General News
STAKES HIGH AS APC GROUPS PUSH EARLY MOBILISATION, BACK MAIKALANGU FOR RE-ELECTION
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress have called for early, data-driven mobilisation, wider public enlightenment, and the grooming of a new political generation as Nigeria approaches the 2026 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory and the 2027 general elections. The call was made during a strategic engagement meeting organised by the Progressive Next Generation Initiative, a data-driven analytics platform established to produce and support emerging leaders.
The event featured PNGI Convener Hon. Jeffery Omoh Ozemegwa, AMAC Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, and former APC presidential aspirant Dr. Ibrahim Bello Dauda.
Ozemegwa stated that PNGI was founded on the understanding that a major generational shift will reshape Nigeria’s leadership after 2027. “Over 15% of current political actors will phase out, making it necessary to nurture a younger, data-driven political class,” he said. He affirmed PNGI’s support for Chairman Maikalangu, citing his achievements, character, and leadership qualities. Ozemegwa also noted that many ward chairmen and councillors lack a proper understanding of government policies, emphasizing that political orientation is essential. He revealed PNGI plans to deploy its structures across the FCT, with Ibrahim Ombugadu linking grassroots engagement and capacity building.
TSG DG, Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, commended PNGI for the meeting, describing such engagements as crucial for appraising achievements and strengthening campaign messaging. He said Maikalangu’s performance makes him a strong APC asset, stressing that the party welcomes only individuals who add value. Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms in the FCT, including a full civil service structure and infrastructure expansion, Yakasai urged FCT residents and APC structures to deliver a landslide victory for Tinubu in 2027 to end debates over FCT votes.
AMAC Chairman Maikalangu thanked PNGI for the honour and revealed that mobilisation for 2026 and 2027 has already begun. “AMAC is too large for last-minute campaigns. Early engagement across churches and communities is already underway,” he said. He urged national APC leaders to take the FCT elections seriously and support immediate grassroots mobilisation, predicting APC victories in both elections.
Former APC presidential aspirant Dr. Ibrahim Bello Dauda lauded Maikalangu’s performance, stating that value sells itself. He addressed misunderstandings of Tinubu’s reforms, explaining that the new tax regime exempts businesses with turnovers below ₦50 million, covering over 70% of Nigerians. He added that almost ₦7 billion has been released to community health centres nationwide to provide free treatment for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and patients with diabetes or hypertension. Dauda called for harmonised enlightenment efforts between PNGI, TSG, and FCT party structures to ensure citizens understand government policies.
The meeting concluded with a pledge to support Maikalangu’s re-election as AMAC Chairman, citing his visible achievements. Stakeholders also called on the APC national leadership to strengthen early mobilisation, adopt data-driven messaging, and position a new generation of leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.