BANNER NEWS

Month: July 2026

  • Over 5,000 Gombe Farmers Get Free Fertilizer

    Over 5,000 Gombe Farmers Get Free Fertilizer

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Gombe

    5,040 farmers in Gombe State under the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) intervention programme have received free fertilizer.

    The distribution was done by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

    AFAN National President, Muhammad Magaji Gettado, flagged off the exercise on Monday, saying  the intervention, approved by President Bola Tinubu through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, is aimed at boosting food production during the 2026 wet farming season.

    He said each beneficiary would receive four bags of fertiliser, adding that the programme covers 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to Gettado, AFAN nominated 3,040 farmers in each participating state, while state ministries of agriculture selected an additional 2,000 beneficiaries, bringing the total to 5,040 per state.

    He stressed that timely distribution of fertiliser was crucial to improving crop yields and ensuring a successful farming season.

    Gombe State AFAN Chairman, Ahmed Modibbo Nafada, commended the association’s national leadership for sustaining programmes that support farmers and urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the inputs.

    The Director of Agriculture in the Gombe State Ministry of Agriculture, Ibrahim Sajo, said Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had also procured 335 truckloads of fertiliser for distribution across the state as part of efforts to strengthen food security.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of Wheat Farmers in Gombe State, Lawan Bala Garba, described the intervention as timely, saying it would reduce production costs and improve harvests.

  • Police Warn 200 Newly Trained Officers Against Misuse of Firearms

    Police Warn 200 Newly Trained Officers Against Misuse of Firearms

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Kano

    The Kano State Police Command has cautioned 200 newly trained police constables and corporals to use their firearms responsibly while combating crime and to uphold professionalism and respect for human rights.

    The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, gave the warning at the graduation ceremony of officers who completed a one-month specialised combat and weapons handling course at the 9 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Hotoro, and the 52 PMF Squadron, Challawa.

    Bakori said the training was designed to strengthen the officers’ capacity to tackle emerging security challenges in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu.

    Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Audu Sabo, the commissioner said the programme covered combat techniques, weapons handling, marksmanship, tactical manoeuvres and modern policing ethics.

    He urged the officers to remain battle-ready against criminals while treating law-abiding citizens with civility.

    “Be hard on crime and be soft on the people. You must be combat-ready to confront criminals while protecting the rights of citizens,” he said.

    The Commanding Officer of the 9 PMF Squadron, ACP Hafeez Oyekan, urged the officers to handle firearms responsibly and respect human rights, while his counterpart at the 52 PMF Squadron, ACP Mannir Madugu, said the training met international best practices and would enhance operational effectiveness.

    The event featured tactical demonstrations, riot control drills, tactical withdrawal exercises and a ceremonial parade.

     

     

  • ADC Backs Malami, Alleges Political Persecution Ahead of 2027 Polls

    ADC Backs Malami, Alleges Political Persecution Ahead of 2027 Polls

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has thrown its weight behind former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), describing his ongoing prosecution as politically motivated and insisting it will not derail the party’s 2027 electoral ambition.

    The position was contained in a statement issued after a meeting of the party’s state leadership on Saturday. It was jointly signed by the ADC State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and Chairman of the party’s Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa.

    The party alleged that the APC-led Federal Government was using anti-graft agencies and sections of the judiciary to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. It, however, maintained that it was not opposed to lawful investigations or prosecutions.

    ADC said no amount of what it termed political persecution would distract it from its goal of defeating the APC in the next general elections.

    According to the party, the ruling party’s alleged anti-people policies, coupled with the misuse of anti-corruption agencies and the courts, had eroded public confidence in the government.

    On Malami’s case, the party claimed that the petition, investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution of the former minister were orchestrated to achieve a predetermined political objective. It also questioned his detention over what it described as a bailable offence.

    The party further alleged that Malami’s properties were searched in his absence and that family assets were deliberately overvalued in an attempt to tarnish his image, arguing that investigators ignored his professional background and career before becoming Attorney-General in 2015.

    ADC expressed confidence that the courts would ensure justice, stressing that investigators did not have the final say on the allegations against the former minister.

    Reaffirming its support for Malami, the party said members of its Kebbi chapter remained firmly behind him as their leader and governorship candidate, insisting that intimidation, harassment and media trial would not weaken its resolve to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.

  • Two Youths Missing After Being Swept Away by River in Kaduna

    Two Youths Missing After Being Swept Away by River in Kaduna

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Kaduna

    Two youths have been declared missing after they were swept away by a swollen river in Hayin Malam Bello community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following a heavy downpour.

