Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The screening phase of the ongoing Police Constable recruitment has commenced in Ogun State, with hundreds of applicants trooping to the state command headquarters in Abeokuta for the mandatory physical and credentials verification exercise.

The Ogun State Police Command disclosed that the exercise began on March 9, 2026, and is being conducted daily from 7:00 a.m. at the POWA Hall, located within the command headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta.

In a statement issued Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command urged all qualified applicants from the state to report promptly on their assigned dates for the screening process.

The exercise forms a critical phase of the nationwide recruitment programme into the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at strengthening manpower capacity across the country’s policing architecture.

According to the command, the exercise is being conducted in close collaboration with the Police Service Commission (PSC), alongside other oversight bodies to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility in the recruitment process.

Applicants who indicated “QUALIFIED” on their submission slips but are unable to locate their invitation letters have been advised to forward their submission slip to the PSC through the official email address: info@psc.gov.ng for further assistance.

Such candidates may also visit the official recruitment portal to confirm their screening dates and obtain additional information regarding the exercise.

The police further directed all candidates to appear with essential documents including their invitation slip, credential and physical screening form, National Identification Number (NIN) slip or NIMC card, O’ Level certificate, birth certificate or declaration of age, and certificate of origin.

Specialist applicants are also expected to present relevant trade test certificates, while all candidates must submit a completed guarantor’s form alongside original and duplicate copies of their credentials neatly arranged in two white flat files.

In addition, candidates are required to appear in prescribed attire, white T-shirt, white shorts, white canvas shoes and white stockings, as part of the physical screening requirements.

The command stressed that the exercise is being conducted with the participation of officials from the Police Service Commission, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to ensure a balanced and representative recruitment process.

While urging applicants to remain orderly and comply with instructions at the venue, the police warned against dealings with fraudsters, reiterating that the recruitment process is strictly free of charge.

Leading food and beverage giant, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, has launched a sweeping nationwide campaign tagged “Nestlé for Good,” aimed at deepening its commitment to better nutrition, thriving communities and environmental sustainability across Nigeria.

The initiative was formally unveiled on Monday at the company’s corporate headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos, drawing participation from government officials, nutrition experts, development partners and members of the media.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, described the campaign as a reflection of the company’s long-standing commitment to responsible corporate practices anchored on its Creating Shared Value philosophy.

Elhusseini noted that Nestlé products have remained a constant presence in Nigerian homes for more than six decades, a relationship he said carries significant responsibility for the company to deliver value beyond food products.

According to him, the company recognises that operating at a scale that reaches millions of consumers daily requires strict adherence to the highest standards of accountability, transparency and responsibility to society.

He explained that Nestlé’s business model is built on the understanding that long-term corporate success is inseparable from the well-being and progress of the communities in which it operates.

“Our businesses can only succeed when the communities around us succeed. Their economic development and social progress are not only our priority but also part of our growth strategy,” he said.

Elhusseini clarified that the Nestlé for Good campaign does not represent a new corporate direction but rather consolidates several long-standing initiatives designed to improve nutrition, strengthen local supply chains and advance environmental responsibility.

Also speaking, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Victoria Uwadoka, said the campaign provides a unified platform to showcase the company’s impact-driven programmes across Nigeria.

She explained that although many of Nestlé’s initiatives have existed for years, the campaign creates a more coordinated framework to highlight the company’s contributions and drive measurable results.

Uwadoka disclosed that the initiative is anchored on three core pillars, nutrition, thriving communities and environmental sustainability, each designed to address critical aspects of national development.

Under the nutrition pillar, the company intends to expand access to safe and nutritious food while promoting nutrition education through partnerships with health professionals, institutions and public awareness programmes.

She added that the second pillar focuses on building thriving communities through initiatives that support access to clean water, improved learning facilities in schools and programmes that strengthen livelihoods within local communities.

The third pillar targets environmental sustainability, with the company committing to responsible resource management, climate-conscious operations and broader efforts aimed at protecting the planet.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Assistant Director Esther Popoola, who spoke on behalf of the Director of the Industrial Development Department, Bala Muhammed, commended the company for demonstrating responsible corporate leadership.

