A federal lawmaker, Oluwole Oke, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, is a six-term lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State. His new political move was made public on Wednesday. He said he decided to leave the PDP after consulting with his political associates, friends, and family members. His resignation letter was dated April 16, 2025. He addressed it to the PDP Chairman in Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, but was silent on his next party. Although the lawmaker did not disclose his next plan, there are speculations he is on his way to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi State, Chief Chukwuma Odii has launched a N150 million agric-business empowerment scheme for his youths in his Isuechara community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The empowerment scheme, according to Odii, will henceforth become a revolving scheme that will cover training, and donation of equipment to the beneficiaries to enable them start the businesses. Odii, who announced the launch of the programme as a gran reception organised in his honour by the Isuechara community stated that the scheme will cover fishery, animal husbandry, vegetable farming and other areas of modern agriculture that will ensure that the beneficiaries become not just self- sufficient, but job creators. In a show of appreciation for the honour done him by his community, Odii also announced his support for the community’s N300 Million Naira Town Hall projects, by donating an initial N20 million for the take-off of the project with a firm promise of continuous funding of the project, provided that the money was judiciously utilized. "Our community is known for its rich in production of rice, yam, Cassava, vegetable and other foods, and that made our community people agrarian and that is why I am supporting them". The agricultural empowerment according to Chief Odii will involve three persons each from the seven kindreds that make up the community, who will be trained, fishery, animal husbandry, modern vegetable farming and other agric-business management will become an annual practice that is aimed at pulling the beneficiaries out of poverty and also create jobs for young people in the community. "The beneficiaries will go into training in modern farming and after which, I will give them N3million each to start up agricultural business," he said. Odii, who was conferred with the Chieftaincy title, "Omeziriobodo 1 of Isuachara alongside other six illustrious sons of the community said the agricultural empowerment would be rotating among the people annually. Emmanuel Ogudu, National Chairman of Isuachara Development Union said the grand reception and the Chieftaincy award were for the appreciation of Odii for his meritorious service to mankind. Ogudu, who commended Odii, said the annual occasion would pave way for more unified people of Isuachara, urging Odii to keep the flag flying.

Rivers State tops the chart with the highest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria, with a staggering 208,767 cases. This is according to a figure released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in its 2024 HIV spectrum estimates. Closely following are Benue State with 202,346 cases and Akwa Ibom with 161,597 cases, making these three states the epicenters of HIV prevalence in the country. Nationwide, more than two million Nigerians are currently living with HIV, underscoring the urgency for continued investment in prevention, testing, and treatment services. Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, ranks fourth with 108,649 cases, trailed by Anambra with 100,429 cases and the Federal Capital Territory with 83,333 cases, the latter being the highest in the North-Central region. Other states with significant HIV burdens include Delta with 68,170 cases, Imo with 67,944, Enugu with 61,028, Edo with 60,095, and Taraba with 58,460 cases. Abia follows with 54,655 cases, while Kaduna has 54,458 and Kano has 53,972 cases. Plateau State reports 51,736 cases, with Borno at 50,433 and Oyo at 50,063. Cross River has 43,452 cases, Ogun reports 43,348, and Nasarawa follows closely with 44,993. States like Bayelsa, Ekiti, Zamfara, and Yobe report comparatively lower numbers, with Bayelsa at 25,339, Ekiti at 18,857, Zamfara at 13,253, and Yobe at 11,956. The report also disclosed that in the past year, 43,683 people died from HIV-related complications, with 28,589 adults and 15,094 children aged 0–14. Currently, 1,753,425 people living with HIV in Nigeria are aware of their status. Of these, 1,735,808 are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), including over 45,000 children. Among those on treatment, 1,160,256 individuals were tested for viral suppression, and 1,112,339 were confirmed to have suppressed viral loads, a key indicator of effective treatment. Despite significant progress, a major gap remains in maternal HIV care. Of the 93,186 pregnant women identified as needing ART to prevent mother-to-child transmission, only 31,095 have received the necessary treatment. NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to sustaining HIV care and addressing potential drug shortages. She stated that the Federal Executive Council recently approved $1.07 billion for broader healthcare reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme. Additionally, N4.8 billion was allocated specifically for HIV treatment, with a further N300 billion earmarked for health in the 2025 national budget. “These resources are being mobilised to ensure no disruption in care and continued progress in Nigeria’s HIV response,” Ilori said.

