Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, who assumed office on 15th December 2025 as the 42nd Commandant of the NAFRC has affirmed his commitment to improving the quality of training, addressing infrastructural gaps, and strengthening operational efficiency across the Centre.

The Commandant made this known during his familiarisation tour of NAFRC recently. The tour was undertaken to assess facilities, interact with personnel, and identify areas requiring immediate and long-term intervention in line with the Centre’s resettlement and vocational training mandate.

AVM Ilo stated that his leadership would prioritise the creation of a conducive learning environment for participants, improvement of workshop capacity, and the delivery of practical and relevant training that adequately prepares retiring personnel for reintegration into civil life after six months of intensive vocational and entrepreneurial training.

He further disclosed plans to conduct a comparative analysis of similar resettlement and rehabilitation centres outside the country. According to him, the initiative would provide first hand exposure to international best practices, to enable the Centre benchmark its operations, and support the adoption of innovative ideas to further improve the standard of training in NAFRC.

The familiarisation tour commenced at the Directorate of Training, where the Commandant was briefed by the Director of Training, Major General IO Olatunji, on the structure, responsibilities, and strategic positioning of the Directorate close to the workshops for effective monitoring and coordination of training activities.

Major General Olatunji in his brief noted that the training curriculum, was due for review as the last comprehensive review was carried out in 2022 and is now due for another update to reflect current realities and evolving vocational demands.

The Commandant thereafter inspected several workshops across the Centre, as including automobile, auto-mechanic, weaving and textile, carpentry, woodwork, leather works, ceramics, foundry, fabrication, welding, plumbing, waste management, photography, and events management. others are, the agricultural wing, training battalion, medical centre, ICT centre, and the management wing.

AVM Ilo also emphasised the need to improve the learning environment, by providing visual and instructional aids for training, to effectively deliver quality training for retiring personnel of the armed forces. He added that the centre will be fitted with modern training equipment across relevant workshops to expose participants to mechanised operations and current industry practices.

The Commandant concluded the 2-day tour by reaffirming his commitment to improving infrastructure, strengthening the quality of training, and enhancing staff welfare across the Centre. He assured personnel that observations made during the familiarisation tour would be translated into actionable plans aimed at repositioning NAFRC as a leading resettlement and vocational training institution.

Prominent pastor and founder of Grace Nation Church International, Dr. Chris Okafor, has publicly apologised to Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and Dr. David Abioye for dragging them into his personal matters.

The apology came after both clergymen were criticised for their association with Okafor, who has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding allegations made by actress Doris Ogala.

Okafor explained during a live worship service on Sunday, December 28, 2025, that Ashimolowo and Abioye had been supporting and mentoring him for years, and that their involvement with him was not motivated by financial gain.

He revealed that Abioye had actually donated N5million to his church after ministering in one of it’s programmes titled, “Not My Head, Not My Blood,” last September, and that Ashimolowo had gifted him a property in Lekki, Lagos.

Okafor expressed gratitude for the guidance and support he has received from the two men, whom he considers “fathers of faith”.

“I apologise to these fathers of faith for being needlessly dragged into a matter which is purely my personal problems,” Okafor said.

He urged them to continue supporting him and assured them that their efforts would not go unnoticed.

The apology has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some calling for Okafor to address the allegations made against him, while others have rallied behind him, praising his humility and transparency.

The Directorate for State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police have failed to take up an invitation earlier extended to them by Dr Chris Okafor, senior pastor and founder of the Grace Nation Church International, Lagos to come dig up the church’s altar to ascertain whether or not recent claims by Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala that there was a buried human corpse was indeed true.

Ogala trended in December following disclosures she made about a purported romantic relationship she had with the pastor, while seeking reparations for being dumped in favour of another woman he went on to marry in a colourful ceremony in Lagos on Wednesday, December 16, 2025.

A tearful Ogala had in a no-holds-barred exposè on her Instagram page accused the pastor of reneging on his promise to marry her after making her dump her husband of many years, and claiming that she also aborted babies for him.

But perhaps the most damaging of her accusations was that the Anambra-born preacher also harboured the bizarre secret of a buried human corpse on his church’s altar.

“Believe me, Chris Okafor buried a corpse on his church’s altar,” Ogala had said in one of her videos.