    The victims were reportedly attempting to cross the river on their way back from Kabala West on Saturday evening when the fast-rising water overwhelmed them.

    Residents said the river, which was safe to cross earlier in the day, became dangerous after the rainfall as water levels rose rapidly and the current intensified.

    A resident said the youths ignored warnings from bystanders who advised them not to enter the river because of the flooding.

    “People warned them that the water level had risen, but they insisted they could cross. Unfortunately, they were swept away. We have been searching for them since then without success,” the resident said.

    The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents joining emergency responders in the search for the missing youths.

    Community leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Fage, confirmed the incident, describing it as tragic. He urged residents, especially young people, to avoid crossing rivers during the rainy season, warning that water levels can rise suddenly after heavy rainfall.

    Search and rescue operations involving the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) and the Kaduna State Fire Service were still ongoing as of Sunday.

    Head of Operations, NEMA Kaduna Operations Office, Hajia Halima Daudu Sulaiman, said the search began at about 11 a.m. on Sunday and had continued for more than three hours without locating the victims.

    She assured that rescue teams would sustain the operation until the missing youths are found.

  • Cross River Begins Training of Ward Officers for Statewide Social Intervention Programme

    Cross River Begins Training of Ward Officers for Statewide Social Intervention Programme

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
    The Cross River State Government has commenced the training of officials who will drive its social intervention programme across the state’s 196 political wards.
    The capacity-building exercise, organised through the Office of Social Intervention and Investment Programme, targets 221 facilitators comprising 196 Ward Development Officers (WDOs) and 25 Local Government Liaison Officers.
    State Coordinator of the programme, Dr Edem Okokon Effiom, disclosed this while speaking with journalists after the training workshop for participants from the Southern Senatorial District in Calabar.
    Effiom said the exercise would be extended to the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts to equip officers with the skills required to implement the programme effectively at the grassroots.
    He explained that the training is designed to strengthen the capacity of Ward Development Officers to identify social intervention needs in their respective communities and ensure efficient delivery of government support.
    According to him, the initiative is aimed at advancing Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda by expanding the state’s social safety net to vulnerable and hard-to-reach residents.
    He disclosed that 87 Ward Development Officers and nine Local Government Liaison Officers from the Southern Senatorial District participated in the first phase of the training held over the weekend.
    Effiom said each of the state’s 196 wards would have 150 beneficiaries under the programme, with 100 people receiving direct cash transfers while another 50 would benefit from one-off empowerment support.
    He added that beneficiaries would be selected from communities across the wards without discrimination based on political affiliation, stressing that members of churches, the Muslim community and other groups would all be eligible for consideration.

