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Nigeria News (Standard)

Osun Athlete Coach Dreh Launches 226km Triathlon Across South-West States

Dare Samuel Akinrodoye set to swim, cycle, and run from Osun to Lagos; event aims to test physical and mental endurance

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Dare Samuel Akinrodoye set to swim, cycle, and run from Osun to Lagos; event aims to test physical and mental endurance

Nigerian endurance athlete Dare Samuel Akinrodoye, popularly known as Coach Dreh, will undertake a gruelling 226-kilometre triathlon traversing Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states on September 27, 2026. Organisers said the event, tagged ‘The 226 Challenge’, is designed to push the boundaries of physical strength and mental resilience among Nigerian athletes.

The challenge will commence at Owala Lake in Osun State with a 3.8-kilometre swim. From there, Coach Dreh will embark on a 180-kilometre cycling segment through Osun, Oyo, Ogun and conclude in Lagos State. The final leg involves a full marathon run of 42 kilometres to complete the total distance. According to organisers, this route was mapped out to highlight the diverse terrain of South-West Nigeria and inspire more participation in endurance sports.

The event marks one of the most ambitious individual triathlons attempted by a Nigerian athlete across multiple states. Stakeholders in the sporting sector say such challenges are important for developing local interest in endurance competitions and showcasing Nigerian talent on a global stage. With growing attention on triathlon events worldwide, observers believe this effort could lay groundwork for future international representation by Nigerian athletes.

Organisers emphasised that ‘The 226 Challenge’ is not just about personal achievement but also aims to promote fitness culture and healthy living among Nigerians. They said logistics and safety arrangements have been put in place along all four states’ routes. At the time of reporting, government sports agencies had not issued an official statement regarding support for the event.

Coach Dreh’s journey is expected to draw attention from sports enthusiasts across the country as preparations continue ahead of the September event.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/nigerian-athlete-coach-dreh-to-swim-cycle-run-226km-across-four-states/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

EFCC Screens Delta Head of Service, Audits State Payroll in Fresh Crackdown on Ghost Workers

Dr. Mininim Oseji confirms anti-graft agency’s visit during Civil Service Week as nationwide probe targets payroll fraud

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June 22, 2026

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Dr. Mininim Oseji confirms anti-graft agency’s visit during Civil Service Week as nationwide probe targets payroll fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a comprehensive screening exercise targeting the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, and key officials across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as part of efforts to expose ghost workers and strengthen the integrity of the state’s civil service payroll. The verification, which began this week in Asaba, comes amid a broader national move against payroll irregularities in public service.

According to Dr. Oseji, who spoke at a press briefing in Asaba on Monday marking the 2026 Civil Service Week themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results”, EFCC operatives visited government offices to scrutinise payroll records, nominal rolls and other employment documents. The exercise is part of a series of checks being conducted in several states to uncover fraudulent salary payments and ensure only legitimate workers are paid by government.

The screening is seen as a response to longstanding concerns about ghost workers—non-existent employees who remain on public payrolls—costing states billions of naira each year. The EFCC’s intervention follows repeated calls from financial experts and anti-corruption groups for stronger oversight of state wage bills. Delta State, like many others in the South-South zone, has faced scrutiny over its personnel management practices and fiscal discipline.

“The EFCC informed us that it is a nationwide exercise with legal backing to investigate suspected financial irregularities within state administrations,” Dr. Oseji stated during the event. She emphasised that Delta government was cooperating fully with federal authorities to guarantee transparency and restore public confidence in the civil service system. No specific figures were disclosed regarding any ghost workers identified so far.

The outcome of the audit will determine whether further disciplinary or legal actions will be taken against culpable officials or if additional reforms are required within Delta’s MDAs. Observers say the ongoing probe could prompt similar crackdowns in other states if significant payroll fraud is uncovered. The EFCC is expected to release preliminary findings once the verification process concludes.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/efcc-screens-delta-head-of-service-audits-payroll-in-crackdown-on-ghost-workers/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ex-Oyo Police Commissioner Warns State Police May Fail Without NPF Reforms

Dr. Sybil Akinfenwa urges policymakers to tackle structural issues in Nigeria Police Force before establishing state commands

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June 22, 2026

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Dr. Sybil Akinfenwa urges policymakers to tackle structural issues in Nigeria Police Force before establishing state commands

A former Commissioner of Police and current lecturer at Lead City University, Ibadan, Dr. Sybil Olufunmilayo Akinfenwa, has cautioned that the planned creation of state police could fail if fundamental challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are not addressed first. She made this statement on Saturday during the Tea and Truth media programme organised by Ibadan 360 Production in Bodija, Oyo State.

Dr. Akinfenwa explained that while many stakeholders are calling for state police as a solution to Nigeria’s worsening security situation, it is critical to examine and resolve longstanding operational and structural weaknesses within the NPF. She warned that unless these systemic issues are tackled, state police could simply inherit the same problems that have limited the effectiveness of the federal force.

“We must look at what makes the Nigeria Police Force fail. We should ensure that what affected the NPF does not affect state police so that the same issues do not come up again,” Dr. Akinfenwa said during her remarks at the event.

She added that advocates of state police might not fully grasp the realities and day-to-day challenges confronting law enforcement agencies across Nigeria. According to her, replicating existing structures without genuine reform would likely lead to recurring failures in policing at all levels.

The push for state police has intensified in recent months amid rising insecurity across multiple regions, with many political leaders urging constitutional amendments to enable state governments to establish their own commands. However, concerns remain over funding, political interference, and capacity constraints. Dr. Akinfenwa’s intervention highlights growing calls among security experts for a holistic review of policing in Nigeria before any major restructuring is implemented.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/state-police-may-fail-without-addressing-npfs-challenges-ex-cp-warns/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NCDC Updates Lassa Fever Fatality Rate to 19.3% as Outbreak Spreads to 23 States

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control urges heightened vigilance as confirmed cases and deaths rise across multiple regions

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June 22, 2026

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Nigeria Centre for Disease Control urges heightened vigilance as confirmed cases and deaths rise across multiple regions

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has revised the national fatality rate for the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak to 19.3 percent, following a surge in confirmed cases and deaths reported across 23 states. The update, released on Monday, highlights the continued spread of the disease and raises fresh concerns about public health preparedness nationwide.

According to the latest NCDC situation report, the current outbreak has affected a wide range of states, with both rural and urban communities experiencing infections. The agency stated that the increased fatality rate reflects recent data showing a rise in both suspected and laboratory-confirmed cases, as well as associated deaths. The NCDC did not specify the total number of new infections or fatalities in its latest update.

Lassa fever is endemic in several parts of Nigeria, particularly during the dry season, but this year’s outbreak is notable for its reach across nearly two dozen states spanning multiple geopolitical zones. Health officials say this development underscores persistent gaps in surveillance and early detection at the local government level, as well as challenges facing overstretched health workers in responding swiftly to suspected cases.

The NCDC has advised all state ministries of health to intensify case finding, strengthen infection prevention measures at healthcare facilities, and ensure public awareness campaigns reach vulnerable communities. The agency also called for improved coordination among federal and state stakeholders to support rapid response teams deployed to affected areas.

With reports indicating that more states could record new cases in coming weeks, health authorities are urging Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene practices and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache or bleeding. The NCDC said it will continue monitoring the situation closely and provide regular updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/889810-ncdc-updates-lassa-fever-death-rate-to-19-3-as-outbreak-reaches-23-states.html

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