Watch LIVE
Watch LIVE
Home Blog Page 3

Reps Member Quits PDP, Cites Loss Of Direction Amid Growing Party Crisis

ADBN News
-
0
Reps Member Quits PDP, Cites Loss Of Direction Amid Growing Party Crisis

Political instability within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Monday as Hon. Sadiq Abdullahi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, announced his resignation from the party.

Abdullahi, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), attributed his decision to the PDP’s “persistent internal conflicts” and what he described as a “loss of direction,” saying the infighting had undermined his ability to effectively serve his constituents.

“The persistent internal conflicts and factionalisation within the PDP, which have culminated in a prolonged party crisis, are adversely affecting my ability to effectively represent my constituency and perform my duties optimally,” Abdullahi stated in his resignation letter addressed to his ward chairman.

He said his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was motivated by a desire to sustain “purposeful, inclusive, and effective representation” for his constituents beyond partisan divisions.

“I wish to sincerely thank the PDP for the privilege and opportunity to serve under its platform. The support, trust, and experiences I have gained during my time with the party have been invaluable,” he added.

Abdullahi’s exit came just hours after the resignation of former National Secretary, S.K.E. Udeh Okoye, further exposing cracks within the opposition party’s leadership.

The twin resignations reflect growing dissatisfaction among PDP members over the party’s internal leadership crisis and its strategic direction ahead of the next election cycle.

FG To Disburse ₦6.3bn Interest-Free Loans To 21,000 Flood Victims

ADBN News
-
0
FG To Disburse ₦6.3bn Interest-Free Loans To 21,000 Flood Victims

The Federal Government has announced plans to disburse ₦6.3 billion in interest-free loans to 21,000 Nigerians affected by recent flood disasters across the country.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a roundtable event marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Sununu said the initiative aims to cushion the impact of flooding and boost food security across affected communities.

“In the next few weeks, 21,000 Nigerians will receive interest-free, collateral-free loans of ₦300,000 each,” he stated. “This intervention is designed to support farmers and strengthen communities affected by flooding.”

He added that through the National Social Investment Programme, the Federal Government has reached over 8.1 million households with more than ₦300 billion in Conditional Cash Transfers. “This support has improved the resilience, health, and education of many vulnerable households. The process will continue under the Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” he said.

Sununu also unveiled a plan to empower internally displaced persons (IDPs) through an agricultural scheme that guarantees a market for their produce. “Under our new collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, IDPs will retain 30% of their produce while the government will off-take 70%, providing direct cash payments to the participants,” he explained.

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, highlighted the increasing risks of climate-related disasters in Nigeria and called for a proactive shift in disaster management.

Umar announced the launch of two new policy frameworks — the NEMA Strategic Plan (2025–2029) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025–2030) — to guide preparedness and resilience efforts. “These frameworks promote innovation in financing, institutional collaboration, and risk-informed development,” she said.

She also revealed that NEMA is developing a National Risk Monitoring and Information Platform to enhance early warning and data-driven decision-making, while advocating for innovative funding options such as catastrophe bonds, climate funds, and blended finance models to sustain disaster response efforts.

The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, lawmakers, and international development partners.

According to NEMA’s 2025 Flood Dashboard, as of October 10, floods have claimed 238 lives, displaced 135,764 people, and affected over 409,000 others nationwide, with 826 injured and 115 still missing.

Trump Declares ‘End of the Age of Terror’ as Israel-Hamas Peace Deal Ushers In ‘New Middle East’

ADBN News
-
0
Trump Declares ‘End of the Age of Terror’ as Israel-Hamas Peace Deal Ushers In ‘New Middle East’

United States President Donald Trump has hailed the landmark Israel-Hamas peace agreement as “the end of the age of terror,” describing it as a defining moment that ushers in “a new Middle East.”

Addressing the Israeli Knesset on Monday, Trump said the deal marked the close of years of bloodshed and the dawn of a new era of faith, hope, and unity in the region.

“This is not only the end of a war,” he declared, “this is the end of the age of terror and death the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God.”

Trump praised Israel’s perseverance and the cooperation of Arab and Muslim nations that facilitated the truce. “This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” he said. “I convey my tremendous appreciation to all nations of the Arab and Muslim world that came together to press Hamas to set the hostages free and to send them home.”

