The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West region, has strongly rejected a proposed legislative amendment passed by the Senate that criminalises religious preaching and informal trading inside commercial vehicles. Warning that the bill could severely restrict citizens’ constitutional rights, the religious body declared that the piece of legislation requires a critical review to prevent unnecessary public friction. The controversy follows the Senate`s passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026. The new bill proposes a strict N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles. Additionally, it introduces severe penalties—including a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both—for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion. In a statement issued on Thursday by the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, the Christian body acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing avoidable road crashes across Nigeria. The association stressed that it remains fully supportive of every genuine effort aimed at protecting human lives and promoting responsible road use nationwide. However, the association expressed deep-seated worries regarding the provisions prescribing sanctions for preaching in commercial buses and the outright prohibition of hawking. CAN argued that while the government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure public safety, it bears an equal obligation to uphold the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, including the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. The regional body cautioned that prohibiting religious preaching without empirical evidence that it poses a direct threat to public safety could create a dangerous impression of religious restriction. CAN warned that such a move is highly capable of generating avoidable public tension at a time when national unity should be prioritised. Turning to the economic implications, the statement highlighted that millions of Nigerians depend heavily on legitimate informal trading within the transit system for their daily survival. Rather than adopting punitive measures that worsen economic hardship, the association urged the government to focus on policies that create employment, reduce poverty, improve public transportation, and strengthen citizens` welfare. Consequently, CAN respectfully appealed to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withhold his assent to the bill in its current form. The body called for immediate and broader consultations with relevant stakeholders, including religious organisations, civil society groups, legal experts, transport unions, and road safety professionals to produce a more balanced legislation. Reiterating its commitment to constructive engagement with the government, the Christian group concluded that Nigeria needs laws that unite rather than divide. The body emphasised that the nation must focus on legislation that protects human lives without unnecessarily restricting freedoms, thereby strengthening public confidence in democratic governance.

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has thrown down a bold gauntlet to political opponents and critics across Nigeria. The former governor has openly claimed to be the first state chief executive in the nation’s democratic history to complete an eight-year tenure without owning a single personal house. Aregbesola, who served as the executive governor of Osun State between 2010 and 2018, made this staggering revelation while addressing a large gathering of his loyal political supporters. The declaration, captured in a video that began trending heavily across various social media platforms on Thursday, has since sparked widespread national debate regarding political accountability and asset ownership. THENEWSCREDIT reports that In the viral footage, the former minister vehemently asserted that his entire two-term administration was spent living in a property owned by a close associate rather than a personal estate. He challenged anyone with contrary evidence regarding his real estate holdings to come forward publicly and present their findings to the Nigerian populace. "I’m the first governor in Nigeria to rule a state for eight years without owning a house of my own," Aregbesola confidently stated to the cheering crowd. "I stayed in my friend’s house for eight years as a governor in my father’s land. Whoever says that what I’m saying is not true should come out and show me the house I own." The former governor`s unconventional revelation stands in stark contrast to the typical public perception of Nigerian political officeholders, who are frequently accused of accumulating massive wealth and luxury real estate portfolios while in power. By framing his lack of personal property as a badge of honor, Aregbesola sought to distinguish his leadership style as one uniquely centered on selflessness. During his double tenure at the helm of Osun State, Aregbesola’s administration focused heavily on populist policies aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of ordinary citizens. His cabinet aggressively prioritized aggressive human capital development projects designed to combat institutionalized poverty, mitigate severe youth unemployment, and eradicate hunger across the state`s local government areas. Furthermore, his time in the Osun Government House was defined by massive structural investments in the state`s foundational systems, particularly in public education, healthcare delivery, and community infrastructure. His loyalists often point to these large-scale interventions as proof that state resources were directed into public development rather than personal enrichment. Following his gubernatorial service, Aregbesola transitioned to national governance, serving as the Minister of Interior under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Having recently transitioned into his executive role within the ADC, this latest public declaration appears aimed at redefining his political legacy as he positions himself for future national influence.

