The Federal Government has commenced preparations for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, opting for a low-key celebration to mark October 1, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Inaugural Meeting: The Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for coordinating the event held its first meeting on Thursday, with the schedule detailed by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

• Schedule of Activities:

  • World Press Conference: Thursday, September 24

  • Juma’at Service: Friday, September 25

  • Church Service: Sunday, September 27

  • Independence Day Public Lecture: Wednesday, September 30

  • Nationwide Broadcast: President Bola Tinubu will broadcast to the nation on Thursday, October 1.

• Purpose of the Celebration: Representing the SGF, Permanent Secretary Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens noted that the anniversary honors the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers while offering the administration a platform to showcase its reform achievements and ongoing efforts to tackle socio-economic challenges.

• Committee Leadership: The planning committee is headed by the SGF and comprises key ministers, security chiefs, and presidential advisers tasked with executing a seamless celebration despite the tight timeframe.

The Niger State Government has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally previously scheduled for Saturday in Minna following the tragic deaths of 37 individuals in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Mourning Period: The state government declared a three-day mourning period to honor the deceased, with Governor Umaru Bago—through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim—expressing deep condolences to the victims’ families.

• Suspension of NSCDC Commandant: Following the incident—which involved suspected illegal miners arrested during operations on September 15 and 16, 2026—Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

• Investigation Ordered: The Minister directed a full, transparent investigation into the casualties and urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding while authorities look into the matter.

The Anambra State Government has clarified that monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenues are currently being deducted to service external loans incurred during the administration of former Governor Peter Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Official Clarification: The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, made this disclosure while appearing on Arise Television, noting that these loans were among eight external facilities guaranteed by the Federal Government.

• Repayment Responsibility: Mefor emphasized that a loan remains a loan regardless of whether it is sovereign or interest-free, stating that choosing to accept such credit programs comes with the responsibility of repayment.

• Loan Evaluation: The commissioner estimated the external facilities linked to Obi’s administration at $123 million, arguing that these outstanding liabilities must be factored into evaluations of his financial legacy.

• Disputing Claims: Mefor pushed back against claims that Obi left behind no financial liabilities or debt obligations when he handed over power in 2014, contrasting it with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s current choice to opt out of certain World Bank lending programs like Nigeria CARES.