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Defence/Security

Yuletide: Police ban use, sales of fireworks in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has instituted a comprehensive ban on fireworks for the 2025 festive season, citing critical national security concerns. The primary rationale is that explosive sounds from fireworks are indistinguishable from gunshots or IEDs, risking widespread public panic and diverting security resources during a period of heightened alert. This directive positions public safety over tradition, with enforcement orders issued to all police units and a clear warning of legal consequences for violations. The command balances this prohibition with reassurances of enhanced security

Economy/Business

Lasaco Assurance shareholders approve N25bn capital raise 

Lasaco Assurance is proactively raising ₦25 billion through a private placement and rights issue, not merely to meet new regulatory capital requirements but to significantly exceed them and fund strategic expansion. This move is designed to strengthen the company’s competitive position in both life and non-life insurance by investing in technology and talent. Leadership emphasizes that this capital infusion is a strategic growth lever aimed at enhancing long-term shareholder returns, not just a compliance exercise. The initiative underscores a forward-looking commitment to solidify market standing and deliver greater

General News

IRCT urges stronger support for survivors of protest abuses

A major international human rights body has called for Nigeria to adopt comprehensive, state-led rehabilitation for survivors of protest-related abuses, framing it as a legal obligation, not charity. This holistic support must include medical, psychosocial, legal, and economic aid to ensure accountability and prevent future violations, using frameworks like the Istanbul Protocol. Critically, survivor testimonies highlight that peaceful protest is a constitutional right requiring state protection, not obstruction, from law enforcement. The moment is ripe for Nigeria to institutionalize these practices,

General News

Shu’aibu hands over FOU Zone ‘A’ leadership to Comptroller Aliyu

In a seven-month tenure, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ demonstrated exceptional enforcement efficacy, seizing N10.1 billion in goods and recovering $419 million through rigorous compliance checks. The incoming leadership pledges to intensify this intelligence-driven, priority-focused strategy to curb smuggling and protect the national economy. A core emphasis remains on upholding professional integrity, discipline, and officer welfare as foundational to operational success. This seamless leadership transition underscores a commitment to sustained, high-impact performance in revenue generation

Elections

Bauchi governor refutes defection to PRP

Governor Bala Mohammed has firmly denied defecting from the PDP to the PRP, labeling such reports as entirely fabricated. His office asserts his continued leadership within the PDP while strategically reserving his inherent right to future political realignment, should it ever be necessary. The statement positions the governor as a stabilizing force for his party and warns supporters against misinformation that could jeopardize the state’s developmental progress. This public rebuttal serves to quell speculation, reinforce party loyalty, and discredit the sources of

Defence/Security

Security: Makinde vows to make Oyo uncomfortable for criminals

Oyo State is implementing an integrated security strategy that uniquely incorporates non-state actors and local government-led voluntary policing into its official architecture. This approach combines traditional military and police patrols with community-level initiatives to proactively secure key areas, including vulnerable border forests. The government’s commitment is to create a hostile environment for criminals through sustained collaboration across all societal sectors, ensuring comprehensive territorial control. This model presents a practical blueprint for regional security that leverages local partnerships to enhance state capacity.

Entertainment

Affordable films, grassroots cinema key to ending piracy – Film entrepreneur

To combat piracy and unlock Nollywood’s vast potential, industry leaders must abandon the current elitist, Hollywood-derived cinema model that prices out the masses. The sustainable solution is a grassroots, community-focused ecosystem built on affordable ticket pricing (e.g., ~N1,000), low-budget productions, and smaller-scale “cottage cinemas.” This people-driven approach prioritizes mass consumption and job creation, proving that high-impact films can empower local talent while achieving commercial viability through volume.

Defence/Security

COAS hails troops for swift role in safeguarding Benin’s democracy

The Nigerian Army’s 81 Division is commended for its rapid, effective mobilization to help thwart a recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, demonstrating its regional role in stabilizing West African democracy. The Army Chief highlights improved discipline and pledges sustained focus on soldier welfare, including housing and education, as foundational to operational readiness. This is reinforced by new infrastructure projects developed through corporate partnerships, signaling a model of military-civilian collaboration for institutional support. The address underscores that internal discipline, coupled with external stakeholder investment

Agriculture

FAO pledges support for resilient animal health systems

FAO is spearheading a coordinated, multi-partner initiative to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in West Africa by 2030, a critical goal given the disease’s severe threat to food security and rural economies. The strategy hinges on building resilient animal health systems through harmonized surveillance, national vaccination campaigns, and capacity building, as outlined in the Pan-African Strategy for 2023–2027. Success is deemed achievable but is entirely contingent upon sustained political commitment

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