Veteran broadcaster and CEO of Triple A Multimedia Network, Akin Akinborode, popularly known as "KOGOKOGO," has called on online radio On-Air Personalities (OAPs) to transition from mere presenters to community leaders by treating their audience as family. He made this declaration on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while delivering a keynote presentation titled "The Relationship Between Online Radio OAP and Listeners" at the grand finale of the one-year anniversary of Treasure Online Radio, held at the Ise Oluwa Ni Cooperatives Hall. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Akinborode emphasized that the survival and profitability of digital broadcasting rely heavily on the emotional bond between the presenter and the listener. Unlike traditional terrestrial radio which relies on expensive transmitters, masts, and localized FM/AM airwaves limited to a 50–100km range, online radio utilizes servers and the internet to achieve global reach. This borderless nature allows listeners in Ogbomoso, Lagos, the United Kingdom, and Canada to stream the same broadcast simultaneously 24/7, turning the global audience into a tight-knit community. Despite its borderless reach, the veteran broadcaster identified major hurdles facing online stations, including high data costs, erratic power supply, and low local adoption. To combat data costs, he recommended that stations strike "batal" partnerships with network providers, trading advertisement slots for data bundles. He also urged stations to deploy solar power, inverters, and automated transmission software to keep stations running smoothly during power outages or when presenters are offline. THENEWSCREDIT reliably gathered that to bridge the local adoption gap, Akinborode advised OAPs to actively promote their stations using grassroots, mouth-to-mouth awareness campaigns in local markets, schools, churches, and mosques. He stressed that presenters must create meaningful, localized content that directly addresses community issues. Furthermore, he reminded operators to protect their stations from legal liabilities by using royalty-free music, securing proper streaming licenses, and consistently airing clear copyright disclaimers. The lecture highlighted building long-term audience trust through intentional, authentic engagement, emphasizing a shift from traditional broadcasting to a two-way relationship where listeners feel seen and valued. OAPs are urged to humanize their presence by utilizing video live-streams, sharing personal stories, and actively conversing with listeners by incorporating social media comments and voice notes into broadcasts. Furthermore, fostering community requires extending engagement beyond airtime through dedicated communication channels and maintaining strict consistency in scheduling, content delivery, and providing valuable, actionable information. The presentation also highlighted interactive on-air techniques, advising OAPs to use local proverbs, emojis, and playful slang to make listeners feel at home. He recommended running weekly call-in segments, highlighting a "comment of the day," and hosting interactive airtime giveaways to increase real-time engagement. By showing open gratitude, tracking listener locations via digital analytics, and directly messaging loyal fans, presenters can successfully turn casual listeners into brand evangelists. Akinborode concluded by linking tight audience relationships directly to financial sustainability, noting that high listener loyalty creates reliable profit points. Advertisers and corporate sponsors are naturally drawn to highly engaged, interactive digital communities. By combining traditional advertisements, securing dedicated show sponsorships, and hosting paid localized services like birthday shoutouts and anniversary surprise programs, online radio stations can easily unlock self-sustaining revenue streams.

Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has dismissed speculations of a 2027 presidential ambition, stating firmly that he is content with his current role outside active politics. Speaking during a live interview on TVC News, Fashola also addressed his visible silence on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He revealed that he maintains a direct, private line of communication with the President, making public criticism on television entirely unnecessary. Responding to questions about why he has refrained from publicly assessing the current administration, Fashola disclosed that President Tinubu recently reached out to him personally to seek strategic input ahead of the 2027 general elections. "He calls me today, and he says, ‘Today, identify one area where my administration must improve as we count down to 2027. What would you advise me?’ So, I will speak to the President on TV? I’ve told myself I would not do that," Fashola stated. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the former minister emphasized the importance of preserving confidential channels of communication, countering suggestions that the current administration suffers from operational blind spots. "There are no blind spots in this administration. You can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have," he added, noting that he has already offered private counsel on several key national issues. Despite expectations from the public that his exit from cabinet responsibilities would make him a more vocal social commentator, Fashola reiterated that his stance on governance remains institutional rather than performative. When asked directly if he would throw his hat into the ring for the presidency in the next election cycle, Fashola dismissed the idea with a smile. "President of what? I’m president at home," he said, signaling an absolute end to his aspirations for elective office. Reflecting on over two decades in public life—spanning his tenure as Chief of Staff, an eight-year governorship in Lagos, and eight years as a federal minister—Fashola described his journey as an "unimaginable privilege" aimed at inspiring the next generation of Nigerian leaders. THENEWSCREDIT further gathered,he declined to clear up long-standing political rumors regarding his preferred successor during the 2015 Lagos governorship race, which featured Kadri Hamzat and Olasupo Sasore. Fashola concluded by confirming his active membership in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), while drawing a sharp boundary regarding his post-office conduct. "There is a thin line between intervention and interference," he cautioned.