  • OPINION: The Bird’s Nest

    OPINION: The Bird’s Nest

    By IKPAT UduakAbasi

    ‎From high above the earth, a bird sees what those on the ground cannot. Perched quietly on the edge of its nest, it watches movements in every direction, distinguishing genuine threats from ordinary commotion. Its elevated position offers perspective rather than panic. In many respects, understanding Nigeria’s political landscape requires such a vantage point, a bird’s nest view.
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    ‎Nigeria’s political terrain is one of the most intricate on the African continent. It is a web of competing interests, shifting loyalties, regional calculations, ethnic considerations, religious sentiments, economic realities, and personal ambitions. To the casual observer, political events may appear chaotic and unpredictable. Yet, from a higher vantage point, patterns begin to emerge.
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    ‎Like a carefully woven bird’s nest, Nigeria’s democracy has been constructed with countless strands. Every strand, political parties, traditional institutions, civil society, the judiciary, the legislature, the media, security agencies, and the electorate all contributes to the strength or weakness of the entire structure. When one strand weakens, the stability of the nest is threatened.
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    ‎A bird builds its nest patiently, knowing that haste only produces fragility. And unfortunately, political actors often seek quick electoral victories instead of also pursuing enduring institutions. Coalitions are hurriedly assembled, alliances are formed overnight, and loyalties are traded with astonishing speed.
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    The result is a political nest that is constantly shaken by avoidable turbulence. The bird also understands the importance of vigilance. It does not abandon its nest simply because the weather changes. It adapts, protects its young, and waits for the favourable conditions. Nigerian politics similarly demands such resilience. Electoral victories and defeats are temporary, but national development requires consistency beyond election cycles.
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    One striking feature of Nigerian politics is its constant movement. Defections between political parties have become almost seasonal, making ideological differences increasingly difficult to identify. In many cases, personalities overshadow principles, while political survival often receives greater attention than policy consistency. From the ground, these movements appear confusing, from the bird’s nest, they reveal a persistent struggle for influence and relevance.
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    ‎The bird does not mistake every rustling leaf for danger. It observes carefully and before taking flight. Our political space could benefit from this restraint. Public discourse is frequently dominated by rumours, sensationalism, and emotional reactions that obscure the real issues confronting governance, economic growth, education, healthcare, and national security to the masses.
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    ‎Another lesson from the bird’s nest is cooperation. Although many birds compete for food and territory, they remain committed to protecting their nests. Nigeria’s political class must recognize that healthy competition should never undermine the collective responsibility of preserving national unity. Elections should produce winners and losers, not permanent enemies.
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    ‎The height of the nest also symbolizes objectivity. From above, tribal boundaries disappear, religious differences become less pronounced, and political strongholds blend into one national landscape. What becomes visible is a country whose fortunes remain interconnected. Prosperity in one region strengthens the federation; instability in another ultimately affects everyone.
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    ‎The electorate equally has a role within this nest. Citizens are not merely the spectators watching political contests unfold. Their votes, civic engagement, and insistence on transparency and accountability determine the quality of leadership that eventually occupies the nation’s institutions. A neglected nest eventually collapses regardless of how skilled the bird may be. Perhaps the greatest lesson lies in the bird itself.
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    It builds, protects, repairs, and rebuilds whenever storms destroy its work. It does not surrender to despair. Nigeria’s democratic journey has experienced military interruptions, economic challenges, electoral disputes, insecurity, and institutional weaknesses. Yet the nation’s political evolution continues, offering opportunities for renewal and meaningful reforms for the people.
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    Viewing Nigeria from the bird’s nest encourages citizens to rise above partisan emotions and appreciate the broader picture. Political disagreements are inevitable in every democracy, but they should ultimately advance governance rather than diminish it. The nation’s future depends less on who shouts the loudest and more on who strengthens the institutions that sustain democracy.
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    ‎As preparations for future elections gather momentum, the bird’s nest reminds every stakeholder that politics should be about safeguarding the common home. Birds do not destroy their nests simply to prove superiority over one another. Likewise, political ambition should never come at the expense of national cohesion, constitutional order, and the welfare of the people.
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    ‎Only from such a vantage point as that of a bird can the country’s political journey and surrounding complexities be properly understood, its recurring mistakes corrected, and its democratic promise to the masses fully realized.
  • OPINION: Footballing – The Strength That Endures

    OPINION: Footballing – The Strength That Endures

    By Justice Osai Ahiakwo

    As the FIFA World Cup climaxes, it reminds us that football is more than a game; it is a mirror of life, where preparation, perseverance and character often matter more than talent alone.

    The journey to the world’s greatest football tournament begins years before the opening match.

    Nations battle through demanding qualifying campaigns across their respective continents, overcoming setbacks and fierce competition before earning the privilege of appearing on football’s grandest stage. Every team that reaches the finals has already demonstrated discipline, commitment and resilience.

    The knockout stage presents an even sterner test. A single mistake can bring years of preparation to an abrupt end.

    When ninety minutes fail to produce a winner, the contest extends into extra time and, if necessary, the nerve-racking uncertainty of penalty shootouts.

    At that point, physical fitness alone is no longer sufficient.

    Victory belongs to those who combine endurance with composure, courage and the mental strength to perform under immense pressure.

    Football has repeatedly produced outcomes that defy predictions and overturn the expectations of experts.

    It reminds us that success at the highest level is seldom determined by talent alone, but by teamwork, discipline, adaptability and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

    The careers of Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina provide two remarkable expressions of greatness. Each has inspired generations and secured a place among football’s immortals, yet each has embodied excellence in a distinct way.

    Cristiano Ronaldo has long been admired for his extraordinary athleticism, relentless work ethic, powerful finishing ability and unwavering determination to succeed.

    His achievements reflect not only exceptional physical gifts but also remarkable discipline, intelligence and an insatiable desire for continuous improvement.

    Lionel Messi, while equally accomplished, is celebrated for his vision, creativity, composure, technical brilliance and quiet leadership.

    His extraordinary consistency, precision and football intelligence have enabled him to influence matches in ways few players in history have achieved.

