President Bola Tinubu has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a clean bill of health, accusing the opposition parties of crying wolf.

Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, President Tinubu said

“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.”

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the opposition parties have repeatedly accused INEC of undermining their activities to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

While speaking to the Bishops, the President assured Nigerians that the ongoing restructuring of security operations and institutions will deliver victory over terrorism, band!try and k!dnappings across the country.

President Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s security architecture is being repositioned for greater efficiency.

He said the security challenges were being confronted through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support, and prioritisation of frontline personnel welfare.

Gunmen have kidnapped three students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) from their off-campus lodge in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

A student who asked not to be named for security reasons said the 100-level students were kidnapped at Sure Leaders Lodge in the Bukan Kwato area of Lafia at about 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

However, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university confirmed the development in a public safety notice issued on Sunday, saying it had begun engaging traditional authorities and the university management over the incident.

Students’ Union leadership has met with the District Head and relevant authorities and is collaborating with the University Management on security measures,” the statement signed by the SUG President, Jabir Ibrahim, and Secretary-General, Ibrahim Aliyu, said.

The union urged students to remain calm while security efforts continue.

A Senate bill seeking to compel social media platforms, including Meta, Google, and X, to establish physical offices in Nigeria has progressed after receiving broad support from stakeholders at a public hearing.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 to mandate social media platforms operating in the country to maintain physical offices in Nigeria. The bill was considered at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security.

Speaking at the hearing, the committee chairman stated that the social media bill was designed to strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace, while the accompanying AI academy bill would provide a centre of excellence for artificial intelligence education and research.

Representing the Senate leadership, a statement was delivered describing the bills as forward-looking legislative proposals that reflect commitment to improving governance through legislation. It was emphasized that the bill requiring social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria was not intended to stifle innovation or discourage investment.

This position was echoed during presentation of the proposed law, emphasizing its goal to encourage technology companies to deepen their engagement with the country:

“This bill is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation. It is not designed to frustrate investment or discourage technology companies from operating in Nigeria. On the contrary, it seeks to deepen their engagement with Nigeria by encouraging them to become true corporate citizens of our country.”

The United States and Nigeria have established new terms to deepen joint security operations against terrorism, following direct diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Abuja.

In an official letter to President Bola Tinubu dated July 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump commended Nigeria’s leadership, writing: “Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people.”

Addressing the growing regional instability, Trump emphasized the alignment between both nations in safeguarding targeted populations.

“I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities, and it is a true honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” Trump stated, adding that “the United States–Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world.”

This bilateral push is backed by the historic US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap. Highlighting active U.S. involvement on the ground, Trump noted: “We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat. I am proud to have deployed United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my presidency.”

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, says it is the responsibility of governors to inform President Tinubu of any mishap that happens in their states and not or them to waitfor President Tinubu to call them whenever an unfortunate incident happens.

He stated this during his media parley held this morning, July 9. He was asked for his reaction to the recent state released by NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who disclosed that he met with Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, on July 3, and during the visit, Governor Makinde told him that over 50 days after the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire local government area, Presient Tinubu has not yet called him. Obi described President this a sign of leadership failure.

Reacting to Obi’s comment, Wike said he never takes anything Obi says seriously because he, Obi, tends to politicize everything.

Credit: @channelstelevision

Just six months after the inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF), they have began delivering palpably on their mandate. Their first task of officially launching its ambitious yet timely ₦100 billion target has been actualised as part of the UNIBENTDF's BoT marking a significant milestone in the institution's drive towards financial sustainability and global competitiveness.

This landmark, first of its kind fundraising ceremony took place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Akin Deko Auditorium, Ugbowo Main Campus of UNIBEN in Benin City. The event attracted an impressive gathering of government officials, captains of industry, distinguished alumni, traditional rulers, development partners, corporate organisations, members of the university community, staff, students and friends of the institution, all united in support of the university's vision for sustainable development.

Chairing the occasion was His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, former Governor of Lagos State, former two-time Minister of Works, and a distinguished alumnus of the University of Benin. In his keynote remarks, Fashola who stated how everyone that passes through the institution has a unique experience and with each their "UNIBEN Story", described the initiative as a defining moment in the history of the university, stressing that alumni have a responsibility to preserve and strengthen the institution that shaped their lives. He encouraged graduates of the university across the world to invest in the future of their alma mater, noting that sustainable universities are built through the collective commitment of their alumni and other stakeholders.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, said the UNIBENTDF represents a bold response to the financial realities facing public universities in Nigeria. According to him, government subventions alone can no longer meet the growing demands of quality teaching, research, innovation and infrastructure development. He explained that the university established the fund, which was a first of its kind in Nigeria to create a permanent source of support for strategic projects that will benefit future generations.

Professor Omoregie disclosed that the university has over 350,000 alumni worldwide and expressed confidence that broad participation from alumni, corporate organisations and development partners would make the ₦100 billion target achievable. He noted that if 250,000 alumni each contribute ₦100,000, the university would realise ₦25 billion towards the target.

Chairman of the UNIBENTDF BoT, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Esq, described the initiative as more than a fundraising exercise. According to him, it is a declaration of confidence in the future of the University of Benin and a commitment to building an institution that will compete with the best universities in the world. He assured donors that the fund would be managed with transparency, accountability and integrity while delivering projects that will have lasting impact on the university community.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, represented by Prof. Joe Ahaneku former Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja at the event, commended the University of Benin for embracing an innovative funding model that aligns with the Federal Government's vision for sustainable financing of tertiary education. He urged alumni, philanthropists, private organisations and development partners to support the initiative, describing every contribution as an investment in the future of Nigeria.

