Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The Benjamin Kalu Foundation in collaboration with a Taiwanese medical team from Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps on Wednesday commenced a free medical outreach programme in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State. The programme which kicked off in Bende metropolis will take place in several other communities of Bende, potentially extending beyond the local government area. It aims to provide medical care to about 5,000 to 10,000 patients with different medical conditions. Flagging off the outreach in Agbamuzu, Bende headquarters, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, said that the programme is about…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered security agencies to track down and prosecute the killers of Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a young news anchor with Arise News Television, who was murdered during a robbery attack at her Katampe home in Abuja. The President, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned the killing as “cruel and condemnable.” He directed investigators to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay. Maduagwu’s death has sent shockwaves through the media community. Colleagues, viewers, and industry leaders described her as one of the brightest voices in…
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR has congratulated the Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON on the occasion of his 60th birthday anniversary. Kalu in a congratulatory message, described Speaker Tajudeen as a true democrat, leader par excellence, with a track record of selfless and dedicated service to the nation. He noted that the Speaker has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a nation-builder, and commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy and promoting good governance through effective representation. The Deputy Speaker also noted that Speaker Tajudeen has exhibited pragmatic leadership which has led…
The arraignment of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, on charges of defaming President Bola Tinubu, was stalled on Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The court ruled that the charges were not properly served on the defendants. The five-count charge, filed on September 23, also listed X Corp (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms (Facebook) as co-defendants. The case is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025. Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate, had on August 25 described Tinubu as a “criminal” while reacting to the president’s anti-corruption remarks during a visit to Brazil. DSS Orders Retraction, Sowore Refuses Before filing…
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers State chapter, has ordered a seven-day warning strike across all 23 local government areas of the state. The action, which began Tuesday, follows allegations that more than 500 staff of Emuoha Local Government Area were removed from the payroll, leaving them without salaries. Emuoha Workers Cry Foul Last week, the aggrieved workers stormed the Emuoha council secretariat in protest, accusing the council chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, of unjustly sacking them. They insisted their names were deleted from the payroll without due process. The protest, which drew attention from labour leaders in…
The standoff between labour unions and Africa’s biggest refinery escalated on Monday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed its members to mobilise in support of the strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery. In a circular signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC ordered affiliates across the country to prepare for what it called a “decisive engagement” against what it described as the conglomerate’s anti-worker culture. “Commence with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility under your…
Fresh calls are mounting over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity following the abduction of a newly called lawyer, Onyesom Peace Udoka, and her sister along the Lokoja highway in Kogi State. The incident happened on Friday, September 27, just days after Udoka celebrated her call to bar ceremony in Abuja on September 23. Reports online say the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N20 million for their release. NBA Demands Urgent Rescue The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the abduction, describing it as “distressing and unacceptable.” NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the ordeal highlights the dangers Nigerians face daily on…
The Nigeria Police Force is facing an embarrassing security breach after one of its official vehicles was reported stolen right inside its headquarters in Abuja. According to an internal signal, the missing vehicle a Toyota Buffalo Land Cruiser with registration number NPF 5594 D; was attached to the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House. The vehicle reportedly disappeared from the official parking lot on July 28, 2025, and has since not been recovered. Nationwide Alert on Missing Vehicle Police authorities have confirmed that the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) is handling the case. All divisional police…
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the resumption of petrol sales in naira following federal government intervention. In a fresh memo to marketers on Saturday, the refinery said the reversal came after the Naira-for-Crude Technical Committee stepped in to resolve earlier disputes. The refinery urged marketers to immediately place orders in naira for both self-collection and delivery to designated depots across the country. Suspension Caused Panic Among Marketers Just a day earlier, the refinery had shocked the market with an announcement that it would halt fuel sales in naira starting Sunday, September 28, 2025. The suspension was linked to the…
Security operatives in Kwara State have recorded a major victory against drug trafficking after intercepting a truck loaded with tubers of yam used to conceal 127 bags of cannabis. The operation, which took place along the Babanla–Oreke–Oke-Ode axis, was a joint effort by the Kwara Police Command, operatives of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), and local vigilante groups. Police spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the seizure as a breakthrough in the ongoing fight against crime and illicit drugs in the state. Two Suspects Arrested Over Cannabis Smuggling The suspects, identified as Dan-Teni Haruna and Rabiu…