Popoola noted that the campaign aligns with the federal government’s industrial transformation agenda by supporting sustainable sourcing, empowering local farmers and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Also lending expert insight, nutrition specialist Amaka Nwaora emphasised that nutrition remains fundamental to national development, noting that the health and productivity of any nation is closely tied to the quality of food consumed by its population.

She stressed that addressing nutrition challenges requires strong collaboration among government institutions, professionals, the private sector and the media, urging journalists to intensify public education efforts on healthy nutrition practices.

With the Nestlé for Good campaign, Nestlé Nigeria Plc hopes to deepen its ongoing efforts in nutrition education, community development and environmental protection while strengthening partnerships aimed at improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, has formally accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Free Light of Nigerian Youth Foundation (FLONY), a youth-led non-governmental organisation dedicated to skills acquisition, capacity building, and advocacy initiatives aimed at empowering young people and women across Nigeria.

FLONY, which currently operates in over 18 states across the country, has impacted more than 10,000 beneficiaries since its establishment through various empowerment and training initiatives.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to CISLAC Head Office, the Founder of FLONY, Ambassador Farid Musa Jauro, described Rafsanjani’s appointment as strategic and timely. She noted that his longstanding commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of young Nigerians and Africans makes him well-suited to guide the organisation at this stage of its growth.

According to her, Rafsanjani’s wealth of experience in governance, transparency advocacy, and youth development will provide clearer direction and strengthen the foundation’s focus as it consolidates its programmes and expands its reach.

Also speaking, the Acting Secretary General of FLONY, Alhaji Aminu Lawal Usman, expressed appreciation to Rafsanjani and the CISLAC team for accepting to serve in an advisory capacity. He reiterated that the foundation remains committed to deepening its impact across communities and expressed confidence that the new leadership at the advisory level would open more opportunities for growth and partnerships.

“With the coming of Comrade Rafsanjani, we believe the foundation will benefit immensely from his wealth of knowledge and experience to do even more for Nigerians and Africans at large,” Usman said, while commending his open-door policy and unwavering support for civil society initiatives.

In his acceptance remarks, Rafsanjani, who also serves as Head of Transparency International Nigeria, commended FLONY for its commitment to youth and women empowerment through skills acquisition programmes, often delivered without external funding support.

He praised the leadership of Ambassador Jauro and urged the organisation to remain non-partisan and insulated from political interference in order to sustain its credibility and neutrality.

Rafsanjani further emphasised the importance of proper documentation of activities, strategic partnerships with individuals of proven integrity and intellectual capacity, and the need to attract credible supporters who share the foundation’s vision.

He challenged FLONY to champion policy advocacy in critical areas such as employment generation, poverty reduction, youth and women empowerment, and security, noting that civil society organisations must play a proactive role in addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

The renewed collaboration between CISLAC and FLONY is expected to strengthen advocacy, enhance youth-focused programming, and promote sustainable development initiatives across Nigeria and beyond.

The Nigerian Navy on Sunday foiled a suspected sea robbery and kidnap attempt on a passenger boat travelling from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon, rescuing all 16 passengers onboard after a brief but intense confrontation with armed criminals.

The incident, which occurred at about 3:50 p.m., triggered a rapid response from naval personnel at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka following distress reports of an ongoing attack along the busy cross-border maritime corridor.

Naval gunboats were immediately deployed to the scene to intercept the assailants and deny them operational freedom on the waterways linking Nigeria and Cameroon.

Upon arrival, the naval team engaged the suspected sea robbers in a firefight, forcing the criminals to abandon their mission and retreat into the shallow creeks that dot the coastal terrain.

The swift intervention disrupted what authorities believe could have escalated into a full-scale robbery or kidnap operation targeting passengers on the commercial boat.

Following the confrontation, naval personnel secured the distressed vessel and confirmed that all 16 passengers aboard were safe and in good condition, with no casualties recorded during the incident.

