General News
Iran Arrests 10 Foreign Nationals Over Alleged Espionage in Northeast
Iranian authorities have arrested ten foreign individuals in the country’s northeast on allegations of espionage, according to a report by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
The arrests were carried out by the intelligence arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which accused the suspects of gathering information on sensitive locations and preparing for potential field operations.
Details surrounding the identities and nationalities of the detainees have not been disclosed, and Iranian officials have yet to provide further clarification on the scope of the alleged activities.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as Iran continues to face ongoing military pressure and intelligence threats linked to its conflict with the United States and Israel.
Security agencies have intensified internal crackdowns in recent weeks, with hundreds of individuals reportedly detained across the country on suspicion of collaborating with foreign entities.
Analysts say the arrests reflect growing concerns within Iran over infiltration and intelligence leaks, especially as recent strikes have reportedly relied on detailed information about strategic sites.
Authorities have accused foreign actors of attempting to destabilize the country from within, though such claims are often difficult to verify independently.
Human rights groups have previously raised concerns about Iran’s use of espionage charges, arguing that such arrests can sometimes be politically motivated. Iranian officials, however, insist the measures are necessary to safeguard national security during a period of heightened conflict.
The situation remains fluid, with more details expected as investigations continue.
General News
Sapele Council Unveils ₦13.07bn ‘Budget of Reassurance’ Focused on Infrastructure and Economic Relief
The Sapele Local Government has presented a proposed ₦13.07 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, aiming to stimulate economic relief and accelerate visible development across the council area. The proposal, delivered by Chairman Bright Abeke to the council’s Legislative Arm on Tuesday, represents a nearly 10% increase from the 2025 revised estimate of ₦11.77 billion.
Tagged the “Budget of Reassurance,” the plan prioritizes grassroots development and is structured to address the economic challenges faced by residents. A key feature is the focus on capital projects, with ₦7.00 billion earmarked for infrastructure, roads, healthcare, and community facilities surpassing the ₦6.39 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure.
Chairman Abeke stressed that increased investment in capital projects would not only improve public services but also stimulate local economic activity and deliver long-term benefits, particularly to underserved communities.
Funding for the budget is projected from federal statutory allocations of ₦5.12 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of ₦1.65 billion, internally generated revenue of ₦526.08 million, and additional state allocations and grants. Abeke expressed confidence that these sources, combined with disciplined fiscal management, would ensure successful implementation.
Reviewing 2025 achievements, the chairman highlighted completed projects including the construction of Okuovu Market, renovation of Oton Health Centre, installation of 13 electricity transformers across 11 wards, a two-storey school building, and improvements along the Sapele/Warri road corridor. The council also supported security agencies to maintain peace and stability.
The Legislative Arm formally adopted the 2026 budget after motions by Oyibu Efe and Christopher Ayomanor, with Presiding Officer Azu Samuel praising the proposal’s structure and committing to prompt legislative consideration.
The budget outlines ₦2.89 billion for personnel costs, ₦2.58 billion for overheads, and ₦925 million for pensions and gratuities, reflecting the council’s commitment to staff welfare.
While the focus on capital projects has been widely welcomed, residents noted concerns about heavy reliance on federal allocations, emphasizing the need for effective execution to ensure tangible improvements in infrastructure and public services.
If successfully implemented, the “Budget of Reassurance” is expected to deliver meaningful development and economic relief for the people of Sapele.
The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr festivities.
The announcement was made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on completing the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, the minister urged Nigerians to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice virtues that define Ramadan beyond the fasting period.
Tunji-Ojo further encouraged citizens of all faiths to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to the country’s stability.
He also called on the public to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in keeping with the spirit of the season.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has defended the sweeping reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying they are critical to securing Nigeria’s long-term stability rather than short-term political gains.
Speaking on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja while receiving leaders of Working People United, Gbajabiamila said the administration’s policy direction reflects a deliberate resolve to confront deep-rooted structural challenges facing the country.
He acknowledged that the reforms may pose immediate difficulties for Nigerians but described them as necessary corrections to longstanding economic and governance issues that had been neglected over the years.
“Leadership is about making tough decisions that may not be popular in the short term but are ultimately in the best interest of the nation,” he said, noting that President Tinubu has shown the courage to implement policies previous administrations avoided.
Gbajabiamila added that national conversations are gradually shifting from questioning the necessity of the reforms to focusing on their implementation, an indication, he said, that the measures are gaining broader acceptance.
He likened the reform process to a transition phase that often comes with initial discomfort but leads to long-term stability and sustainability.
The Chief of Staff also commended WOPU’s approach to engagement, describing it as constructive and focused on collaboration rather than confrontation. He noted that such partnerships are essential for strengthening governance and fostering inclusive development.
He assured the group of the Presidency’s willingness to work with stakeholders committed to promoting unity, economic growth, and national progress.
In his remarks, the Coordinator-General of WOPU, Williams Akporeha, said the organisation represents a broad coalition of Nigerian workers, including artisans, professionals, entrepreneurs, farmers, transporters, and youths.
Akporeha stressed that cooperation between government and organised groups is key to strengthening democratic institutions and building public trust, adding that WOPU is mobilising nationwide support to sustain ongoing reforms.
He talked about the group’s presence across all states, local government areas, and wards, positioning it as a grassroots platform for advocacy and civic engagement.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and partnership as Nigeria continues to navigate its current phase of economic and institutional reforms.