Fresh condemnations have trailed the sudden closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had announced that there is a significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway that requires emergency repairs. FAAN, in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated that the repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025. FAAN, however, added that all flights to the airport will be diverted to nearby airports. The statement reads: “There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. Hence, emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025. “In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period. “As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period. “FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.” It apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure. The development came amid alleged plans to concession the airport for 80 years, whereas other airports are set for 20-year concessioning, an allegation the Federal Government has denied. However, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said it was unjust for the FAAN to shut the airport without giving adequate notice to the users. Okwu said, “to make the matter worse, it came during the festive period, as though Ndigbo, who are known to be regular travelers during this period, are the targets. “Did the airport runway suddenly develop a fault? We are aware that airlines have been complaining about this, but the government waited till the Easter period to hastily shut down the airport, throwing our people into confusion. “This is not the first time Ndigbo are being subjected to this cruel treatment. The last time the runway was re-asphalted, it was also shut down during the Easter period. “However, what makes the present case worse is the lack of notice. “The cruel and degrading treatment of the affairs of Ndigbo in Nigeria should stop. “We know for sure that this cannot happen in Lagos, Abuja or Kano airports. Why also Ndigbo?” Okwu queried. The Ohanaeze Youths President urged the government to ensure that the rehabilitation is carried out and completed on the stipulated date. He also said the explanations offered by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo on the concessioning of the airport was not clear enough. According to him, “the minister merely painted words without saying anything concrete. “He said the process is still on; we want to hear- how many years are there in the pipeline for the concessioning. If it is not 80 years, how many years are they proposing? “We want to make it clear that we are not going to accept anything different from what shall be obtained from other airports.” Meanwhile, a legal luminary, Prof Joy Ezeilo also lamented the abrupt closure of the Enugu airport. While bemoaning the situation, Ezeilo wrote on her social media page: “The recent closure of Enugu Airport for emergency repairs from April 22 to May 6, just a few years after extensive runway reconstruction, highlights serious issues in Nigeria, namely corruption and a lack of accountability. “This has reignited frustrations of nearly a year of inconvenience, when travellers were forced to use Owerri to fly in and out of Enugu. Now, history seems to be repeating itself. “Air Peace is now rerouting its Enugu passengers to Asaba, raising questions about our options. Why Asaba and not Anambra or Owerri airports? Do we have a choice in this? “I recall that even the Enugu airport terminal's roof collapsed just a year after construction, further emphasising the poor quality of public works. “This situation calls for an investigation and accountability, underscoring the urgent need for reform in public projects for sustainable development and our collective safety.” It could be recalled that Keyamo described reports in some sections of the media about the concessioning of Enugu airport as unfounded and untrue. Although the Minister didn’t specify the duration of the planned concessioning, he said, “Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports/stories are utterly baseless and untrue. “At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession. “It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration. “All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”

Amid growing expectations for the first Pope of African descent, His Grace, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja has asked those thinking towards that direction to perish the thought. NATIONAL POST recalls that Pope Francis passed on Monday morning and the process for the election of his replacement will soon commence. There have been hopes that his successor could emerge from one of the African cardinals. However, Archbishop Kaigama had this to say: "We are not praying for an African pope. “We are praying for a good and Holy Pope who will shepherd the people. He can be an African, American, European or Asian." Popular Catholic Priest, Fr Oluoma, who posted the Archbishop’s comment on his Facebook page, added: Una don hear ba. All those agitating and clamouring for an African to be the next pope, you miss the point completely. Popes are not chosen on racial sentiments. “Even if an African becomes the next pope, it will not give Africans any advantage over the others and vice