The Navy subsequently escorted the rescued boat and its passengers towards the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime boundary, from where the vessel continued its journey to its destination under improved security conditions.

Security officials noted that the rapid response by FOB Ibaka underscores the operational readiness of naval forces stationed along the strategic Ibaka–Calabar waterways.

The Navy further disclosed that sustained patrols and surveillance operations in the region have significantly curtailed the activities of sea robbers and other maritime criminals operating within the coastal creeks.

In the last four months alone, naval patrol units under the Eastern Naval Command have successfully foiled at least three attempted sea robbery and kidnap incidents, reinforcing the service’s commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes and protecting lives at sea.

In a ceremony steeped in nostalgia, pride and institutional gratitude, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday formally bid farewell to one of its most respected senior officers, Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Anselm Francis Nnadi mni (rtd), whose retirement marks the closing chapter of a remarkable career defined by discipline, loyalty and unwavering service to the nation.

The colourful send-off held at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, drew an impressive gathering of the Customs management team, senior officers, family members and well-wishers who converged to celebrate a man many described as a quintessential officer and gentleman of the Service.

Adding deeper symbolism to the occasion was the coincidence of the ceremony with Nnadi’s 60th birthday, turning the event into a rare double celebration, one that honoured both a milestone age and a lifetime devoted to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic frontiers.

For many within the Customs hierarchy, the event was more than a retirement ceremony; it was a reflective moment on the enduring legacy of a quiet but resolute officer whose journey through the ranks mirrored the ideals of professionalism and institutional loyalty.

Leading the tributes, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the retiring officer as a distinguished professional whose commitment to duty, integrity and leadership contributed immensely to strengthening the operational culture of the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to the CGC, Nnadi’s career represented the very essence of the Customs mandate, balancing revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security with uncommon discipline and strategic insight.

“Today is not merely about retirement; it is a moment of gratitude,” Adeniyi remarked. “We celebrate a colleague whose service embodies the values that sustain this institution and whose career reminds younger officers of the honour and responsibility that come with the uniform.”

Beyond the formal commendations, Adeniyi also spoke warmly of the personal bond he shares with the retiree, revealing that their relationship transcends official interactions to include longstanding family ties, an association that further underscores the camaraderie often forged within the Service.

Colleagues who served alongside Nnadi painted a portrait of a leader known for calm authority, mentorship and firm adherence to professional ethics, recalling how his guidance helped shape the careers of many younger officers while reinforcing institutional discipline across various commands.

For those who encountered him in operational theatres, Nnadi’s reputation was built on quiet effectiveness rather than loud declarations, an officer who believed deeply in the dignity of service and the importance of leaving institutions stronger than he met them.

In his response, the retired Deputy Comptroller-General expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General, the management team and officers of the Service for the cooperation and support that defined his years in uniform, describing his journey in the Nigeria Customs Service as one of growth, fulfilment and national duty.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative awards, gift items and symbolic photographs, capturing a final institutional salute to a man whose career tells a larger story, the story of a service man who gave his best years to the protection of Nigeria’s borders and the strengthening of one of its most strategic national institutions.

Following his recent voluntary resignation as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa was received in a private audience with His Holiness, Pope Francis at the Vatican.
​
In a move highlighting the intersection of public service and spiritual devotion, Sir Chinyeaka embarked on this pilgrimage to seek apostolic blessings and reflect on a career dedicate to administrative excellence and national development.

In what was a ​high-profile delegation ​Sir Chinyeaka was accompanied by the highly revered Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja. The Cardinal’s presence added a layer of profound ecclesiastical significance to the visit, symbolizing the strong ties between the Nigerian Catholic laity and the global Holy See.

​Highlights of the Visit included moments of prayer and reflection where Sir Chinyeaka recieved a formal blessing from the Holy father, a gesture often extended to those who have concluded significant chapters of leadership as Sir Chinyeaka has done in various walks of life including ESUT.