But, the celebrity televangelist and prophet would kick the allegations into touch in what appeared his first official response to the barrage of criticisms which filled the air in a live stream of a church service he superintendented over on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

“The other day, there was an allegation that someone was buried on this church’s altar. Hold on. When this altar was built, I was not even in Nigeria. I was in a conference far away outside of the country,” Dr Okafor began in the televised broadcast now still trending on YouTube.

“However, to remove all doubts and to firmly establish the veracity or otherwise of the claims, I am openly inviting the DSS, the Nigeria Police, and all other constituted government authorities. They should come and break the altar. I am ready to sponsor it. And let it be televised live, and I’ll sponsor it,” he said.

Observers have hailed the boldness of the pastor’s move, saying it spoke volumes about his real desire to have the contentious issue laid to rest.

Some have also wondered why the security agencies would fail to accept the invitation as a way of establishing the authenticity of the claims, while dissipating energy on yet another unverified murder claims allegedly involving the pastor which the Lagos State Police authorities are said to be more interested in.

“I read somewhere that the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh had ordered an investigation into an alleged murder case involving Dr Chris Okafor, while conveniently failing to accept his invitation to break up his church’s altar to ascertain whether Doris Ogala’s claims of a buried human corpse was actually true. It is baffling to me,” an observer who prefers anonymity said.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, undertook a two-day working visit to Eastern Naval Command Calabar Area on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. The visit, which is his maiden tour of the Command since assumption of office, forms part of his operational and administrative engagements aimed at enhancing naval effectiveness in the region.

Upon arrival at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, the Chief of the Naval Staff accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from Naval Headquarters, was received by the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie.

The CNS immediately proceeded to Nigerian Navy Barracks, Atimbo, where he commissioned two newly constructed 12-by-1 Junior Rates Permanent Accommodation Blocks, designated Block A and Block B. The commissioning ceremony, witnessed by personnel from sister services and security agencies, marks a significant milestone in the Command’s efforts to improve personnel welfare and living conditions which is in tandem with the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command’s Leadership key Pillars

The CNS’ visit also included an inspection of ongoing projects at Nigerian Navy Barracks Akim, 1006 Navy Barracks, the Nigerian Navy Hotel and Suites site, the permanent site of the Naval War College Nigeria, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, the Eastern Fleet, and the NNS Victory Jetty. These inspections provided him with an on-the-spot assessment of infrastructure development, fleet disposition, and operational readiness across the Command.

During his operational tour of Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Abbas was briefed by the Command Operations Officer, Rear Admiral CE Oji, on the Command’s activities, challenges, and current security posture. He acknowledged the issues raised and assured that the Nigerian Navy will take appropriate measures to address them. The CNS emphasized the need for innovative thinking, stating that officers must “think outside the box” in tackling emerging security challenges.

He further noted that the tour was not limited to infrastructure inspection but aimed at evaluating ongoing operations and addressing personnel welfare concerns, which he described as essential to sustaining effective maritime security operations.

As part of his engagements, the Chief of the Naval Staff paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Bassey Otu. The Governor warmly received the CNS and his entourage, commending the Nigerian Navy for its consistent operational readiness.

He acknowledged the high level of security threats within the region but expressed confidence in the Navy’s capability to respond promptly and decisively to any challenge. The visits culminated with exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.

Unity Bank Plc has disbursed over N270 million in grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative: Corpreneurship Challenge, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since inception in 2019 to 608 corps members nationwide.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, continues to equip fresh graduates with the funding, confidence, and support required to launch and scale viable businesses.

In the most recent edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge, held between November 18 and December 9, 2025, across 10 NYSC orientation camps nationwide, 30 youth corps members emerged as winners during the Batch C, Stream I, 2025 exercise of the programme.

The latest beneficiaries were selected from orientation camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akwa Ibom, and Plateau (Jos), after pitching innovative business ideas across diverse sectors of the economy.

Unity Bank’s cumulative investment in the Corpreneurship Challenge underscores the Bank’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, MSME development, and job creation in Nigeria.

Speaking on the continued impact of the initiative, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the Bank’s belief in entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic transformation.

“At Unity Bank, we recognise that entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective tools for tackling youth unemployment and driving inclusive economic growth. Through the Corpreneurship Challenge, we are not only providing financial support, but also instilling confidence in young graduates to transform viable ideas into sustainable businesses. Reaching over 600 beneficiaries since inception reinforces our belief in the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth,” she said.

Mrs. Abimbola further emphasised the programme’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and creating long-term economic value.

