The Lagos State ADC Chairman, Mr George Ashiru, in a statement, expressed the party’s deep concern and heartfelt sympathy over abduction of innocent children in the country.

He said: “This disturbing development is not only an attack on the affected families but also a direct assault on our collective humanity and the safety of every Nigerian child.

“As parents, community leaders, and citizens, we share the pain, anxiety, and emotional trauma currently being experienced by the families of these children.

” No parent should have to endure the agony of not knowing the whereabouts or safety of their child.

“The Lagos State Chapter of the ADC stands in solidarity with the affected families and calls on all security agencies to intensify efforts towards the immediate rescue of the children and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”

According to him, the perpetrators must be brought to justice in accordance with the laws of the land.

He added: “We commend the security personnel currently working on the matter and urge them not to relent until every child is safely reunited with their family.

“We also call on community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that may aid rescue efforts.

“The recurring incidents of kidnapping across the country demand a renewed commitment from government at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering.

“We must improve community policing initiatives, and invest more resources in protecting vulnerable citizens, especially women and children.”

Ashiru said that ADC was committed to justice, security, and the welfare of the people.

According to him, the party believes that every Nigerian child deserves to grow up in an environment free from fear, violence, and criminal threats.

“The safety of our children must remain a national priority.

“At this difficult moment, we urge Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and hopeful.

“We pray for the safe return of the kidnapped children and for comfort and strength for their families,” he added.

He reaffirmed ADC’s its commitment to advocating policies and actions that would guarantee the security of lives and property across our nation.

“Together, we must say no to kidnapping, no to insecurity, and yes to a safer Nigeria for all,” he said.

The post Abductions: ADC commends military, calls for swift action on victims appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Aneke stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic-level officers, organised by the Civil Military Relations Branch.

He called for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.

Aneke said that modern warfare required a shift in mindset, stressing that success in operations was no longer defined only by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives.

“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.

The CAS said personnel must strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian harm.

He added that civilian harm mitigation was not a limitation to operational effectiveness but a strategic enabler that improves precision, accountability and decision-making.

According to him, incidents arising from military operations—whether confirmed or alleged—have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy.

Aneke said the seminar was designed to deepen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for decision-making in fast-changing operational contexts.

He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, noting that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the seminar marked a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in air and joint operations.

Gabkwet described the forum as the first of its kind in the NAF at the strategic level, aimed at deepening institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response.

He noted that contemporary security operations were increasingly complex, with civilians often present in operational environments, making it imperative for personnel to adopt deliberate measures to minimise harm.

According to him, effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, stressing that it cannot be achieved in isolation.

“This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” he said.

He added that the initiative reflected the NAF’s commitment to evolving in line with modern operational realities and global best practices.

Our correspondent reports that the seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for minimising civilian harm while enhancing operational effectiveness.

The post Civilian protection now central to air operations – CAS appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Prof Kevin Urama, AfDB’s Chief Economist/Vice President for the Economic Governance & Knowledge Management, gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent Abuja on Tuesday.

Urama said this while discussing debt sustainability and financing challenges facing African economies.

He said the issue was not necessarily the volume of debt accumulated by countries, but the quality of debt, its terms and how borrowed resources were utilised.

According to him, the issue for me is not about the quantity of debt. It is about the quality of debt.

”What do you borrow? Where do you borrow from? What are the terms of the loans? And what do you use the money for?”

He noted that debt becomes sustainable when it is channeled into productive investments that would expand economic output, create jobs and improve infrastructure.

The AfDB chief economist warned that excessive borrowing without corresponding productive investments could weaken labour productivity and overall economic performance.

He said findings contained in the African Economic Outlook showed that countries with high debt-to-GDP ratios, often experienced declining debt productivity, which in turn affected labour and capital productivity.

He cautioned against financing long-term infrastructure projects with expensive short-term commercial loans, saying such practices could create refinancing pressures and heighten fiscal risks.

He urged African countries to pay greater attention to debt productivity by ensuring that citizens see tangible benefits from borrowed funds through improved infrastructure and public services.

Urama also called for stronger support for African-led financial initiatives, including the African Financing Stability Mechanism, which aimed to help countries address debt refinancing challenges within the continent.

According to him, African countries need to strengthen cooperation and develop home-grown solutions to reduce vulnerability to external shocks and financial market volatility.

The post Invest borrowed funds on productive assets, not consumption — AfDB appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The federation disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by Maxwell Kumoye, Chairman of the AFN Media Committee.

Kumoye said the trials would hold at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex, Lagos, and would bring together some of the nation’s finest athletes.

“This is a crucial stage in the qualification process for athletes seeking to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games.