The visit further served as
​a spiritual transition, marking the formal conclusion of Sir Chinyeaka’s leadership role at ESUT. Beside being an affirmation of values, recognizing his contributions to education and public infrastructure in Nigeria through the lens of faith-based service, the visit is
​a diplomatic gesture, strengthening the spiritual bond between the Nigerian laity and the Holy See.

Speaking to our reporters, Sir Chinyeaka said that, “Service to humanity is an extension of service to God. This visit is a moment of gratitude for the opportunity to have led ESUT and a chance to seek divine guidance for the chapters ahead.”

​Sir Chinyeaka is a veteran administrator and retired Federal Permanent Secretary. His tenure as the Chairman of the ESUT Governing Council was marked by significant strides in institutional stability and academic focus. His visit to the Vatican underscores a lifelong dedication to the Church and the principles of integrity in leadership.

No doubt, to transition from the rigors of university governance to the serene halls of the Vatican is a testament to Sir Chinyeaka’s commitment to grounding leadership in faith.

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into an alleged disciplinary incident involving a female student of Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos, following the circulation of a video on social media that has triggered widespread public concern.

The Army, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, assured parents, guardians and members of the public that the incident is receiving serious attention and is currently under a thorough review.

The statement noted that preliminary findings revealed that the incident occurred on February 26, 2026, during afternoon academic activities when the Field Officer of the Week embarked on a routine inspection of classrooms within the school.

According to the Division, the inspection exercise was aimed at ensuring compliance with school regulations, particularly in relation to proper dressing, attendance in classrooms and maintenance of discipline among students.

During the inspection, several students were reportedly found to be improperly dressed, prompting the confiscation of slippers worn by some of them in line with the school’s established disciplinary guidelines.

The report further indicated that during the exercise, a Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) student from Rhino House was sighted wearing sportswear without footwear.

When questioned by the inspecting officer, the student allegedly stated that her footwear had earlier been seized by a soldier. However, subsequent inquiries reportedly revealed that the student had voluntarily handed over her canvas shoes to a classmate prior to the inspection.

Preliminary findings also suggested that the student had made a caricature of the inspecting officer in the presence of other students, a development that may have contributed to the ensuing disciplinary action captured in the viral video.

The Army expressed concern over the incident and regretted any distress the development may have caused the student, her family and members of the public, reiterating that the welfare, dignity and safety of students in all Command schools remain of paramount importance.

Consequently, the officer involved is currently under investigation, while the Division has commenced a broader review of disciplinary procedures within Command schools to ensure that corrective measures are administered responsibly and strictly in accordance with established standards. The Army urged the public to remain calm as the investigation runs its full course, assuring that appropriate administrative actions will be taken where necessary to prevent a recurrence.

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through the provision of modern weapons and critical military equipment to confront the nation’s evolving security threats.

Governor Alia made the commendation on Thursday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Makurdi.

The governor described the federal government’s continued investment in modern military hardware as a decisive step toward strengthening the Armed Forces and improving the nation’s capacity to tackle complex security challenges.

Speaking during the visit, the Army Chief assured the state government that the Nigerian Army was steadily expanding its operational capabilities to deliver improved security outcomes not only in Benue but across other troubled parts of the country.

He noted that the acquisition of advanced combat platforms, weapons systems and other operational enablers, facilitated by the strong backing of President Tinubu, would significantly enhance the effectiveness of troops engaged in counter-insurgency and internal security operations.

General Shaibu also commended the people and government of Benue State for their resilience and sustained support for security agencies despite the persistent threats confronting some communities.

He particularly acknowledged the cooperation extended to troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, noting that the partnership between the military and local communities has continued to contribute to the progress recorded in ongoing operations.

The Army Chief therefore appealed to the state government and residents to sustain close collaboration with the military and other security agencies, stressing that effective intelligence sharing and community support remain critical to restoring peace and stability.

In his response, Governor Alia described the visit of the Army Chief as timely and reassuring, particularly at a period when renewed security momentum is required to consolidate peace in vulnerable communities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, while welcoming the deployment of additional troops to strengthen ongoing operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring lasting peace across Benue State.