Describing the breakthrough as a global victory, Trump said, “It’s an incredible triumph for Israel and for the world to have all these nations working together as partners in peace. It’s pretty unusual to see, but it happened in this case.”

The U.S. president lauded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “a man of exceptional courage and patriotism whose partnership made this momentous day possible.”

Reflecting on the human cost of the conflict, Trump noted that 20 hostages had been freed and 28 others returned home for burial. “After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, they are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,” he said.

Trump credited the U.S. and its allies with helping to dismantle terrorist networks and neutralise threats across the region. “The forces of chaos, terror, and ruin that have plagued the Middle East for decades now stand weakened, isolated, and totally defeated,” he said.

He also confirmed that U.S.-led airstrikes had destroyed key components of Iran’s nuclear programme. “We dropped 14 bombs on Iran’s key nuclear facilities,” Trump revealed. “Together, we stopped the number one state sponsor of terror from obtaining the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

Trump emphasised that Israel’s military successes had paved the way for sustainable peace. “With this week’s ceasefire, we’ve achieved the most challenging breakthrough of them all. People are dancing in the streets not just in Israel, but across nations that never imagined celebrating peace together,” he said.

He urged Palestinians to seize the opportunity for reconciliation. “This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence,” Trump declared. “Now is the time to build their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down.”

Concluding his speech, Trump called the moment “the golden age of Israel and the golden age of the Middle East,” adding, “Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment everything began to change and change for the better.”

University of Ibadan Joins ASUU’s Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

ADBN News
-
0
University of Ibadan Joins ASUU’s Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

The University of Ibadan (UI) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the union’s two-week nationwide warning strike, effectively shutting down all academic and administrative activities on campus.

Checks across the campus on Monday revealed that lecture halls and offices were locked, while the movement of students and vehicles was drastically reduced as the strike directive took full effect.

Students, who had been notified in advance, largely stayed indoors as the institution adjusted to the disruption.

Confirming the development, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, Chairman of ASUU’s UI chapter, said the strike commenced at midnight on Sunday and would continue until further notice from the national leadership.

“There is full compliance with the directive from our national body,” Afolabi stated. “The warning strike commenced at midnight on Sunday and will continue until we receive further instructions from the union.”

He added that the chapter’s monitoring team was touring faculties and departments to ensure total compliance, noting that “no academic or related activity is taking place on campus at the moment.”

The national body of ASUU had on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities, citing the Federal Government’s failure to meet its long-standing demands.

ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the decision during a press briefing at the University of Abuja, stressing that the union had exhausted all avenues for dialogue.

“It goes without saying that there is nothing sufficient on the ground to stop the implementation of ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike,” Piwuna said. “Consequently, all branches are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting.”

Israel To Deport Nigerian Involved In Gaza Aid Flotilla, Calls Mission ‘Publicity Stunt’

ADBN News
-
0
Israel To Deport Nigerian Involved In Gaza Aid Flotilla, Calls Mission ‘Publicity Stunt’

Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has confirmed that a Nigerian national who participated in a recent Gaza-bound flotilla will be deported, describing the voyage as a “public relations stunt” rather than a genuine humanitarian mission.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Freeman said the flotilla’s organisers were not focused on providing relief to Palestinians but on tarnishing Israel’s image.

“Regarding the Nigerian, the Nigerian will be deported soon,” he stated. “He was part of this flotilla that was a publicity stunt. These people pretended to be bringing aid when the Pope himself intervened and said, ‘Please pass the aid to Israel, and Israel will guarantee it goes into Gaza.’ They refused.”

Freeman maintained that Israel remains open to facilitating the safe transfer of humanitarian supplies through official and verified channels.

“They’re not interested in transferring any aid,” he said. “When the flotilla was intercepted and we boarded the boats, there was virtually no aid on board whatsoever. This was all about selfies, a PR stunt, and trying to demonise Israel — nothing to do with helping the Palestinians.”

The ambassador added that hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian supplies currently enter Gaza daily through authorised routes to ensure assistance reaches civilians in need.

“Today, hundreds of trucks of aid are making their way into Gaza to reach the Palestinian people — not some PR stunt by people who’ve got nothing better to do,” he said.