“The AFN has made it clear that participation in the trials is mandatory for any athlete hoping to secure a place on Team Nigeria.

“This makes the Lagos event a make-or-break opportunity for both established stars and emerging talents,” he said.

According to him, the Commonwealth Games offer athletes an opportunity for national pride, international exposure and glory, with preparations already intensifying across the country.

“The trials will be one of the most competitive national championships in recent years.

“The three-day event will feature 32 track and field events for both men and women, providing opportunities for athletes to stake their claims for selection.

“Participation in the men’s and women’s 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres will be restricted to athletes who have achieved the prescribed qualifying standards.

“All other track and field events will remain open for participation,” he said.

He noted that the arrangement was designed to ensure that only athletes in top form compete in the sprint events, while maintaining broad participation in other disciplines.

Kumoye said athletes were expected to arrive in Lagos on June 19 and depart on June 23.

He added that the federation would provide accommodation for athletes who had achieved the required standards during the qualification period.

According to him, the list of athletes who have met the stipulated benchmarks will be released in the coming days.

“The trials are expected to produce thrilling contests across several events as athletes seek to impress selectors and secure places on Team Nigeria for Glasgow 2026,” he said.

AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, called on athletics stakeholders, enthusiasts and fans to support the athletes during the championship.

Okowa described the trials as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games and expressed confidence that the event would help identify the country’s best talents.

He also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support for the federation and Nigerian athletes.

The AFN boss said that the support from NSC had strengthened athletics development and had also improved elite athletes performance.

“As the countdown to Glasgow gathers momentum, attention now shifts to Lagos, where dreams will be realised, ambitions tested and places on Team Nigeria earned.

“For every athlete aspiring to wear Nigeria’s colours at the Commonwealth Games, the message from the federation is unmistakable: the road to Glasgow passes through the AFN National Trials,” Okowa said.

He added that competition for the available slots was expected to be intense, given Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s leading athletics nations.

The post AFN fixes date for 2026 Commonwealth Games trials appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

He said that the board also approved the commencement of four Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in the institution.

Agbu made this known while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Jalingo.

He said that the newly approved HND programmes which would commence in the 2026/2027 academic session include, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Office Technology and Management.

He said that the development would broaden academic opportunities for students and enhance the institution’s capacity to produce skilled graduates.

Agbu commended Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba for his administration’s support, which he said was instrumental to the successful accreditation exercise.

“The governor’s intervention reflects his commitment to revitalising the education sector and strengthening technical and vocational education in the state.

“This is one of the best things a visionary governor can do for an educational institution.

“The support we received from Gov. Kefas is unprecedented and it contributed immensely to the success of the recent accreditation exercise in the polytechnic,” he said.

The rector called on students and prospective applicants to take advantage of the newly accredited and approved programmes, assuring them of quality training and improved learning opportunities.

He expressed optimism that the accreditation and approval of the HND courses would further position the institution as a leading centre for technical education and manpower development in the state.

The post NBTE accredits 28 courses, approves HND programmes for Taraba Poly appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Onovo, the Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change, gave the warning in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday in Lagos.

He spoke against the backdrop of the recent wave of abductions and kidnappings of school teachers and students, especially in Oyo State.

He noted that the fundamental problem in tackling terrorism and insurgency in the country was the absence of political will to decisively confront the challenges.

According to him, we have repeatedly heard military authorities say that they possess the capability to dislodge and defeat these terrorist groups.

“If the military itself says it has the capacity, then the question becomes, why has the problem persisted for so long?

“The answer lies in political leadership. Security agencies operate within the framework and directives provided by the political authorities.

“When senior officials make statements suggesting sympathy or leniency toward terrorists, it raises legitimate concerns about the seriousness of the government’s commitment to ending the insurgency.”

He added that the bottleneck was not necessarily the competence of the military, as Nigerian military personnel had demonstrated courage and professionalism in several operations both within and outside the country.

“These are officers and soldiers who have participated in difficult peacekeeping and combat missions, including operations in Liberia and other conflict zones.

“What is required is clear political direction and unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism.

“If the Commander-in-Chief gives firm instructions and provides the necessary support, the security agencies have the capacity to execute their mandate effectively,” the political activist said.

Onovo said that the current approach of rehabilitating and reintegrating ”repentant” terrorists remained controversial.

According to him, many Nigerians question whether individuals responsible for killings, kidnappings and destruction should simply be reintegrated into society without adequate justice and accountability.

“There are also concerns about the government’s broader strategy. Reports often indicate that security agencies know the locations of terrorist camps and criminal hideouts.

“Where such intelligence exists, citizens naturally expect decisive action to neutralise the threat and rescue victims.