versa. “We will get a new Pope according to God's will. You may not like him, and you don't have to, as long as he upholds the traditions and teachings of the church guided by sacred Tradition and the scripture. “When it comes to electing a pope, there is nothing like emilokan. “Toast to all who Nigeria's Peter Cardinal Okpaleke and other 17 Africans are among the 135 cardinals eligible to elect the next new Pope.” The Cardinal electors of African origin are John Njue (Kenya), Dieudonne Nzapalainga (Central African Republic), Peter Okpaleke (Nigeria), Nakellentuba Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso), Protase Rugambwa (Tanzania), Robert Sarah (Guinea), Berhaneyesus Souraphiel (Ethiopia). Others are Desire Tsarahazana (Madagascar), Peter Turkson (Ghana), Jean-Paul Vesco (Algeria), Cristobal Romero (Morocco), Stephen Mulla (South-Sudan), Fridolin Besungu (DR Congo), Ignace Dogbo (Ivory Coast), Stephen Brislin (South Africa), Arlindo Furtado (Cape Verde), Antoine Kambanda (Rwanda) and Jean-Pierre Kutwa (Ivory Coast).

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has declared that armed Fulani herders who attack the state are Malians and not Nigerians. The governor spoke amid renewed attacks by herdsmen on Benue communities on Tuesday, which left at least 11 persons dead. Alia, while featuring on Channels Television's Politics Today on Tuesday, said the Hausa and Fulani the armed herders speak are distinct from what is obtainable in Nigeria. He added that the attackers who wield AK-47s don't look like the indigenous Fulanis in Nigeria. “We know Nigerians—by our ethnicities, we can identify a Fulani man, a Yoruba man, a Hausa man—we know them. “Even the regular traditional herders, we know them. They work with cows, herding them with sticks. “But these folks, the attackers, are coming in fully armed with AK-47s and 49s. They do not bear the Nigerian look. They don’t speak like we do. Even the Hausa they speak is one sort of Hausa. “It’s not the normal Hausa we Nigerians speak. So it is with the Fulani they speak. There is a trend in the language they speak, and some of our people who understand what they speak give it names. “They say they are Malians and different from our people. But they are not Nigerians— believe it,” he stated.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has ordered the arrest of anyone keeping dreadlocks in the State. The governor, who spoke during a high-level security meeting held at the Government House, Minna, said anyone seen wearing dread-lock hair should be arrested and shaved. At the meeting were the Emir of Minna, ward and district heads, and heads of all security agencies, during which Bago condemned the recent surge in killings and attacks by hoodlums across the metropolis. He then declared: "Anyone found in possession of any weapon, including knives and sticks, should be treated as an armed robber and if killed, the parents must pay for the bullet before releasing the corpse. Anyone keeping dread-lock hair should be arrested and shaved. "Anyone’s house found within Minna selling any kind of illicit drugs should be demolished and occupants arrested. "A Special court would be established under the supervision of the Chief Judge of Niger State to handle thuggery cases for speedy judgement and subsequent imprisonment. "Angwa Daji and Barki Sale areas should be placed on serious security watch. Henceforth, Operation Flush is now directly under the office of Mr. Governor. “Anyone’s vehicle coming into Minna and caught with illicit drugs should be confiscated into government property.” The governor has also suspended the movement of commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders from 6pm to 6am in Minna, the State Capital. “There is immediate curfew for Keke Napep and Okada within Minna from 6pm to 6am," he declared.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to work assiduously in tackling poverty and high unemployment among youth. He also charged them to invest in education, innovation and skill acquisition while promoting peace and inclusion. The President stated these on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, during the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee. Represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the president who said ECOWAS was a bold vision created by its founding fathers on May 28, 1975, noted the vision had crystallised. He said that it was for that reason that the member states and their people were celebrating 50 years of progress, unity and resilience while rekindling the flame of solidarity that had guided the region through triumphs and trials. He congratulated the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, saying that his visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and steadfast commitment to regional integration and development ideals had been a source of inspiration and strength. "Under your stewardship, Ghana remains a beacon of democratic governance, economic progress, and regional solidarity. "Your efforts in championing the upliftment of our dear region through diplomacy, collaboration, and transformative policies deserve our most profound appreciation and admiration," President Tinubu said. He also commended