President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate appointment of 26 Nigerians into the boards and executive leadership of 10 critical federal government agencies and commissions. The sweeping restructuring, which targets key sectors including energy, finance, housing, and education, aims to inject fresh drive into the administration’s economic renewal agenda. The announcement was made public on Monday in an official statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the presidency, all 26 appointments take immediate effect, signaling an urgent push by the administration to fortify the governance frameworks of these strategic national institutions. In the most prominent political placement of this round, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Fayose will steer the board alongside newly appointed non-executive directors Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta, working in tandem with the agency`s incumbent Director-General, Abba Abubakar Aliyu. The President also completely reconstituted the leadership of the National Salary and Wages Commission, naming Major General Junaid Bindawa as its new Chairman. Former federal lawmaker representing Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, was appointed as the Secretary of the commission, alongside seven newly deployed state commissioners representing various geopolitical zones. In a strategic executive redeployment, Tosin Johnson Adeyanju was moved from his position as the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund to serve as the new Secretary of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). This key move coincides with the appointment of Dr. Akinola Odeyemi, who takes over as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET). Furthermore, the national security, infrastructure, and research sectors received new chiefs to drive critical reforms. Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Godwin was appointed Chairman and CEO of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Dr. Abuh Mohammed assumed office as the Director-General of the National Population Commission (NPC), and Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu was picked to chair the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC). The educational and agricultural intervention sectors also saw important leadership transitions. Shuni Muhammad Dahiru was named the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, replacing Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, who was reassigned to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) earlier this year. Rounding off the executive orders, Engineer Julius Oloro was appointed CEO of the Kwara-based National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), filling a vacancy left by the late Dr. A.R. Kamal. Concurrently, Gisaor Vincent Iorja was named Executive Director of Finance at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), replacing Mathias Byuan, who resigned to pursue political ambitions.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has accused all Nigerian state governors, regardless of political affiliation, of systematically misappropriating local government financial allocations. Adebutu made the sweeping allegations at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta during a strategic consultative meeting with the Egba Traditional Council to seek the blessings of the monarchs ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He was accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; the PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo; Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella; and several other party stakeholders. Addressing the traditional rulers, Adebutu declared that granting complete financial autonomy to local governments would serve as a foundational policy of his administration if elected. “I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money,” Adebutu vowed. He challenged the integrity of the political class, pointing to his own track record. “We must make sure we get local government autonomy. I have been reiterating to you that I, Oladipupo Olatunde, son of Adebutu, was at the National Assembly twice, and I can boast that I didn’t embezzle public funds. How many politicians can say this?” He emphasized that the diversion of council funds cuts across party lines. “It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP, all the governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret,” he alleged, maintaining that grassroots development is only achievable when local councils directly control their finances. On economic management, Adebutu argued against conventional debt reliance, stating, “You don’t borrow money for infrastructure anymore.” He instead promised to deploy innovative asset-financing methods to build critical networks, including roads connecting Ogun State directly to Lagos. Lending weight to the advocacy, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, lamented what he described as the total collapse of the local government system in the state. Drawing from personal experience as a former council chairman, Tella recalled utilizing a N200 million allocation to construct four impactful roads. He voiced concern that current council chairmen cannot execute similar projects due to strict financial strangulation by state authorities. The campaign received a major boost from former administration officials and the traditional institution. The PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, noted that after leaving the APC following her unsuccessful governorship bid, she became convinced of Adebutu’s distinct political will to actualise grassroots manifestos. She asserted that the PDP holds the most formidable team in Egbaland and urged the monarchs to support the movement. In his response, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as “trustworthy and reliable,” formally declaring his support for the PDP flag bearer`s 2027 ambitions. Recalling a long-standing relationship with the candidate`s father, the Alake expressed absolute confidence in Adebutu’s leadership capabilities. “The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,” Oba Gbadebo concluded.

A severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Kwara State as relentless banditry has forced an estimated 95 per cent of residents in Lata Nna, Patigi Local Government Area, to abandon their ancestral homes. In a desperate open letter and a viral video addressed to President Bola Tinubu, community leaders warned that the once-thriving farming hub is on the verge of being completely wiped off the map. The residents` cry for help paints a horrific picture of a two-year silent siege that has rapidly degenerated into daily terror, governance failure, and mass displacement. The crisis reached a bloody tipping point following a fierce confrontation in the surrounding forest between local hunters and heavily armed bandits, which reportedly left 65 hunters dead. Traumatised residents revealed that only 40 bodies were recovered for burial, while the remaining victims were carried away by the bandits. The attackers completely overwhelmed the locals using superior firepower, including AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons, proving that local vigilantes can no longer defend the territory alone. The bloodshed has escalated sharply through a succession of targeted daylight attacks and robberies throughout the year. On April 15, a hardworking farmer named Allassan Ndaba was ambushed and killed while traveling to his farm. Months later, on June 13, four heavily armed bandits on motorcycles invaded the village in broad daylight, casually moving across the settlement to loot petrol, recharge cards, and other essential supplies. The security situation deteriorated further when gunmen blocked the only road linking the community to neighbouring towns, transforming it into a "death trap." [1] This roadblock effectively trapped the remaining residents, cutting them off from hospitals, markets, and external aid. Two residents returning home encountered the gunmen at the roadblock and were shot dead, while villagers fetching leaves the following day were robbed of their money and mobile phones at gunpoint. In July, bandits launched house-to-house raids in broad daylight, stealing food items, cash, and four motorcycles valued at ₦1.6 million each. Days later, a local Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator was robbed at gunpoint shortly after withdrawing cash from a bank to run his daily business. These continuous economic disruptions have forced total financial collapse upon the agrarian community, leaving residents without means of survival. "We can no longer go to our farms. We can no longer go to the market. Our community is bleeding," lamented the open letter signed by Tauheed Desco, Secretary of the Lata Nna Youth Association. In a viral video, the Village Head, Alhaji Mohammed Lata, confirmed that the remaining five per cent of the population no longer sleep in their homes. Instead, they choose to hide in the bush or retreat to neighbouring villages at night out of extreme fear. The traditional ruler identified critical structural vulnerabilities compounding their misery, including a total communications blackout and zero security presence. The complete absence of mobile telecommunications networks prevents residents from calling for emergency help during active raids. Furthermore, the lack of a functional healthcare facility leaves wounded victims of bandit attacks to bleed out without immediate medical attention. Breaking down in tears, local women and religious leaders, including the Chief Imam, joined the village head in appealing for urgent federal intervention. They are demanding the immediate deployment of security forces, a permanent military post, and emergency relief materials for thousands of displaced families. As of press time, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, did not respond to phone calls or messages regarding government intervention plans.

A fierce war of words has broken out between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) over the 2027 presidential election, with both parties trading punches over the electoral viability of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. The political fireworks followed the formal emergence of Governor Makinde as the APM’s presidential standard-bearer, following a strategic alliance forged in Ibadan. Speaking on the development, APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, expressed absolute confidence that Makinde possesses the nationwide appeal, youthful energy, and administrative competence required to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Yusuf noted that the party has intensified its grassroots mobilization and is witnessing a massive influx of prominent politicians dissatisfied with the current administration. “The APM presidential candidate has the leadership capacity, commitment, and competence to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, revive the economy, and deliver the dividends of good governance,” Yusuf stated. He argued that widespread public dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity has positioned the APM as the most credible alternative for Nigerians. However, the APC swiftly dismissed the APM`s optimism, describing the opposition’s calculations as completely detached from political reality. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, countered that Makinde poses zero electoral threat to President Tinubu’s re-election bid. Ibrahim argued that a governor who has only won an election in one state out of 36 cannot realistically threaten a president with vast, deeply entrenched national political influence. “Our presidential candidate cannot lose sleep over Makinde," Ibrahim fired back. "For him to be a threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there has to be a proper understanding of what constitutes a political threat.” The ruling party spokesman further challenged aspiring opposition governors to be ready to account for their stewardship in their respective states before eyeing the presidency. He maintained that despite early criticisms, President Tinubu’s courageous economic reforms are already yielding positive results that will comfortably secure him a second term in 2027.