“Nigeria possesses considerable security and military assets. The country has trained personnel, intelligence capabilities and operational experience.

“Therefore, the narrative that Nigeria is helpless without foreign intervention is unhelpful and undermines national confidence,” he added.

According to him, while international cooperation can be valuable, every nation ultimately bears primary responsibility for its own security.

“Dependence on external powers should never replace the pursuit of self-reliance and the strengthening of domestic institutions.”

As 2027 elections approach, Onovo said that the priority should remain the protection of lives, restoration of security and the demonstration of genuine political will to end terrorism and criminality across the country.

The post Insecurity: Don’t underestimate Nigerian military’s capacity -Onovo appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

INEC had scheduled June 20 as the date for the by-election, while public electioneering campaigns by political parties leading to the by-election would commence on June 10.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.

Chukwu urged political actors to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory statements, violence, and all forms of electoral malpractice capable of undermining the democratic process.

He called on the media, as critical stakeholders in the electoral process, to continue to provide balanced, factual, and responsible reportage before, during and after the election.

The REC urged security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women organisations, and civil society groups to support the commission in ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.

He assured all eligible voters in Enugu North Senatorial District that adequate preparations are underway to ensure the successful conduct of the election.

“We encourage all registered voters to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.

“The commission remains committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent by-election,” Chukwu said.

The electioneering campaigns would end on June 18, which is 24 hours before the by-election on June 20.

The post By-Election: INEC calls on parties to ensure issue-based campaigns appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Speaking during the protest in Abuja on Tuesday, the FCT Chairman of NUT, Abdullahi Shafa, said the protest was in compliance with a directive from the union’s national headquarters.

According to him, the protest is organised in all states of the federation to express the union’s displeasure over the killing of a teacher in Oyo, by suspected kidnappers.

Shafa described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that teachers should not be subjected to such violence while carrying out their duties.

“If you are aware, in the last few weeks, teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo have been troubled.

“A teacher there was beheaded instantly for no just cause. This is somebody that had gone to impact knowledge on our students.

“It is touching, horrifying, and devastating that a teacher who has put in his best to ensure that the children get qualitative education is being killed like that without any reason; all in the name of kidnapping and banditry. This is not good for the system,” he said.

The union leader said the development had generated fear among teachers and could negatively affect the teaching and learning environment if not urgently addressed.

He appealed to the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take proactive measures to protect teachers, students and school facilities nationwide.

Shafa also called for improved school infrastructure, including the construction of perimeter fences and other security measures to make schools safer.

“Our appeal to government is to provide adequate security for teachers and pupils and improve infrastructure within the school system to guarantee a safe learning environment,” he said.

He said that the protest was a one-day peaceful demonstration, adding that any further action would be determined by the union’s national leadership.

Our correspondent reports that the protest was held simultaneously across the country in solidarity with the family of the deceased teacher and to draw attention to growing security concerns within the education sector.

The post NUT stages nationwide protest over killing of teacher in Oyo appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The NBS said this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for April 2026 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The report stated that the average price of 1kg of tomatoes increased by 6.60 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N1,104.85 recorded in March 2026 to N1,177.92 in April 2026.

“However, on a year-on-year basis, the price of 1kg of tomatoes decreased by 8.23 per cent from N1,283.57 recorded in April 2025.”

Similarly, the report said that the average price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 0.99 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N1,325.85 in March 2026 to N1,338.93 in April 2026.

“On a year-on-year basis, however, the price decreased significantly by 44.89 per cent from the N2,429.39 recorded in April 2025 to N1,338.93 in April 2026.”

It also showed the average price of 1kg of white garri increased by 0.93 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N801.54 in March 2026 to N808.96 in April 2026.

“However, on a year-on-year basis, the price dropped by 39.86 per cent from the N1,345.10 recorded in April 2025. ”

The report said that the average price of 1kg of onion increased by 0.98 per cent from N1,153.14 recorded in March 2026 to N1,164.39 in April 2026

“On a year-on-year basis, 1kg of onions decreased by 22.56 per cent from the N1,503.56 recorded in April 2025.”

The report said the average price of 1kg of fresh ginger increased by 0.73 per cent on a month-on-month basis from the N5,541 25 recorded in March 2026 to N5,581.82 in April 2026.

“On a year-on-year basis, 1kg of ginger increased by 12.30 per cent from the N4,970.66 recorded in April 2025.”

It said the average price of one litre of palm oil increased by 0.12 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N2,393.38 recorded in March 2026 to N2,396.32 in April 2026.

“On a year on year-on-year basis, it also increased by 4.77 per cent from N2,516.36 recorded in April 2025.”