In a decisive move to fortify Nigeria’s border security architecture, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has strengthened its operational alliance with the Nigeria Police Force through a high-level strategic meeting aimed at dismantling smuggling networks operating along the Ogun border corridor.

The renewed collaboration came to the fore during a courtesy visit by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in Idiroko and the Border Patrol Commander to the headquarters of the Ogun I Area Command of the NCS.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the engagement focused on deepening inter-agency cooperation and developing an all-inclusive policing framework to confront trans-border crimes and other forms of economic sabotage.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, noted that although the Idiroko border axis currently enjoys relative calm, sustaining the stability requires sustained intelligence sharing and well-coordinated joint operations.

Afeni stressed that effective border management demands collective responsibility among security agencies, urging officers of both the Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force to operate as strategic partners rather than competitors in the field.

He further explained that the enhanced cooperation aligns with the operational vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership continues to emphasise the pillars of collaboration, consolidation and innovation in securing Nigeria’s borders.

Also speaking during the meeting, the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in Idiroko, ACP Adejumo Segun, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to strengthening the existing partnership with the Customs Service.

Segun emphasised that the safety of residents in border communities remains paramount, noting that the police would continue to provide tactical support to Customs officers in tackling illicit trade activities within the Idiroko–Igolo border corridor.

Afeni reiterated that intelligence exchange and coordinated field operations would remain central to the joint strategy, assuring that the command would continue to nurture robust partnerships with sister security agencies and other critical stakeholders.

The visit concluded with both agencies reaffirming their resolve to sustain the collaborative framework, a development widely seen as a significant step towards strengthening border security and promoting economic stability in Ogun State and the country at large.

Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a major milestone that will ease long-standing financial and logistics challenges faced by farmers, small-scale traders and individuals in the community.

The Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr. Mansur Isah-Kamba, described the branch as a welcome relief after years of limited access to formal banking services. Represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, Isah-Kamba noted that residents – including over 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll—previously travelled long distances to Birnin Kebbi for routine banking transactions.

“With the opening of this branch in our locality, the stress, cost and time associated with banking outside the community will be significantly reduced,” he said. He also commended Fidelity Bank for its foresight and commitment to supporting farmers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

On his part, the Sarkin Shikon of Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, described farming as the primary occupation in the area will help improve commercial activities.

“Our people are predominantly farmers. Access to financial services will help them improve productivity and livelihoods. Farmers need support such as pumping machines, fertilisers, and pesticides, and proximity to banking services will make it easier to save, access loans, and participate in agricultural intervention programmes,” he said.

Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony, Regional Bank Head, North‑West Region, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Muhammad Lawal‑Ahijo, highlighted the bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and supporting economic growth across Nigeria.

“Our decision to establish this branch is rooted in our belief that every community deserves access to reliable financial services that enable people to grow, businesses to thrive, and local economies to prosper. Kamba is a thriving agricultural community, and the decision to open a branch here is a strategic investment in the future of its farmers, traders, and households. While the infrastructure is for the bank, this branch belongs to the community. We encourage residents to take ownership by fully utilising the services available.” Lawal-Ahijo said.

He further noted the bank’s overall dedication to empowering informal sector workers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), adding, “Our goal is to bring banking closer to the people and support farmers, SMEs and households with accessible financial services that drive sustainable growth.”

In his remarks, a member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, said the new branch marked a significant step toward strengthening financial inclusion in rural communities.

“This is a milestone for our constituency. Financial inclusion is critical to rural development, and farmers, traders, and youths must take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being,” he said.

Residents also expressed delight about the impact the new branch will have on their daily lives. A petty trader, Mrs. Hassana Abubakar, said she previously had to close her shop whenever she travelled to Birnin Kebbi for banking transactions.

“Now I can do my banking here without losing a whole day’s business. This will help my shop grow,” she said.

The opening of the Fidelity Bank branch in Kamba underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion, supporting rural economies and empowering farmers and small businesses across Nigeria.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.