In a startling revelation that contradicts official accounts, Zacchaeus Olatunde, one of the schoolteachers recently rescued in Oyo State, has disclosed that their abductors released them voluntarily before security forces arrived to escort them home. Olatunde, who spent 56 grueling days in captivity alongside other teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area, shared his ordeal during a telephone interview with Nigeria Info FM on Friday. According to the rescued teacher, the victims were kept in complete isolation and permanently blindfolded, leaving them entirely disoriented about their location. "It is difficult to say everything on air," Olatunde recounted. "When we were there, we were blind—and not with an ordinary blindfold. We didn’t even know if we were still in Nigeria or another country. We were just there, thinking the government had forgotten us." He noted that the kidnappers were multilingual, communicating fluently in Hausa, Nupe, English, and Yoruba. Crucially, they explicitly identified themselves as insurgents belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). "They said they are not Boko Haram; they insisted they are ISWAP," Olatunde stated, adding that he was both the last person captured at the school and the last to be set free. 56 Days Without a Bath While describing the harsh conditions of their two-month captivity, Olatunde revealed that the terrorists maintained a strict but calculated regime. "In terms of feeding, those people really tried for us, to be sincere," he admitted. "From the day we were abducted, they told us on the way that if we and the government cooperated, there would be no problem." The captives were fed twice daily, strictly on a diet of rice, minimal beans, onions, margarine, and salt. "Throughout our 56-day stay there, we did not taste pepper. We also never bathed or washed our clothes," he added. Banned from Mentioning `Jesus` The terrorists also heavily policed the religious practices of their captives. "When we first arrived, they strictly prohibited us from praying," Olatunde revealed. "After about a month, they allowed us to pray again, but with a stern warning: we must not mention the name of Jesus, and we must never pray aloud." Despite the psychological warfare, Olatunde credited divine intervention and public prayers for their survival and ultimate release. A Near-Fatal Release The end of their captivity came unexpectedly when the insurgent commander approached them laughing, announced their freedom, and ordered them to untie their eyes. However, Olatunde’s release almost took a horrific turn due to a broken handcuff key. Because the key had snapped earlier in their captivity, he was left behind as the other hostages departed. "They told me I couldn`t go home with the handcuffs. One of the terrorists actually suggested they should cut off my hand to get it off," Olatunde revealed. "Thankfully, another one refused. They eventually managed to use a small piece of rope to manipulate and remove the cuffs." The military and state security apparatus have yet to officially respond to Olatunde`s claims regarding the sequence of their rescue.

Major Christian organizations have strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, which seeks to criminalize preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) warned that the bill violates constitutionally guaranteed rights and punishes vulnerable citizens struggling under economic hardship. The backlash follows the Senate`s passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation proposes a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both for anyone caught preaching, trading, or hawking in commercial transit. While lawmakers argue the ban will prevent driver distraction and boost road safety, the bill now awaits presidential assent to become law. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the CCN expressed deep concern over grouping Christian evangelism with commercial ventures. While affirming its support for road safety initiatives, the council maintained that traffic regulations must not override religious freedoms. "The inclusion of preaching alongside hawking and trading raises legitimate concerns about freedom of religion and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution," Onyemara stated, noting that commercial buses have served as spaces for spiritual encouragement for decades. The CCN also criticized the ₦50,000 fine targeted at transit hawkers. The group argued that aggressive penalties address the symptoms of Nigeria`s economic crisis rather than its root causes, such as systemic poverty and unemployment. "Poverty should not be criminalised," the statement read, urging the government to create designated trading zones and empowerment programs instead of punitive sanctions. The council urged President Bola Tinubu to subject the bill to broader public consultation. Echoing these concerns, the OAIC explicitly called on President Tinubu to withhold his assent from the legislation. OAIC President, Israel Akinadewo, described the decision to equate peaceful religious expression with commercial trading as "insensitive." "Preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise," Akinadewo said. "We respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to assent to the Bill in its present form." The OAIC urged the National Assembly to review the provisions alongside religious bodies and civil society groups to balance public safety with democratic freedoms.

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has ordered the immediate cancellation of the ongoing 2026 Egungun Festival after a violent clash in the Aguodo area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, left one person dead. The annual cultural festival, which commenced on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, was originally scheduled to run until Sunday, 19 July 2026. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the cancellation was announced in an official palace statement signed by the Palace Secretary, Mr. Toyin Ajamu, on behalf of the monarch. The decisive action follows the fatal shooting during the Aguodo fracas and a series of attacks by hoodlums, which threatened to escalate into widespread violence. The monarch has directed law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the ban and maintain public peace. According to the palace statement, security operatives have been ordered to arrest and prosecute anyone caught violating the directive, continuing the celebrations, or attempting to instigate further trouble. "We count on your maximum cooperation to ensure strict compliance and maintenance of peace and order," the statement addressed to security agencies read.