“Small and medium-scale enterprises are the backbone of any resilient economy. By supporting corps members at the earliest stage of their entrepreneurial journey, we are helping to build businesses that can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute meaningfully to national development. Our focus is on impact that goes beyond grants, impact that translates into lasting livelihoods,” she added.

The Corpreneurship Challenge provides a competitive platform where corps members pitch business ideas, assessed on originality, feasibility, market demand, scalability, and job-creation potential. Successful participants receive financial grants to kick-start or expand their ventures, alongside exposure to business guidance and mentorship.

Since its launch, the initiative has supported youth-led businesses across value chains, including fashion, agribusiness, food processing, creative services, manufacturing, and retail. Over the years, it has become an integral part of the NYSC experience, attracting thousands of applications annually and earning national recognition for its contribution to youth empowerment.

By sustaining and expanding the Corpreneurship Challenge, Unity Bank continues to reinforce its role as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial and MSME development landscape.

A recently concluded opinion poll conducted by a reputable media organisation, Standard Post, has projected victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), in the August 8, 2026 election.

According to the poll, Oyebamiji is leading the race with 52 per cent of respondents’ votes. The incumbent governor and governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Ademola Adeleke, came a distant second with 38 per cent, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged third with 8 per cent.

The newspaper explained that the online opinion poll, conducted over the weekend, featured the three major candidates from the leading political parties participating in the off-cycle governorship election in the state.

Standard Post noted that Osun State residents who participated in the poll voted overwhelmingly in favour of the APC candidate.

The media organisation stated that the poll was professionally conducted, with in-depth analysis revealing the current standing of the candidates ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

“From public opinion, political alignment, and on-ground observations, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presently appears to hold a decisive edge in the race. A key factor driving this momentum is the renewed unity and organisational strength within the APC.”

The paper added that the unity within the APC has translated into stronger grassroots engagement and growing confidence among voters seeking what it described as a credible alternative.

It also attributed the incumbent governor’s declining support to challenges facing critical sectors in the state, including health, housing, as well as uneven infrastructure development.

The residents also identified lack of policy direction in key sectors such as education, agriculture, sports development among others as part of the resentment of the residents against the incumbent governor.

“Unlike previous election cycles marked by internal divisions, the party is entering 2026 more cohesive, strategically prepared, and fully mobilised across all local governments. This unity has translated into stronger grassroots engagement and growing confidence among voters seeking a credible alternative.”

The media house further noted that dissatisfaction with the current administration is shaping voter sentiment across the state.

“These statistics reflect the growing desire of Osun people for a change in leadership, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration.

“Key concerns include the lack of job opportunities for youths, a struggling health sector, uneven road infrastructure development concentrated largely in Ede, the abandonment of the Iwo–Osogbo road project, and several unfulfilled promises made by Governor Ademola Adeleke during the 2022 electioneering campaign.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the commencement of procedures for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.

This was disclosed in an official statement endorsed by Abdullahi Maiwada PhD, mnipr, mniia, Deputy Comptroller of Customs
National Public Relations Officer. “The initiative is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions on temporary admission and transit of vehicles.

The new framework covers all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes. It seeks to ease cross-border movement, strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and reinforce the nation’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.

It is pertinent to note that this implementation draws legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), UN TIR Convention (1975), Istanbul Convention (1990), and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment. It also aligns with WCO Guidelines on Temporary Admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations.

International travellers are required to present valid documents such as international passport, international driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and CPD at the point of entry. Upon satisfactory inspection and verification, a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days will be issued and electronically recorded. Travellers may apply for an extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.

Vehicles admitted under this regime are free to move within Nigeria but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes. At the point of exit, travellers should present the vehicle and the approved customs Temporary Admission Declaration. In the event of an accident, theft, or breakdown, the nearest Customs office should be notified immediately for documentation and guidance.

The NCS, therefore, reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability while facilitating legitimate travel. This initiative strengthens Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation and ensures compliance with existing regulations to enhance security and efficiency.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Port Command generated a total revenue of Two Trillion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Billion, Five Hundred and Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Ten Naira and Thirty Two Kobo (₦2,930,508,827,110.32) only in 2025, recording an impressive increase of ₦573,295,266,571.10 over the ₦2,357,213,560,539.22 collected in 2024, representing a 24.32 per cent growth. The performance reinforces Apapa Command’s position as the nation’s leading revenue hub.

In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman “The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, attributed the achievement to effective leadership, disciplined manpower and the strategic deployment of technology under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc(+). He also commended compliant stakeholders whose lawful trade practices contributed significantly to the revenue growth.