On state profile analysis, the report showed that in April 2026, the highest average price of 1kg of tomatoes was recorded in Bayelsa at N1,600.73 while the lowest was recorded in Plateau at N730.48.

It said that Oyo recorded the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans at N1,938.91 while the lowest was in Taraba at N750.

According to the report, Abia recorded the highest average price of 1kg of white garri at N1,075.47, while the lowest was reported in Plateau at N517.94.

The report said the highest price on 1kg of onion bulb was recorded in Abia at N2,115.67 while Kwara recorded the lowest price at N684.38.

The NBS said that the highest average price of 1kg of onion bulb was recorded in Abia at N2,191.63 while the lowest price was recorded in Nasarawa at N832.16.

It said Ekiti recorded the highest average price of one bottle of palm oil at N2,819.09, while Abia recorded the lowest at N2,024.41.

Analysis by zone showed that the average price of 1kg of tomatoes was highest in the South-South at N1,561.10, followed by the South-East at N1,379.57.

“The lowest price was recorded in the North-West at N822.72.”

The South-West and South-South recorded the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans at N1,787.09 and N1,764.99, respectively, while the lowest price was in the North-East at N871.79.

It said the South-East recorded the highest average price of 1kg of white garri at N944.58 followed by the South-South at N944.01, while the North-Central recorded the lowest at N673.88.

The NBS also said that the South-East and South-South recorded the highest average price of 1kg of onion bulb at N1,735.53 and N1,268.96, respectively.

“The North-Central recorded the lowest average price of 1kg of onion at N911.40.”

The report said the South-West recorded the highest average price of 1kg of fresh ginger at N6,812.92, followed by the South-East at N6,432.15.

“ The North-East recorded the lowest average price of 1kg of fresh ginger at N881.12.”

The post Food prices increase in April 2026- NBS appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The Managing Director/CEO of TAJBank, Mr Hamed Joda, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the latest data from the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) statement of the financial position of TAJBank showed that the non-interest lender had consolidated its frontline position in the subsector.

This, he said was based on Gross Assets and Profit values as well as in other Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) ratings during the year.

“Specifically, in the year under review, TAJBank’s total assets grew to N1.34 trillion from N953 billion in the preceding year, representing 41 per cent growth.

“Gross earning assets surged to N847.706 billion, from N467.377 billion in FY 2024, indicating 81 per cent surge; while total equity surged to N149.230 billion, reflecting 144 per cent growth over the N61.250 billion in FY 2024.

“A further analysis of the TAJBank’s FY 2025 approved financial statement indicated that it posted N132.563 billion in Gross earnings, representing 71 per cent growth over the N77.550 billion in the previous year.

”Earnings value of N1.037 trillion; while its Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose by 74 per cent to N31.562 billion in FY 2025, from N18.166 billion in FY 2024; and the capital adequacy ratio stood at 30 per cent”.

Joda noted that the improving performance of the bank was a demonstration of the Board of Directors’ and management’s strong commitment to making TAJBank the best ethical bank in Nigeria by all assessment parameters.

“We owe our shareholders, customers, regulatory authorities and workers a lot of gratitude for supporting our efforts targeted at transforming TAJBank into a global brand in the ethical banking space in the years ahead,”Joda said.

Commenting on TAJBank’s performance during the year under review, a chartered banker and former Director-General of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria (CIBN), Dr Uju Ogubunka, cited the bank’s KPIs in the financial statement to justify his views.

He said the bank had made some progress and that its financial performance indicators between 2024 and 2025 suggested that.

Ogubunka, who is the President of the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN), said that the total assets grew by as much as 41 per cent; the Gross Earnings and PBT grew by 81 per cent and 74 per cent, respectively.

”Returns on Assets was upward by a huge 23 per cent.
”All of these in an economy that has been variously challenged by a multiplicity of factors.

“With all the positives, there is no doubt that the bank’s performance for the 2025 financial year end can be judged to be in the positive and should be encouraged and sustained.

“It is excellent evidence that the bank is aggressively penetrating its targets, especially at the rural areas, and contributing to the level of financial inclusion of the people,” he added.

Speaking on the bank’s financial scorecard in the year under review, the bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Sherif Idi, said the performance of the bank was in line with its vision and mission.

”I want to assure all our stakeholders, particularly the shareholders and customers, that our bank will continue to promote their interest in line with our corporate shared value always.

”Over the past few years of our
operations, TAJBank has been winning local and international awards for its futuristic, innovation-driven, customer friendly and economy growth-supporting ethical banking products and services,” he said

The post TAJBank remains Nigeria’s biggest non-interest bank by assets, profit appeared first on NEWSVERGE.