A harrowing tale of captivity, cold-blooded executions, and a forced prisoner exchange has emerged following the release of the "Oriire 44" victims. Mr Zaccheus Olatunde, one of the survivors, provided a chilling eyewitness account of the 56 days they spent in the hands of terrorists. He detailed the brutal murders of two captives and how a military strategy ultimately secured the freedom of the remaining hostages. According to Olatunde, the captors operated under strict commands led by two leaders: a "General Commander" and a "Camp Commander." Tragedy struck early during their walk into the forest when Mr Michael Oyedokun, a school teacher, was caught with a hidden mobile phone after hostages were ordered to surrender all devices. "The General Commander said: `If I didn`t kill anyone... I must kill this man for disobeying my order,`" Olatunde recalled. "The following day, Mr Michael Oyedokun was slaughtered. He was shouting as they were dragging him away, begging. Later... no more noise. A terrorist aged 17 or 18 came back dancing and singing to celebrate the teacher`s death." A second hostage, Mr John Olaleye, was executed on June 7. The terrorists claimed his killing was retaliation for military movements near their location. Both victims were taken away to separate locations within the forest to be executed. 56 Days of Torture The survivors endured severe physical and psychological torture. For nearly two months, they were constantly on the move, chained, handcuffed, and blindfolded. Survivors of the Oriire 44 abduction endured 56 days of physical abuse, including beatings with gun butts and restricted freedoms that required begging for toilet access, while being fed a starvation diet of plain white rice and palm oil. The captors subjected Christian hostages to religious persecution, punishing attempts to pray or call on Jesus with severe violence while enforcing their own religious practices. The Military Turning Point The dynamic in the camp shifted dramatically after the Nigerian military launched a targeted counter-operation, tracking down and abducting the family members of the terrorists. The terrorists initially demanded the release of their detained comrades. However, the arrest of their own families forced them to change their tactics. "They started treating us well... they changed their cruelty when they heard that some of their family members had been abducted by the soldiers," Olatunde explained. The Release and Arrests The terrorists eventually granted the hostages a unconditional release to facilitate a swap. They provided the survivors with navigational directions out of the forest, instructing them to cross two streams where security forces were waiting. Olatunde carried the weakened children across the water before they reached safety. Following their rescue, military commanders in Ibadan presented photographic evidence to the survivors for identification. Security forces confirmed that eight terrorists have been arrested and several others neutralized in connection with the abduction. While celebrating their survival, the families and community continue to mourn the tragic loss of Mr Oyedokun and Mr Olaleye.

As part of milestone activities marking its historic first anniversary, Treasure Online Radio is set to launch a multi-million naira ultra-modern broadcasting studio to deepen grassroots development and expand its digital reach across the nation. Ambassador David Oluwayimika Ogunwuyi, the Chief Executive Officer of Yintox Multimedia Concept—the parent company of Treasure Online Radio based in Oremerin, Ogbomoso—disclosed this landmark development in an exclusive media chat with THENEWSCREDIT, charting a new course for digital broadcasting in the region. Ambassador Ogunwuyi, widely recognized as "Yintox," is a seasoned cinematographer and media expert who has spent years establishing a footprint in the communication industry. Reflecting on the birth of the station, he shared an inspiring journey driven by a deep, personal commitment to delivering ethical, community-focused programming. He noted that the station was conceived out of a crucial need to bridge the gap between local grassroots realities and the global audience, using cutting-edge digital technology to amplify voices that are often ignored by mainstream media. Since hitting the digital airwaves, Treasure Online Radio has completely transformed the regional broadcasting landscape by prioritizing sustainable community development. The station has successfully positioned itself as a powerful public watchdog, cultural custodian, and educational hub for the people of Ogbomoso and beyond. Through highly informative programs, the outfit has consistently tackled critical local issues, proving that independent digital media can actively drive civic engagement and social change at the grassroots level. To celebrate one year of impactful operations, the management has officially rolled out a comprehensive, highly inclusive week-long anniversary itinerary designed to unite the diverse community. The celebratory events kicked off today, Friday, July 17, 2026, with a special Islamic Jummah Service at the Alhaja Kelani Central Mosque, Oke-Osuru, Ogbomoso. This will immediately be followed by a traditional `Iwure` (blessings and prayers) at an Ifa traditional service on Saturday, July 18, 2026, demonstrating the station`s deep respect for cultural heritage and inclusivity. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the spiritual celebration continues on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with a grand Christian Thanksgiving Service scheduled at the Christ Zion Prayer Ministry, located at Oke-Anu, Ogbomoso. Taking the celebration directly to the people, the station will move to the streets on Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21, 2026, for special live Outside Broadcasts (OB). These live interactive sessions will take place at the bustling Akande Market and the active Arowomole Junction, allowing the radio team to engage physically with their loyal listeners and market traders. In a bid to foster industry unity, a friendly football match will be played between the Treasure Online Radio squad and other prominent air practitioners from Ogbomoso and neighboring communities. Following the sports event, a mid-week special thanksgiving and networking session will hold at the Imuse Tosbless Studio, Oke-Owode, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. This gathering aims to bring local media professionals together to celebrate collective achievements and brainstorm on strategies to advance the regional communication ecosystem. The entire week-long celebration will reach its peak on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during a highly anticipated grand finale at the Ogbomoso Ise-Oluwani FMCU hall, situated directly opposite the Police Divisional Headquarters in the Sunsun area of Ogbomoso. The main highlight of this momentous occasion will be the official launching of a state-of-the-art, N15 Million Modern Broadcasting Studio. This facility is equipped with top-tier, modern digital infrastructure aimed at upgrading production quality and expanding the station`s transmission capacity globally. Using the anniversary platform to address critical national issues, Amb. Ogunwuyi strictly advised media houses across Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and verified reporting. He strongly emphasized that stations must prioritize educational and peace-building content that promotes community stability, especially as political tensions build up ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that the media must never become an instrument of misinformation, but rather remain a reliable vehicle for democratic growth, national unity, and societal development.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly challenged Nigerian leaders to shift their focus toward people-centric governance. He argued that the true measure of any economic policy lies in its tangible impact on the welfare of ordinary citizens. The monarch made this declaration on Thursday during a national conference held in Kano, where he dissected the country`s pressing socio-economic issues. Representing the Emir, the Danmadamin Kano and Professor of Economics at Bayero University, Abubakar Aliyu Sanusi, described the gathering as highly critical. He noted that the discussion comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic hardships and political uncertainties. The royal father insisted that governance must deliver practical benefits to the population to be considered valid. In a blunt assessment of current governance strategies, Sanusi stated that policies must actively reduce poverty, elevate living standards, and drive inclusive growth. He maintained that economic theories and fiscal adjustments mean nothing if they do not translate to food, stability, and security for the masses. "Any economic policy that does not improve the welfare of the people is inherently ineffective," the monarch declared. The traditional ruler also implored political leaders to learn from history, strengthen weak public institutions, and firmly promote justice. He warned that the nation cannot construct a sustainable or prosperous future while continuously ignoring unresolved structural problems from its past. According to him, ignoring historical missteps only dooms the nation to repeating them. Addressing the structural bottlenecks holding the country back, Sanusi explicitly identified insecurity, deep-seated corruption, widespread poverty, and collapsing infrastructure as Nigeria’s greatest contemporary battles. He stressed that these intertwined crises require aggressive, compassionate leadership rather than standard political rhetoric or half-hearted interventions. The Emir further launched a critique against the current political culture, urging politicians to abandon self-serving agendas. He stated that national political discourse has become too obsessed with personal gain and power hoarding. He called on the political class to redirect their ambitions toward genuine, selfless service to the Nigerian public. Weighing in on the ongoing debate surrounding national governance structures, Sanusi argued that leadership selection must evolve. He stated that political power-sharing must transcend mere geographical rotation or zoning formulas. Instead, he emphasized that the system must intentionally produce credible, competent, and deeply compassionate leaders, regardless of their region of origin. Concluding his address, the monarch made a passionate appeal to all citizens to champion national unity and tolerance. He acknowledged that while Nigeria has achieved certain milestones since gaining independence, it remains severely hindered by ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic pain. He urged Nigerians of all faiths and tribes to embrace a sense of shared responsibility to salvage the country.