Nigeria, propelling national development. We increased our power
generation capacity at all our plants, and we remain committed to power Nigerians out of poverty. In hospitality, we are redefining excellence, with the
landmark Transcorp Centre Abuja setting a new standard for world-class events. We remain unrelenting in our commitment to delivering superior
shareholder returns and driving the long-term transformation of Nigeria’s economy.”
Commenting on the results, President/Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, Dr. Owen
Omogiafo, OON, stated:
“Transcorp Group’s Q3 2025 results demonstrate the successful execution of
our strategic direction, operational excellence and portfolio-wide efficiency.
Driven by our core purpose to “Improve Lives and Transform Africa”, we
continue to optimise our businesses to deliver superior stakeholder value.
As Nigeria’s leading conglomerate, with a disciplined approach to excellent
corporate strategy, we are positioned to finish the year with strength and
strategic momentum. We offer investors unique access to the Nigerian
economy, delivering sustainable returns for our shareholders and championing
economic growth.”
Transnational Corporation Plc  is one of Africa’s leading,
listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and
energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses, Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power,
provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Transcorp is
committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain through its
investments in OPL281. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc,
owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality
destination and Nigeria’s largest event venue, the Transcorp Centre Abuja.
Dan Poster by — October 28, 2025 in Business 0