Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Police Neutralise Explosive Planted by Suspected Bandits on Tsafe Road
Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties
Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties
Police operatives in Zamfara State have safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected bandits along a major road in Tsafe Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred along the Kunchin Kalgo axis, was confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to police authorities, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were swiftly deployed to the scene after credible intelligence was received from community members. The IED was discovered before it could detonate, and security personnel successfully neutralised the device without any reported casualties or disruption to traffic.
The command stated that preliminary investigations indicate the explosive was strategically placed to inflict harm on innocent commuters and other road users. “Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was strategically planted to cause mass casualties among innocent road users and commuters,” the command said in its statement.
Police attributed the timely discovery of the device to improved collaboration between security agencies and residents in Zamfara State. “Through the Command’s robust community engagement strategy, effective partnerships, and sustained networking with local community members, timely and credible information was received, enabling the operatives to respond swiftly and neutralise the threat before any harm could occur,” police authorities added.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Zamfara, part of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where banditry and attacks on travellers have persisted despite heightened security measures. The police command reiterated its call for continued vigilance and cooperation from residents to help prevent further attacks. Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted attack.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-defuse-bandits-explosive-on-zamfara-road/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nollywood Actress Toyin Adewale Recalls Mistaking Davido for Scammer in Lagos Encounter
Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016
Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016
“I WAS THERE WHEN DAVIDO CALLED MAYORKUN FOR THE FIRST TIME “ – Nollywood Actress, Toyin Adewale.
Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has revealed she first suspected music star Davido was a scammer when he reached out to her son, singer Mayorkun, via social media in Lagos. Adewale made the disclosure during a recent interview, recounting how the family’s doubts gave way after Davido personally contacted and later met with Mayorkun in 2016.
According to Adewale, neither she nor Mayorkun believed the direct message sent by Davido was genuine at first, suspecting an impersonator was trying to deceive them. “After the cover he did went viral, he was with his brother when Davido sent a message, but we thought it was a scammer. Davido later said he would call. I was there when Davido called him, and he was so excited he almost went crazy,” Adewale said during the interview.
Mayorkun, who had posted a cover of Davido’s song ‘The Money’, caught the attention of the award-winning artiste, leading to an invitation to meet in person. During their meeting, Davido reportedly praised Mayorkun’s talent, gifted him money and other items, and facilitated his signing to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). Shortly after, Mayorkun recorded his breakout single ‘Eleko’ under the label and moved into Davido’s residence alongside his brother.
Adewale described how her initial fears subsided after visiting her son’s new home. She commended Davido’s respectful demeanour and support for Mayorkun’s career growth. “When I got there, Davido was very pleasant and respectful,” she said. The partnership propelled Mayorkun from relative obscurity to mainstream success in Nigeria’s music industry.
Mayorkun remained signed to DMW from 2016 until 2021 before moving on to release subsequent albums under Sony Music West Africa. His achievements include winning the ‘Next Rated’ award at The Headies in 2018. The singer holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Waste Managers Threaten Service Suspension, Residents Fear Cholera Outbreak
Association cites delayed payments and unfavourable policies as traders lament impact on markets across South-West state
Association cites delayed payments and unfavourable policies as traders lament impact on markets across South-West state
Residents across Ogun State have expressed deep concern over a potential cholera outbreak following threats by waste management operators to halt refuse collection, citing poor working conditions and delays in government payments. The development emerged on Friday after the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria issued a warning over the growing risk to public health if their grievances remained unaddressed.
The association, through a statement signed by its Ogun State chairman, Pastor Jolaoluwa Emmanuel Gbenga, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration and the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) of introducing policies that have left many operators struggling to stay afloat. According to the group, contractors have only received between 25 and 50 percent of approved payments for waste management services, causing severe operational disruptions across the state.
The threat of service suspension has already sparked anxiety in markets and residential communities. Market traders complained that the stench from uncollected refuse has begun to deter customers, impacting daily sales and business activity. Many residents have urged government to intervene quickly and resolve the issues with waste managers in order to avert an environmental and health crisis amid the rainy season, when waterborne diseases like cholera are more likely to spread.
In their official communication, the waste managers said: “The ongoing delay in settling approved invoices has crippled our operations. Without urgent action from government, we may be forced to withdraw our services entirely.” The association called on Governor Abiodun to ensure prompt payment and review unfavourable policies affecting their members. Meanwhile, affected communities have started appealing directly to OGWAMA for swift resolution.
The Ogun State government is yet to issue a formal response as at press time. However, local health officials have warned that any prolonged disruption in waste evacuation could lead to increased disease outbreaks and environmental hazards across Abeokuta South, Ado-Odo/Ota, Sagamu and other LGAs. Stakeholders expect further dialogue between government representatives and waste operators in the coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
IMF Urges Abuja to Impose Fuel and Telecom Taxes, Projects ₦14trn Revenue Gain
Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels
Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of efforts to boost public revenue, according to its latest Article IV Consultation report released on Friday. The proposal, if adopted, could see higher fuel prices and increased costs for airtime and data across Nigeria.
The IMF’s recommendation comes as government faces mounting challenges in funding essential services, with the Fund projecting that a combination of new taxes and tighter enforcement could generate up to 4.6 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product—equivalent to nearly ₦14 trillion over three years at current GDP estimates. The report specifically mentioned raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate above the current 7.5 percent and closing loopholes that have allowed some sectors to underpay tax.
However, the IMF also cautioned that any move to increase levies should take into account Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels and widespread food insecurity. “Timing is critical; new taxes must not exacerbate hardship for vulnerable households,” the Fund noted in its assessment. It recommended that a functioning cash transfer system be established before any upward adjustment in fuel or telecom charges is implemented.
Past attempts by government to introduce similar taxes have been met with resistance. In 2022, stakeholders in the telecoms sector—including network operators and consumer groups—successfully opposed a planned five percent excise duty on call and data services. Labour unions have also pushed back against measures that would further raise pump prices after subsidy removal drove up transport and food costs nationwide.
The IMF said improved compliance with existing tax laws could be even more effective than introducing new levies, projecting an additional 3.1 percent of GDP from better enforcement alone. While Abuja has not yet signalled whether it will act on the latest advice, policy decisions in the coming months will likely face scrutiny from both economic experts and ordinary Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-recommends-fuel-telecom-taxes-nigeria-2026061411260816689
Nollywood Actress Toyin Adewale Recalls Mistaking Davido for Scammer in Lagos Encounter
Ogun Waste Managers Threaten Service Suspension, Residents Fear Cholera Outbreak
IMF Urges Abuja to Impose Fuel and Telecom Taxes, Projects ₦14trn Revenue Gain
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