the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of the ECOWAS Commission staff, noting that their professionalism, commitment, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in making the day's event a resounding success. He further highlighted the achievements of the subregional organization in past especially in peacekeeping and promoting democratic governance. Part of President Tinubu's speech read: "Five decades ago, our founding fathers from 15 nations envisioned regional economic integration, cooperation, and shared prosperity. "From the ashes of colonialism and the turbulence of post-independence struggles, they forged ECOWAS—a beacon of hope for our people. Their dream was not merely to dissolve borders but to build bridges of trade, cultural exchange, and mutual progress. "From the original Treaty of Lagos in 1975 to this momentous gathering here in Accra, ECOWAS has remained a pillar of integration and a beacon of hope for over 400 million citizens across our region. "Remarkably, our journey over the past five decades has not been without challenges. We have faced political instability, economic hardship, infrastructural deficits, and security threats. But we remain undaunted. "We shall not relent in our commitment to a united, peaceful, purposeful, and prosperous West Africa. "Your Excellencies and Distinguished Guests, "Today, we celebrate numerous remarkable achievements that distinguish ECOWAS as the most successful regional economic community on the African continent. We have established one of Africa's most vibrant free trade areas in five decades, fostering intra-regional commerce and lifting millions from poverty. "We have championed peace through ECOMOG's valiant efforts, mediating conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. "We have introduced the ECOWAS passport, symbolising our commitment to free movement. "We have also advanced democratic norms, standing firm against tyranny and supporting transitions to constitutional governance. "However, the journey toward a truly united and prosperous region is far from over. We must confront the hard truths of our present reality. "Despite our shared vision, too many of our citizens still live in poverty, too many of our children lack access to quality education, and too many of our youth remain unemployed, disillusioned, or forced to seek opportunities abroad. "Our region continues to grapple with new and evolving threats — violent extremism, climate change and food insecurity. The wave of unconstitutional changes in our region seriously threatens the democratic gains we have painstakingly built. "As the current Chair of ECOWAS, I reaffirm Nigeria's unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles that bind us: democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and regional solidarity. These are not just ideals; they are the foundations for peace, development, and the dignity of our people. "In this new chapter, we must reimagine ECOWAS as not just a Community of States but a Community of People. "We must place our young, dynamic, creative, and resilient people at the centre of our agenda. We must invest in education, innovation, and skills development to unleash the full potential of Africa's future. We must seek to expand the frontiers of democracy. We must limit the forays of unconstitutional rule into the democratic space. We must always seek peace towards achieving the collaborations needed for development. "We must also deepen our economic cooperation, support intra-regional trade, and ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) becomes a vehicle for genuine transformation. A prosperous West Africa is good for Africa and the world. "In deepening our integration, we must accelerate the realisation of a single currency and strengthen infrastructure corridors to connect markets and minds. Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Let us use this Jubilee as a moment of renewal. Let us rededicate ourselves to the spirit of Pan-Africanism that inspired our founders. Let us build an ECOWAS that is more resilient, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of our people. "This moment calls for a renewed commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Member States. It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region. "In hopes of reconciliation and reintegration, we must remain open and willing to engage in sustained, constructive dialogue with our estranged brothers, those Member States currently outside our fold. "At the same time, there is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions' effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future. "By embracing these imperatives, the organisation can better respond to its people's evolving needs and advance sustainable development, stability, and prosperity across the region." Concluding, the President declared that a tree does not stand alone in the forest, hence the need for unity of purpose and collaboration. "Our strength lies in our unity. As a proud member, Nigeria pledges to collaborate with every nation—large or small—to build an ECOWAS that is resilient to confront the challenges of our time. "May the next 50 years be etched in history as an era when West Africa rose—united, prosperous, and unstoppable," he stated.