Also present was the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Benin, who called for stronger collaboration between government, alumni and the private sector to secure the future of higher education. The Minister had in his entourage, leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) inclusive of the Chairman, Chief Chiedu Ebie, Dr Samuel Ogbuku the Managing Director and other Directors. Their promise of a 650-room hostel and upgrading of the internal roads within the campuses is remarkable.

His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo the Governor of Edo State and Chief Host of this history making event, reaffirmed the state's commitment to supporting educational institutions that promotes excellence, innovation and human capital development. In the Governor's address delivered by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, he made it clear that his value for education was unparalleled, a phenomenon exemplified by his swift increase of subventions to both Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma and the Edo State University, Iyamho. Just like Governor Samuel Ogbemudia who founded the University of Benin whose legacy we build on now, Edo State will always champion education. He commended the visionary work and determination of the UNIBENTDF BoT.

Other distinguished guests included representatives of Access Holdings Plc led by a celebrated alumnus, renowned banker and philanthropist, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, FCIB who was the Chief Launcher, represented by Mr. David Aluko, Director, Government and Federal Capital Relations, Coronation Group have pledged a project that will make UNIBEN the envy of other institutions across the country.

The presence of members of the University's Governing Council led by the Chairman, Professor Shuaib Umaru, members of the Senate, captains of industry, traditional rulers, distinguished alumni, development partners and friends of the university reflected the broad national support for the University's vision of becoming a financially sustainable and globally competitive institution.

The ₦100 billion will finance transformational projects across the university, including modern student hostels, research laboratories, innovation and entrepreneurship hubs, digital infrastructure, a world-class library, sports and recreational facilities, transportation systems, conference facilities, agricultural research projects and other income-generating ventures that will improve learning while strengthening the university's long-term financial sustainability.

The event also witnessed strong commitments from alumni, corporate organisations and development partners through cash donations and multi-project support, further demonstrating widespread confidence in the leadership and future of the UNIBENTDF.

Leading the alumni community was the President Worldwide of the University of Benin Alumni Association, Barr. Emmanuel Oriazuwa, who doubles as a member of the BoT. Other members of the UBAA Executive Committee, Chairmen of Branches, Distinguished Alumni and members of the association were present. Present also were leaders of the diaspora branches of the association; Professor Tony Agbonasevbaefe, President of the University of Benin Alumni Association of the United Kingdom (UBAAUK) and Engr. Osasere Favour Osifo, President of the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA).

Other UNIBENTDF BoT members present were; Mr. Alexander Imuetinyan Eronmwon (former President of UBAANA), Dr. (Mrs) Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor (former President of UBAAUK and pioneer Director General, Edo State Diaspora Agency), Kingsley Jesuorobo Esq. from Canada who leads the audit committee of the UNIBENTDF and the secretary of the UNIBENTDF BoT, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN were also on hand at this historic event.

The successful launch stands as a remarkable achievement for the University of Benin. Within only six months of the inauguration of the UNIBENTDF BoT, the university has transformed an ambitious vision into reality, setting a new benchmark for sustainable and impactful university funding in Nigeria. The initiative is expected to strengthen infrastructure, enhance research and innovation, improve student welfare, expand partnerships and position the University of Benin among Africa's leading centres of excellence for teaching, learning and research.

The UNIBENTDF BoT jointly expressed certainty that the 4th of July 2026 event remains a catalyst for more to come. The race is a marathon and not a sprint, a journey in accontability and transparency where the goal is to ensure that the children of the common man can get educated as we build future generations together.

https://trustfund.uniben.edu

#UNIBENTDF

The Cross River State Police Command under the leadership of CP Rashid B Afegbua ,PSC, MNIPS in partnership with Street Priests, took its awareness campaign to the streets to educate and sensitize members of the public on the dangers and consequences of jungle justice while promoting lawful and responsible ways of responding to suspected criminal activities.

Obi made the declaration during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Washington, where he outlined his views on national unity, freedom of expression, and the need for political engagement as a means of addressing grievances.

According to him, the country would benefit more from constructive discussions with aggrieved groups than from prolonged confrontations and detentions.

Speaking before members of the Nigerian community in the United States, Obi maintained that the continued detention of Kanu was unnecessary and counterproductive.

He argued that democratic societies thrive when citizens are allowed to express their opinions freely, even when such opinions are critical of political leaders and government institutions.

The former governor stressed that disagreement with those in authority should not automatically attract criminal sanctions, noting that open criticism is an essential feature of democratic governance.

Obi explained that his administration would prioritize dialogue and reconciliation in dealing with issues of separatist agitation and regional discontent.

He said many of the tensions currently being experienced in different parts of the country stem from unresolved concerns and a lack of meaningful engagement between the government and affected groups.

He emphasized that listening to citizens and addressing their grievances through lawful and peaceful channels would contribute significantly to national stability and cohesion.

The NDC presidential candidate further noted that governments should distinguish between violent criminal activities and expressions of opinion.

He argued that political leaders should be willing to tolerate criticism from citizens, regardless of how harsh or uncomfortable such criticism may be.

According to him, democratic leadership requires patience, openness, and the ability to accommodate diverse viewpoints without resorting to measures that could be perceived as suppressing free speech.

During the interaction, Obi reiterated his commitment to pursuing policies that would encourage dialogue among different groups within the country.

He said national challenges could be better resolved through engagement and mutual understanding rather than through actions that deepen divisions.

He maintained that creating opportunities for conversation and reconciliation would help reduce tensions and foster a stronger sense of belonging among citizens from various regions and backgrounds.

He said, “There’s no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu. I will free Nnamdi Kanu as President. He has done nothing wrong; the government has no reason to arrest him because he was speaking and calling people names on radio.”