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has approved a strategic modification to the upcoming Oro Festival to ensure that female candidates sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) can attend their centers without hindrance. The decision follows widespread concerns over the clash between the strict traditional restrictions and the national academic timetable for junior secondary students. The official announcement was contained in a public statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye. According to the palace release, the adjustment became a matter of necessity to protect the academic future of young girls within the kingdom. Palace officials emphasized that the throne holds both cultural heritage and formal education in high esteem. The Oro Festival is a patriarchal Yoruba traditional practice deeply rooted in communal cleansing, honoring deities, and enforcing justice, particularly following the transition of a monarch. The rituals strictly require women and non-initiates to remain indoors during specific curfew hours. This year, the festival is scheduled to hold across Oyo city from July 23 to July 29, 2026. Because the BECE timeline directly overlaps with the festival, regional stakeholders raised concerns about the fate of female students. The examination, which determines placement into senior secondary schools, is administered by state Ministries of Education, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), or the National Examinations Council (NECO). Missing the papers would mean a catastrophic one-year academic delay for the affected candidates. Providing specific details on the relaxation, the Baale of Jabata, Chief Orowale Ajani, clarified that the restrictions would be temporarily lifted on the final day of the rituals. Female students will be granted full freedom of movement until 5:00 PM on July 29 to allow them to complete their national examinations. Parents and invigilators have been urged to ensure students return home immediately after their papers ahead of the evening curfew. This proactive concession from the Oyo monarchy represents a shift in handling regional cultural-educational conflicts. Traditional institutions are increasingly finding a middle ground to accommodate modern societal needs without completely eroding ancient customs. Community leaders have praised the Alaafin for demonstrating progressive leadership by prioritizing the girl-child`s right to education. The development comes just weeks after the Lagos State Government was forced to postpone several BECE papers in parts of the Ikorodu Division due to a similar Oro Festival declaration. While the Lagos postponement was done to guarantee the safety of candidates and examination officials, the Oyo palace chose an internal administrative adjustment instead. This localized solution allows both the state examinations and the sacred traditional rites to proceed concurrently.

Ahmed Isah, the renowned human rights advocate and host of the Brekete Family programme, has strongly opposed the creation of state police in Nigeria. Speaking during his popular broadcast, the advocate warned that decentralized policing would trigger catastrophic consequences across the federation. He argued that the current socio-political climate in Nigeria is highly unready for such a sensitive security transition. Popularly known as the "Ordinary President," Isah expressed deep pessimism regarding the operational neutrality of state-controlled security outfits. He predicted that the initiative would instantly be weaponized by state governors for selfish political gains. Rather than solving Nigeria`s complex security challenges, he insisted the move would plunge local communities into deeper crisis. The broadcaster raised critical alarms over how state policing could ignite severe ethnic warfare, particularly in states with diverse tribal populations. He warned that structural bias would dominate the recruitment and leadership selection of the local forces. According to Isah, minority ethnic groups would inevitably face state-sponsored oppression once a dominant tribe takes total control of the command structure. To illustrate this looming danger, Isah cited the historical ethnic dynamics of Benue State as a immediate red flag. He questioned whether the state`s Commissioner of Police would be picked from the Tiv or the Idoma ethnic group. He predicted that the moment one tribe secures the leadership mantle, the opposing tribe would immediately suffer systemic marginalization and victimization. Turning his focus to political tyranny, the human rights advocate emphasized that state executives already wield toxic influence over federal security agents. He revealed that several governors routinely demand the immediate removal of federal Commissioners of Police who refuse to obey illegal orders. Isah noted that these governors even influence the deployment of military commanders to suit their personal agendas. The "Ordinary President" cautioned that giving governors absolute control over an armed police force would completely eliminate the democratic opposition. He stressed that executives who aggressively abuse the federal police today would do far worse if given independent forces. In his view, state police would simply become an official tool for political intimidation, silencing dissenters, and rigging local elections. Isah concluded by urging federal lawmakers and stakeholders to halt the push for state police to prevent national disintegration. He maintained that until Nigeria builds strong, independent institutions capable of checking executive recklessness, decentralizing the police remains a dangerous gamble. He called instead for the comprehensive reform and proper funding of the existing Nigeria Police Force.