A major contributor to the success was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which enhanced transparency, efficiency and accountability in cargo clearance processes. Regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections.

In the area of trade facilitation, the Command intensified stakeholder sensitisation following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative to ensure faster processing and release of compliant cargoes. Efforts are also at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.

The Command also recorded enforcement successes, intercepting 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12,632,239,303.00k. Some of the interceptions in the year 2025 were handed over to relevant agencies such as NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Looking ahead, Comptroller Oshoba expressed optimism that the Command would achieve more greater revenue milestone in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies.

Comptroller Oshoba further assured stakeholders of enhanced engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators and the media to promote transparency, compliance and seamless trade at the nation’s busiest port.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday, 5 January 2026, charged officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to place intelligence at the centre of their professional conduct, warning that no modern security or revenue operation can succeed without timely, credible and well-applied intelligence.

CGC Adeniyi charged the CIU Officers at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, during the opening ceremony of the training programme. He described the training programme as the Service’s first formal engagement of the year and a moment that could shape the professional outlook of participants.

Welcoming officers to the College, the Comptroller-General said the programme came at a critical time, urging participants to see the new year as an opportunity to make tangible contributions to the Service and the country.

Reflecting on recent global and domestic security developments, Adeniyi referenced military and security interventions across different regions, including operations within Nigeria that led to the interception of arms and ammunition.

According to him, intelligence remains the common thread behind every successful military or paramilitary operation, stressing that Customs officers must appreciate its value beyond theory.

He urged participants to revisit papers earlier presented during the programme, noting that they already contained practical guidance required for effective field operations.

In his address, the Commandant of the NCCSC, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Dow Gaura, described intelligence as a quiet but decisive force in institutional transformation.

He said the ability to gather, analyse and apply intelligence has become indispensable in responding to emerging security and economic realities.

ACG Gaura said the Nigeria Customs Service has consistently invested in intelligence-led training as part of its capacity-building strategy, describing the programme as a key phase in the professional development of participants.

He explained that intelligence underpins risk management, revenue protection, the disruption of smuggling networks and the protection of the national economy.

He urged officers to approach the training with seriousness, noting that Management had provided experienced facilitators, relevant materials and a structured learning environment to enhance focus and outcomes.

While acknowledging that comfort levels might differ from what some participants were used to, he said the objective was to instil discipline and concentration.

Senior officers present at the opening ceremony included the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijjani Abe, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of TRADOC, Sulaiman Chiroma and the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shu’aibu, among others.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command has recorded unprecedented revenue milestones in 2025, achieving its highest-ever monthly and annual collections since inception.In December 2025, the Command generated a historic Three Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety Naira (₦3,628,485,590.00); the highest monthly revenue on record.

In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Tunde Ayagbalo “This record is attributed to the effective rollout of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which improves the Command’s coordination and trade facilitation for stakeholders.

From January to December 2025, the Command generated the total of Fifteen Billion, Five Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira (₦15,598,945,794.00k) only, marking a remarkable 117% increase over the ₦7,166,576,397.49 recorded in 2024.

According to the statement “On 11 November 2025, the Command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, featuring an empowerment programme that distributed industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants to members of the COWA Seme Chapter. On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR PhD launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative, delivering essential healthcare to over 1,000 beneficiaries, alongside a tree-planting exercise for environmental sustainability.

In alignment with the Comptroller-General’s directive, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has successfully reduced checkpoints along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor to the Two (2) locations approved by the Federal Government, significantly easing legitimate trade, minimising delays and contributing to the Command’s outstanding revenue performance.

The Command also maintained robust anti-smuggling operations, seizing in December 2025; 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets (300mg) an excessively high-dosage sexual enhancement drug, through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration.

Comptroller Adenuga warn smugglers that the Seme borders are no longer safe for illicit activities. With advanced intelligence, technology and unwavering vigilance, the Officers/men of the Command will intercept and prosecute offenders. He advised Smugglers to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.

Conversely, legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders are assured of a safe, conducive and efficiently facilitated Seme corridor, with seamless processes and reduced delays to support genuine cross-border commerce and economic growth.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR Phd and the Management for their steadfast support and leadership. He also thanked the Command’s officers and men, stakeholders, sister agencies, military and paramilitary forces, the media, traditional and community leaders for their invaluable contributions, while pledging even greater achievements in 2026.