    Neither style diminishes the other. Rather, both demonstrate that excellence can be expressed in different forms. Football teaches that while brilliance may distinguish individuals, enduring success belongs to teams and individuals who sustain excellence throughout the entire journey.

    The contrasting fortunes experienced by great football nations during World Cup tournaments further reinforce this lesson. Individual brilliance may inspire, but championships are ultimately won through collective effort, resilience, unity of purpose and the capacity to endure until the final whistle.

    Football, like life, rewards not merely those who shine the brightest, but those who persevere the longest.

    That reality mirrors life itself.

    Many people begin their journeys with exceptional promise, abundant resources, impressive talent and widespread admiration.

    They appear destined for greatness. Yet as challenges multiply and expectations increase, some lose focus, become discouraged or abandon their purpose. Others advance quietly and steadily.

    They persevere when recognition fades, remain disciplined through adversity and continue moving forward despite disappointment.

    More often than not, it is these individuals who achieve lasting success.

    This principle extends far beyond football.

    In family life, enduring relationships are sustained not merely by affection but by patience, sacrifice, forgiveness and unwavering commitment through seasons of joy and hardship.

    Lasting marriages, responsible parenthood and strong families are built by those who remain faithful to one another even when circumstances become difficult.

    In education, business and professional life, enduring success belongs to those who continue learning, adapting and working diligently when progress appears slow.

    Lawyers, judges, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs and professionals earn lasting respect not through isolated moments of brilliance but through years of competence, integrity, discipline and consistent service.

    Successful institutions likewise endure because they adapt to changing circumstances without compromising their core values.

    The same truth applies to leadership and public service.

    History demonstrates that nations are not transformed by charisma, popularity or momentary excitement alone.

    Sustainable development is achieved through visionary leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who remain committed to justice, responsibility and the common good.

    Enduring progress requires perseverance, integrity and collective sacrifice rather than fleeting political triumphs or personal ambition.

    This enduring principle also finds profound expression in religious belief. Across the world’s great religious traditions, perseverance is regarded as one of the highest virtues.

    Faith is tested not in moments of comfort but in seasons of uncertainty, suffering and trial.

    Spiritual maturity is cultivated through patience, humility, obedience, self-discipline and steadfast devotion to righteous principles.

    Genuine faith is revealed not merely by the enthusiasm with which one begins the spiritual journey but by the faithfulness to remain steadfast until the end.

    Modern society often celebrates instant success, popularity and public recognition.

    Social media frequently magnifies visible achievements while concealing the years of sacrifice, discipline and perseverance that made those achievements possible. Many become discouraged by comparing their lives with carefully curated images of success. Yet true influence and lasting significance are rarely built overnight.

    They are earned through consistency, humility, resilience and unwavering commitment to values that endure beyond changing trends and public applause.

    Such enduring strength is revealed in resilience, patience, discipline and the steadfastness to remain focused when circumstances become difficult. It is the strength that adapts without surrendering, inspires without boasting and perseveres without losing sight of the ultimate objective.

    Football therefore becomes a powerful metaphor for human existence. Talent may open the door.

    Opportunity may create a pathway. Wealth, influence and intelligence may provide advantages. Yet none of these guarantees lasting success. Fortune may fluctuate, circumstances may change and unexpected setbacks may arise. Those who ultimately prevail are those who continue with courage, wisdom and perseverance when others lose heart.

    Whether in football, family life, leadership, business, public service, education, religious devotion or nation-building, the enduring principle remains unchanged: greatness is sustained not merely by ability but by character; not merely by ambition but by discipline; not merely by strength but by steadfast endurance.

    The enduring lesson of the World Cup is therefore unmistakable: greatness is not measured by how powerfully one begins, but by how faithfully one endures. In football, as in life, the truest strength is not merely the strength to compete—it is the strength to endure.

    This revision broadens the article from a football reflection into a universal commentary on life, leadership, faith, family, professional excellence, social values and nation-building while maintaining the elegant, newspaper-style tone of the original. It also makes the piece more timeless by avoiding dependence on the outcome of a specific World Cup tournament.

  • Obong of Calabar urges WAEC to restore Efik language to examination syllabus

    Obong of Calabar urges WAEC to restore Efik language to examination syllabus

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
    The Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to reinstate Efik Language into its examination syllabus, describing its reported removal as an attack on the cultural heritage of the Efik people.
    In a statement issued in Calabar, the Chairman of OCEF, High Chief Gershom Henshaw, MFR, expressed concern over what he described as the delisting of Efik from the WAEC curriculum, saying the development threatens ongoing efforts to preserve one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous languages.