The flotilla incident, which has drawn international attention, is the latest in a series of activist-led maritime attempts to breach the Gaza blockade. Israeli authorities insist such missions undermine legitimate humanitarian efforts and risk escalating tensions, even as they reaffirm continued cooperation with global partners to ensure aid delivery to Gaza.

Macron Rejects Resignation Calls, Vows To Lead France Through Political Turmoil

ADBN News
-
0
Macron Rejects Resignation Calls, Vows To Lead France Through Political Turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed growing opposition calls for his resignation, pledging instead to stay in office and steer France through what analysts describe as its most severe political crisis in decades.

Speaking during a visit to Egypt on Monday, Macron reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional mandate and ensuring national stability, just days after reappointing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to lead his government.

“Never forget that the mandate given by the French people is to serve, to serve and serve,” Macron said. “To provide answers to the questions of everyday French people, and to do everything possible for the independence of France.”

The president, whose second and final term ends in 2027, dismissed speculation about an early exit from office, emphasizing that his focus remains on governance and unity.

“That is the only thing that matters. The rest is the government’s business… I will continue to ensure stability,” he stated.

Opposition figures have called for snap elections in response to weeks of political unrest and widespread public dissatisfaction. However, Macron’s comments from Cairo underscore his determination to complete his term and navigate France through its ongoing political and economic challenges.

Hamas Releases Final 13 Hostages, Completes Handover of All 20 Israelis Under Ceasefire Deal

ADBN News
-
0
Hamas Releases Final 13 Hostages, Completes Handover of All 20 Israelis Under Ceasefire Deal

Hamas on Monday released the remaining 13 Israeli hostages, completing the handover of all 20 captives under a US-brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement aimed at ending two years of war in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the final transfer, hours after receiving the earlier group of seven hostages. The development triggered emotional celebrations in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where families and supporters waved flags and embraced as the names of the freed hostages were announced.

“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment,” said Viki Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she travelled to the Reim military base to reunite with her son.

As part of the deal, Israel simultaneously released several Palestinian prisoners, with buses carrying them into Gaza on Monday. The truce, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, is being hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough and a turning point in efforts to end hostilities.

Speaking in Jerusalem, President Trump described the moment as “a great day” and “a new beginning,” adding when asked about the status of the war, “Yes, it’s over.”

The coordinated exchange marks the most significant progress under the ceasefire agreement reached in Cairo last week, as world leaders prepare to convene a peace and reconstruction summit for Gaza.

Two years of conflict have left the enclave devastated, with widespread displacement and immense civilian suffering. Monday’s final release has renewed hope that a sustained peace may finally be within reach.

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2026 World Cup African Play-Off Tournament

ADBN News
-
0
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2026 World Cup African Play-Off Tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Morocco will host the decisive African play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for November 2025.

The mini-tournament will decide which African nation claims the continent’s final qualifying spot for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In a statement signed by Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, the body announced that the semi-finals will be played on 13 November 2025, with the final set for 16 November 2025.

Morocco, which will also host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, was chosen for its proven capacity to deliver high-profile international events.

The play-off will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, determined after the final round of group matches in mid-October 2025.

CAF also confirmed that the FIFA World Rankings of 23 October 2025 will be used to determine the seeding for the semi-final draw. According to the format, the highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, while the second-ranked team meets the third.

The two semi-final winners will advance to the final, where the victor will earn Africa’s last ticket to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026.

Competition for the slot is expected to be intense, with countries such as Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar among the potential contenders.

The winner of the Moroccan tournament will proceed to face an opponent from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF, with the eventual victor booking Africa’s 10th and final place at the 2026 World Cup.

For many nations, the Moroccan play-off represents a final opportunity for redemption and glory, and a chance to secure their place on football’s grandest stage.

Falana Defends Workers’ Right to Unionise, Strike

ADBN News
-
0
Falana Defends Workers’ Right to Unionise, Strike

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has reaffirmed that Nigerian workers have a constitutional and international right to unionise and embark on strike actions when necessary.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Falana described recent attempts to discredit labour unions as “legally baseless and morally irresponsible.”

Citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, he said workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are fully protected under the law.

Falana’s remarks follow a recent standoff between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-labour practices, which triggered a nationwide strike threat before government intervention.

“The two strikes were avoidable,” Falana said. “When workers are forced to strike over issues settled since the colonial era, the blame lies with the government.”