The Presidency has officially debunked rumors suggesting that the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), is planning to step down from his position. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, cleared the air in a statement released via his official X account on Tuesday, declaring that Gen. Musa remains fully dedicated to his national security assignment. "General Musa is not resigning as Defence Minister," Onanuga stated. "He remains completely focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy, with visible results already being recorded across the country." The clarification follows a personal rebuttal by General Musa himself, who strongly dismissed the resignation rumors as malicious and completely baseless. Speaking with State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday—just after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the nation`s ongoing security operations—the Defence Minister revealed he has never contemplated leaving his post or discussed such a move with anyone. Visibly displeased by the false reports, Gen. Musa vowed to take strict legal action against the individuals and platforms responsible for spreading the misinformation. General Musa assumed control of the Ministry of Defence in December 2025, following his appointment by President Tinubu. The former Chief of Defence Staff took over the mantle from the previous minister, Mohammed Abubakar, who resigned from the cabinet days prior.

Three prominent village heads in Oyo State have raised an alarm over severe intimidation, accusing their paramount monarch of subjecting them to punitive measures and harassment following their staunch refusal to surrender ancestral farmlands. The affected traditional leaders—Chief Job Adesina Alagbe (Baale of Oniyeye), Chief Olatunde Ajani (Baale of Alagbaago), and Chief Sheu Olayiwola (Baale of Agaa)—detailed a coordinated campaign of intimidation that they claim escalated after they rejected explicit demands to give up control of their respective territories. According to THENEWSCREDIT,the distraught community leaders, the monarch’s hostile actions stem directly from their firm resolve to protect their communities from what they term an aggressive land-grabbing scheme. They disclosed that pressure had been mounting on them to release vast expanses of agricultural and ancestral land for external commercial development and private takeovers. Recognizing the devastating long-term impact on their subjects, who rely heavily on these lands for farming and survival, the chiefs chose to stand their ground. In retaliation for their defiance, the Baales claim they are being subjected to systemic political marginalization and targeted victimization within their traditional domains. They reported facing threats of forceful eviction, arbitrary suspension from their roles, and continuous psychological harassment intended to break their resolve. Chief Job Alagbe openly lamented that the punitive measures have severely disrupted the peace of their localities and undermined their traditional authorities. The embattled chiefs have issued a passionate public outcry, calling on the Oyo State Government, law enforcement agencies, and international human rights bodies to intervene before the situation degenerates further. They emphasize that without immediate institutional protection, their safety and the structural integrity of their historical communities remain under profound threat. The leaders urged Governor Seyi Makinde to look into the abuse of royal privileges and defend the rights of vulnerable rural populations. This development unfolds amidst historical and ongoing traditional friction within the region, where land ownership and royal jurisdiction frequently overlap. Prior disputes regarding land boundaries and royal authority in the Ogbomoso and Orile-Igbon axis have often led to litigation and deep communal divisions. Observers note that land-related friction involving first-class monarchs and subordinate village heads has become a recurring trigger for instability across the state. In response to the building controversies, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, HRM Oba Francis Olusola Alao, has previously maintained a strict stance against participating in public media warfare. The monarch has warned media organizations against serving as platforms for individuals attempting to tarnish his reputation with unsubstantiated claims. He has consistently distanced himself from such accusations, noting that several land and boundary disputes in the domain are already subject to active court litigation. As tensions continue to brew in the affected communities, local residents are calling for a peaceful and lawful resolution to the impasse. The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs is expected to come under pressure to address the widening rift between the paramount ruler and his subordinate village heads. For now, the people of Oniyeye, Alagbaago, and Agaa remain on edge, waiting to see if state authorities will answer the desperate cries of their traditional leaders.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed a policy making drug-free certificates a mandatory requirement for all intending couples across Nigeria. