News
Our Interest In South East Is Purely Economic- Miyetti Allah
The South-East chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria on Monday said its interest in the region was purely economic and nothing more.
The Chairman of MACBAN in the zone, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, stated this while briefing journalists shortly after a meeting of the joint executive council of the group in Enugu.
Siddiki said the clarification became necessary following growing suspicion and speculation in some quarters about the activities of herders in the zone.
He said it was imperative to correct the impression that their interests in the region were beyond economic pursuits.
Siddiki explained that the suspicion that herdsmen were harbingers of Fulani territorial expansionism had degenerated into unhealthy relationships in most parts of the region.
The chairman said such suspicion had made members of the association to be increasingly uncomfortable.
He said herders in the region were desirous of striking harmonious relationships with the people of the area in order to avoid mutual suspicion.
Siddiki stated, “This suspicion is rooted in the speculation that herdsmen are harbingers of Fulani territorial expansionism.
“However, the leadership of MACBAN, under my watch in the South-East, has continued to discuss appreciably well with the individual state governments in the zone.
“I am happy that the dialogue gives us hope for better understanding between our members and their host communities.”
He said the group would not hesitate to report any of its members found to be involved in criminal activities.
He called on the governments of the South-East states to ensure the protection of the body’s members and cattle, adding that herders in the area would be made to take precautionary measures while plying their trade.
Siddiki said that MACBAN recognised that the challenges the herders were faced with in the region were not tpeculiar to the zone, adding that there were bound to be conflicts between people of diverse cultural orientations.
He, however, said it was time to sort out the differences.
The MACBAN leader stated, “We, hereby, jointly resolve to fully lend our efforts toward fostering an enduring and harmonious relationship with our host communities.
“We urge members of our host communities to be more accommodating too.”
Siddiki described the people of the South-East as good and promised that MACBAN would not do anything to create tension in the area.
News
2027: Peter Obi Admits Uncertainty Over ADC Presidential Ticket
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed uncertainty about securing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.
In a video message to his followers, Obi said that getting the presidential ticket of the ADC is not certain.
He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.
“I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”
Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.
Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.
“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.
He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.
“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.
News
Corps Members Get Full Insurance Protection, NYSC Boss Confirms
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reiterated that all Corps members are covered by a comprehensive insurance package throughout their service year.
Nafiu stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, noting that the welfare package includes both life insurance and medical care.
He explained that the Federal Government has put in place measures to ensure corps members enjoy a safe and memorable service experience, adding that the scheme also intervenes in cases not covered by health insurance.
The NYSC boss cited past interventions, including the payment of ₦28 million to save the life of a pregnant corps member and her unborn child after a spinal cord injury from a road accident.
He added that ₦33 million for prosthetic arms was provided for another corps member involved in a road crash while travelling to his place of primary assignment.
“Since 2004, every Corps Member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life insurance. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) caters for Corps Members whenever they fall ill,” he said.
“From the moment call-up letters are issued—before they even begin their journey from their parents’ homes—they are already covered by insurance,” he added.
Nafiu cautioned against the spread of unverified reports about the scheme, urging journalists to always confirm facts with the NYSC before publication.
He further explained that the scheme’s posting policy is designed to meet national needs, ensuring all states benefit from corps members’ contributions, particularly in healthcare and education.
According to him, corps members’ participation in national assignments such as elections, sensitisation campaigns, and census exercises has been widely commended both locally and internationally.
The NYSC DG also assured that corps members would not be deployed to unsafe areas, stressing that the scheme remains apolitical and non-religious to sustain its role in promoting national unity.
He commended the VON boss for his leadership and efforts in transforming the media landscape through digital innovation, while appreciating the media for its continued support.
Earlier, Ndace congratulated Nafiu on his appointment and praised his leadership style since assuming office.
“General Nafiu has demonstrated a modern leadership style. I commend the NYSC management, as no leader succeeds without the support of their team,” he said.
“At the Voice of Nigeria, our mandate is to project Nigeria’s image, perspectives, and values to the global community. We currently broadcast in eight Nigerian languages,” he added.
Ndace also reaffirmed VON’s commitment to partnering with NYSC on content development and youth-focused programming, pledging to amplify the activities of corps members and showcase the scheme’s initiatives to a global audience.
News
Ogun 2027: NSC Chief Olopade Rallies Youths For Senator Adeola’s Gov Bid
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has officially declared his support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as “Yayi” for the 2027 Ogun State governorship race.
Olopade, an illustrious son of Ogun State and former Commissioner for Sports, has begun mobilizing youth across the state to back the senator’s bid to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Speaking in Abeokuta at a special interfaith prayer and declaration of support for the senator, Olopade noted that the administration’s deliberate inclusion of youths reflects a governance philosophy anchored on capacity building, generational transition, and structured opportunities.
He said the approach positions young people not as passive observers but as key drivers of development, adding that Ogun State requires such a leadership framework to sustain and build on the foundation laid by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Policy Development, Abiola Odetola, Olopade urged youths across the state to actively participate in politics, stressing that engagement is crucial to shaping the country’s future.
He identified a gap in the transition of young people from grassroots participation to higher leadership roles, expressing confidence that Adeola would replicate Tinubu’s empowerment model in Ogun State to ensure continuity and stability.
“Young people must not only be interested but actively involved in the political process. They must take centre stage with their ideas and intellect to drive positive change and good governance,” he said.
Olopade added that Tinubu’s leadership style—rooted in selfless service and compassionate governance—makes Adeola’s ambition a cause worthy of support among youths in Ogun State and beyond.
The event, organised by the Yayi Youth Vanguard under the theme “Consolidating a Brighter Future for Ogun Youth: Inclusiveness in Politics and Governance,” drew thousands of youths from the three senatorial districts.
Convener of the group, Olamide Lawal, said the initiative was aimed at awakening political consciousness among young people, stressing that active participation is key to influencing governance and development at the grassroots.
He urged youths to shun political apathy, noting that failure to engage strips them of the moral right to criticise poor governance.
Also speaking, Ogun State House of Assembly member representing Ipokia Constituency, Bisi Oyedele, described Adeola as a unifying figure in the push for Ogun West to produce the state’s next governor.
“As we approach 2027, Senator Adeola remains the face of Ogun West’s governorship aspiration. His track record and capacity for leadership are evident,” Oyedele said, citing his infrastructural projects across the district.
In his keynote address, Pastor Abiodun Sanyaolu emphasised the decisive role of youths in electoral outcomes, urging greater mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging other aspirants within the APC, Sanyaolu maintained that Adeola stands out as the most suitable candidate to succeed Governor Abiodun.
Earlier, State Coordinator of Yayi Youth Vanguard, Emmanuel Enitan Ojo, described the gathering as a symbol of unity, faith, and commitment to Ogun State’s progress, pledging to take the campaign across the state.
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