Rampaging herdsmen have again attacked a community in Benue State, leaving about 11 persons dead. Governor Hyacinth Alia of the State had cried out that herders were intending to chase out natives and occupy their territories. The latest attack occurred in Afia community, Ukum Local Government Area, barely a week after suspected armed herders massacred over 50 farmers in other parts of Benue. The Ter Ukum, His Royal Highness, Chief Iyorkyaa Kaave, made the disclosure in Makurdi while addressing a security meeting convened to assess the spate of violence in the area. Describing the attack as unprovoked and part of a calculated agenda to displace indigenous farmers, the monarch condemned the continued loss of lives and property in his domain. “As I speak to you, these attacks began on Thursday in Logo and by Good Friday had spread to several communities in Ukum. We are still counting the dead, recovering more corpses and many of our people remain missing,” DAILY POST quoted the monarch as lamenting. According to him, Tuesday’s attack on Afia was particularly brutal, as the armed assailants stormed the community at dawn, firing sporadically at residents and leaving eleven dead on the spot, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. “These people are different from the Fulani we knew and lived peacefully with in the 1970s and 1980s. "Back then, they would come during the dry season with their families and cattle. "But what we are witnessing now are armed men with AK-47s, attacking our people in their sleep, and returning to occupy their homes,” the monarch lamented, and urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action.

… As Mbah extols Speaker Abbas for compassionate leadership style The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Tuesday, presented a cheque for N18 million to the Enugu State Government as support to the victims of the January 25 petrol tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which claimed several lives. The Speaker described the incident as a huge loss, not only to the Government and people of Enugu State, but also the nation as a whole, noting that the support was in keeping with the tradition of the House of Representatives to ensure that governments and people of Nigeria do not stand alone in the face of such challenges. Abbas, who was represented by the Hon. Nnolim Nnaji-led Enugu State Caucus in the Green Chamber, which also had Hon. Matins Oke, Hon. Dennis Agbo, Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, and Hon. Chimaobi Atu on its delegation, commended Mbah for his sterling leadership of the state and the prompt effort to comfort the families who lost their loved ones and support the injured. “On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we commiserate with the Government and people of Enugu state over the tanker incident at Ugwu Onyeama. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to support both the injured and those who lost their loved ones. “So, this is a cheque for N18 million to assist the state to further ameliorate their losses and challenges occasioned by the incident. "The Speaker sends his heartfelt condolences, once again. And you can continue to count on the support of the Speaker and the House,” Hon. Nnaji stated. Reacting, Governor Mbah thanked the Speaker and the Enugu State Caucus of the House of Representatives for the show of concern, assuring that the donation would go straight to the purpose for which it was made. “On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I express profound gratitude and deep appreciation for this wonderful gesture. I recall that when the Ugwu Onyeama incident occurred, taking the lives of several of our loved ones, the Speaker called and assured that he was with us in prayers. “Today, he has also shown us that he is not only with us in prayers, but also materially. He has equally come to mourn with us. This cheque for N18 million will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the incident on those affected and their families. “Rest assured that as a government, we will ensure that this gets to them in a transparent, accountable, and just manner,” he stated.

National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) Mr Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has played down online ridicule over his spoken English. During a recent gathering, he had pronounced 'kudos' as 'Kundus'. However, in a response to his mockers, he declared that while English may not be his strength, his life achievements far outweigh any grammatical errors. He said, "I stayed there and worked hard, but I wasn’t educated. See, they said I said Kundus, is Kundus not my son. You are educated; what have you done? "They should go and compete with my children. I raised my children in wealth. My children are citizens of America, citizens of the UK. "I worked hard to get to that level. Kundus, kudos, what’s the difference? What do you want to hear? English is not my mother tongue, Yoruba is."