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), advocated for this measure on Tuesday, stating that drug screening must be elevated to the same level of importance as pre-marital HIV and genotype tests to protect the sanctity of new homes. Marwa made the call during the official launch of the Campaign Against Drug Abuse at the Government House in Dutse, Jigawa State. The high-profile event also featured the signing of strategic Executive Orders by the state government, establishing the Jigawa State Task Force on Drug Abuse Control and the Mass Mobilisation for Social Reorientation initiative. According to the NDLEA boss, the proposed mandatory test is a preventive measure designed to shield families from the devastating socio-economic and emotional impacts of substance abuse. He noted that many modern families routinely demand medical fitness, HIV, and genetic compatibility results before approving marriages, arguing that adding a certified clean drug record to the list is a logical step toward national health security. The anti-narcotics chief revealed that the agency routinely handles distressing, near-daily cases of marriages collapsing or being abruptly cancelled just days before the wedding ceremonies. These heartbreaks, he explained, occur when one partner unexpectedly tests positive for illicit substances, a recurring crisis that could easily be averted through early, institutionalized pre-marital screenings. Marwa emphasized that no responsible parent would willingly marry off their child to a known drug addict, stressing that early screening empowers families to make informed decisions. He urged the Jigawa State Government and other sub-national entities across Nigeria to adopt the initiative, calling on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to institutionalize the practice within their domains. Responding to the advocacy, the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, commended Marwa’s leadership and urged the newly inaugurated task force members to discharge their duties with utmost integrity and patience. Governor Namadi described the war against substance abuse as a complex, long-term assignment that requires sustained structural interventions rather than temporary, short-term solutions. Highlighting the state`s enforcement milestones, Governor Namadi disclosed that the Jigawa State Command of the NDLEA has intercepted nearly 2,000 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.8 billion, while successfully securing 136 convictions. The governor subsequently appealed to the national headquarters of the NDLEA for additional operational assets and logistics to ensure the seamless enforcement of the newly signed Executive Orders.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly opposed the decision by Northern governors to contribute N1 billion monthly each toward the establishment of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF). In a statement issued in Kaduna, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat argued that instead of creating another regional fund, individual governors should use their state’s resources to directly strengthen security within their own domains. While the forum expressed support for state policing and sincere counter-terrorism efforts, it condemned the huge monthly financial commitment to a centralized fund. The MBF highlighted that the Middle Belt has suffered the highest human and material losses from years of violence, yet the Northern States Governors’ Forum has rarely spoken with one voice to condemn the repeated massacres of its communities. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the group further alleged that the NNSTF is a designed initiative by core northern interests, specifically the Sokoto Caliphate and Borno Sultanate, to promote sectional agendas. The MBF expressed deep concern that the pooled resources could eventually be used to rehabilitate "repentant" terrorists and bandits, leaving the actual victims of violence to suffer without any state support. Rejecting the geopolitical concept of a unified "Northern region," the MBF described it as an exploitative colonial creation that legally died with the abolition of regional government in 1966. The forum declared that the continued membership of Middle Belt governors in the Northern governors` body is unpopular, lacks legal backing, and is unacceptable to the majority of its people. The MBF announced plans to challenge the legality of the monthly N1 billion withdrawals in court, insisting that such massive funds belong to local development. The forum advised that if states can afford N1 billion monthly, the money should be invested in local intelligence, communication equipment, and community-led first lines of defense. Additionally, the forum urged that these resources be directed toward rebuilding destroyed villages, rehabilitating schools and hospitals, and permanently resettling thousands of displaced families living in IDP camps. The statement emphasized that lasting peace requires justice, accountability, and the prosecution of criminals rather than financial pooling. Concluding the statement, the MBF called on all Middle Belt governors to stay out of the security fund and urged citizens within the region to raise their voices in protest. The forum maintained that every state must invest its resources directly in protecting its own people and restoring hope to communities that have paid the highest price for insecurity.