He stressed that unions have been part of Nigeria’s history since 1912 and dismissed claims that organised labour threatens national security or economic stability.

“What happened was that some workers were sacked and redeployed. By law, once you are a junior employee, you are automatically entitled to union representation,” he clarified.

Falana noted that strikes often occur because employers and the government fail to negotiate in good faith, adding that “strikes are the last resort when workers’ rights are disrespected—it’s not about sabotage, it’s about justice.”

Responding to claims that union leaders exploit their positions, he said: “I don’t know any union leader who is a billionaire. Unions like PENGASSAN and NUPENG are responsible bodies that only strike after exhausting all legal channels.”

He urged both government and employers to see unions as partners in national development, not enemies.

“To allow unionisation is to engage meaningfully with workers. They are stakeholders whose labour sustains the economy,” he said.

Falana concluded that labour rights are integral to Nigeria’s democracy and cannot be suppressed.

“It is too late in the day to say there should be no unions in Nigeria. Labour rights are not mere formalities—they are constitutional guarantees,” he declared.

Nigeria Tops Medal Table at 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship

ADBN News
-
0
Nigeria Tops Medal Table at 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship

Team Nigeria has emerged overall winner at the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship, which concluded in Umuahia, Abia State.

Nigerian athletes dominated the competition, clinching 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze medals, making a total of 36 medals across various categories.

Kenya placed second with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze), while Egypt finished third with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze). Benin Republic secured the fourth position with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze, and the Democratic Republic of Congo ranked fifth with 1 gold and 2 bronze medals.

At the closing ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti commended the athletes, officials, and delegates for their outstanding performance. Represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Otti praised the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) for their partnership and professionalism, noting that their collaboration contributed significantly to the success of the event.

The Director of Sports in Abia State, Mr. Obioma George, described the championship as the first of its kind, lauding Team Nigeria’s exceptional outing. He attributed the victory to Governor Otti’s support and commitment to sports development, adding that Abia has now earned recognition as the home of Para Badminton in Nigeria.

George highlighted a major milestone in the women’s wheelchair singles event, where a Nigerian player from Abia dethroned the reigning Egyptian world champion.

He further revealed that Abia State has been approved to host the tournament again in 2026, with the National Sports Commission endorsing the state as the permanent host of Para Badminton in Nigeria.

The two-week championship featured top Para Badminton athletes from 12 African countries, showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship across all events.

INEC Pledges Inclusive Election for Persons With Disabilities in Anambra

ADBN News
-
0
INEC Pledges Inclusive Election for Persons With Disabilities in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a disability-inclusive governorship election in Anambra State.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement on preparedness for a disability-inclusive election, held in Awka. The event, organised by TAF Africa, brought together representatives of the Police, Civil Defence, Civil Society Organisations, and the media to review provisions of the Electoral Act regarding the participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Dr. Agwu said the Commission is ensuring that persons with disabilities participate not only as voters but also as electoral officials in the forthcoming poll.

She revealed that all non-sensitive election materials have been deployed to local government areas across the state and that INEC will provide assistive tools such as Braille ballot guides for the visually impaired, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, and Form EC30E for voters with hearing impairments.

“There will be no hitches. We have alternative networks and backups that ensure a smooth process, and I am under no pressure to deliver for anybody,” Dr. Agwu stated.

The REC identified voter apathy as the greatest threat to the exercise and urged Anambra residents to turn out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice.

The Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, disclosed that the organisation will deploy 150 persons with disabilities as election observers and 25 sign language interpreters in areas with high numbers of hearing-impaired voters.

According to him, PWDs are entitled to priority voting, which allows them to cast their ballots as soon as they arrive at polling units.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, assured of adequate security, noting that personnel have been trained to give special attention to voters with disabilities.

“Restriction of movement during election is a security strategy, not a punishment. We advise voters to move closer to their polling areas before election day,” Ikenga said.

Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) representative, Mr. Edwin Okadigbo, said the command had activated a PWD Desk Office to protect persons with special needs from intimidation or discrimination during the election.

In his remarks, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra, commended INEC for its inclusive approach and urged the media to provide timely and accurate information to counter fake news and misinformation ahead of the polls.

1234...504Page 3 of 504

Company

More

Our Programs

Copyright © Advocate Broadcasting Network 2024. All Rights Reserved