    Henshaw noted that Efik is one of the country’s widely spoken indigenous languages with a well-developed orthography. He recalled that the language was used for the translation of the Bible in the 19th century and featured prominently in news broadcasts of the then Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) between the 1960s and 1980s.
    He questioned the rationale behind its removal from the WAEC syllabus despite its historical and educational significance.
    The OCEF chairman said stakeholders had invested considerable resources to prevent the extinction of the language, including awarding scholarships to students offering Efik in WAEC examinations, providing incentives for Efik language teachers, recalling retired teachers to classrooms, and promoting Efik programmes on radio and television.
    He also condemned an incident in which candidates registered for Efik Language were allegedly issued Igbo Language question papers during a WAEC examination, describing the situation as unacceptable and urging the examination body to ensure it does not recur.
    Henshaw assured WAEC that OCEF would mobilise sufficient candidates to meet the council’s requirements for offering Efik Language in its examinations.
    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar and the forum to preserving and promoting the Efik language for future generations.

  • IPAC Urges Eligible C/River Residents To Register, Commends Otu’s Support for Democracy

    IPAC Urges Eligible C/River Residents To Register, Commends Otu’s Support for Democracy

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has urged all eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Addressing journalists in Calabar, the state IPAC Chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, called on parents, youths, religious leaders, traditional rulers and political parties to mobilise eligible citizens to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    He said every eligible Cross Riverian should become an ambassador for voter registration, stressing that increased participation would strengthen the state’s democratic process.

    Okon also commended Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as his commitment to inclusive governance and democratic engagement with all legally registered political parties in the state.

    According to him, the governor’s support to IPAC, including the provision of an operational vehicle, a furnished secretariat and regular engagement with political parties, has enhanced the council’s capacity to carry out its responsibilities.

    He said the council believes democracy thrives through dialogue, inclusion and cooperation, adding that the administration has created an atmosphere where political parties can contribute meaningfully to governance while retaining their distinct identities.

    The IPAC chairman reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working with the state government to promote democratic ideals, strengthen institutions, encourage citizen participation and sustain peace and political stability in Cross River.

    He also reiterated IPAC’s resolve to promote peaceful politics, issue-based campaigns, political tolerance, voter education and credible elections across the state.

    The council further applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the ongoing CVR exercise and urged eligible citizens yet to register not to delay.

    “As the registration exercise enters its final days, every eligible citizen should act now, register and encourage others to do the same. Every vote counts and will help shape the future of Cross River State,” Okon said. He added that the council hopes to see a significant increase in voter registration ahead of the 2027 polls.

  • Turaki-led PDP Faction Declares Udayi Julius Authentic C’River Gov’ship Candidate

    Turaki-led PDP Faction Declares Udayi Julius Authentic C’River Gov’ship Candidate

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared Mr. Udayi Julius, a lawyer and tax expert, as the authentic governorship candidate of the party in Cross River State for the 2027 general election.

    The faction, which described itself as the legally recognised leadership of the PDP, dismissed the governorship candidacy of Arthur Jarvis under the Nyesom Wike-aligned camp, insisting that the rival group lacked legitimacy.

    Addressing journalists in Calabar on Friday, members of the faction said the briefing was necessary to clarify what they described as misinformation surrounding the party’s authentic candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

    They urged party members, stakeholders, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to recognise only candidates produced by the Turaki-led leadership.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Julius said the briefing was aimed at correcting what he described as misleading claims by individuals allegedly presenting themselves as PDP candidates.

    “This press briefing has become necessary in response to the misleading narrative being presented to the people of Cross River State by certain individuals who are falsely parading themselves as candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party. It is important that we provide clarity regarding the authentic leadership of our great party and its duly recognised candidates,” he said.

    Julius maintained that, based on judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led leadership remained the authentic and legally recognised leadership of the PDP, adding that all candidates presented by the faction emerged through its recognised structures.

    He alleged that individuals operating under a different platform were falsely claiming to be PDP candidates and urged the public to disregard what he described as attempts to mislead the electorate.

    The faction pledged to provide credible leadership if elected and expressed confidence that it would defeat Governor Bassey Otu in the 2027 governorship election.

    Editor’s Note: The claims by the Turaki-led faction regarding its recognition as the authentic PDP leadership and the status of its candidates represent its position and remain subject to ongoing political and legal disputes.