Nigeria News (Standard)
PDP Faction in Gombe Disowns Pantami, Announces Alternative Governorship Candidate
Party chieftains reject Isa Pantami’s reported candidacy, declare fresh nominee ahead of 2026 governorship poll
Party chieftains reject Isa Pantami’s reported candidacy, declare fresh nominee ahead of 2026 governorship poll
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has publicly disowned former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, distancing itself from reports suggesting his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate. The announcement was made on Thursday in Gombe, as the group declared support for a different candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The development comes amid mounting speculation about Pantami’s political ambitions in Gombe, with some party stakeholders previously touting him as a potential PDP flagbearer. However, the faction clarified that it does not recognise Pantami’s candidacy and has instead selected an alternative nominee whose name was not disclosed at the time of the announcement.
This internal rift highlights ongoing tensions within the PDP in Gombe State, North-East Nigeria, as party members jostle for influence and control ahead of the forthcoming polls. The struggle over the governorship ticket is seen by analysts as a test of strength between established politicians and newer entrants seeking to reshape party dynamics.
Party leaders who addressed journalists insisted that the process leading to Pantami’s purported selection did not follow due process and lacked input from critical stakeholders. “We want to state categorically that Isa Pantami is not our candidate,” a party official said at Thursday’s briefing. The group stressed its commitment to unity and transparency in selecting candidates for all elective offices.
With this latest move, attention now shifts to how national PDP leadership will respond to the division within its Gombe chapter and whether reconciliation efforts will be made before official campaigns commence later this year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos: Mr Ibu’s Family Faces Hardship as Three Children Withdraw from School Two Years After Actor’s Death
Content creator King Mitchy appeals for public support as Okafor family endures weeks without electricity or clean water
Content creator King Mitchy appeals for public support as Okafor family endures weeks without electricity or clean water
The family of late Nollywood comic actor, John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, is facing severe hardship in Lagos State, with three of his youngest children reportedly forced to stop schooling due to financial constraints. The situation was made public on Tuesday by content creator Mitchel Ihueze, also known as King Mitchy, who visited the Okafor family and revealed details of their living conditions.
According to King Mitchy, the Okafor household has been struggling without access to electricity or clean water for about two weeks. The family’s dire situation has worsened since Mr Ibu’s passing in 2024 at the age of 62 following a cardiac arrest. King Mitchy stated that the late actor’s daughter, aged 14, and two sons aged 12 and 10 have all withdrawn from school because their mother cannot afford to pay their tuition fees.
Mr Ibu was celebrated across Nigeria for his comedic roles in Nollywood films that brought laughter to millions of homes. His death in 2024 drew widespread tributes from fans and colleagues alike. However, since his demise, the welfare of his immediate family has deteriorated, highlighting the precarious situation that can befall the families of public figures after their deaths.
King Mitchy described her visit to the Okafors as distressing and called on well-meaning Nigerians to intervene by supporting the family financially. She emphasised that Mr Ibu’s legacy should not end in neglect, stating: “This is the family of a legend. Not just anybody. I don’t know for you, but for me Mr Ibu made my childhood fun. Him and Aki and Paw Paw now that he is gone his family should not be suffering. We are donating for the children to go back to school and for their house rent to be paid.”
As at press time, there has been no official response from industry associations or government agencies regarding potential support for the Okafor family. King Mitchy has launched a public appeal on social media seeking donations to help pay outstanding rent and cover school fees for the children. The situation raises renewed concerns about welfare provisions for entertainers’ families in Nigeria after their passing.
Nigeria News (Standard)
AATF Trains 500 Cassava Processors in Oyo to Boost 20% Wheat Flour Substitution Policy
Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion
Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), working with master bakers, has trained over 500 cassava processors in Fasola, Oyo State, as part of renewed efforts to implement Nigeria’s policy of substituting up to 20 per cent of wheat flour with high-quality cassava flour in bread production. The training session took place recently in the South-West state, gathering processors from across the region.
Participants received practical instruction on producing a range of cassava-based baked goods, including white bread, coconut bread, fruit bread and various pastries. According to organisers, the initiative is intended to empower local processors and bakers with the technical know-how needed to meet growing demand for cassava flour blends in the bakery industry.
Nigeria’s 20 per cent cassava flour substitution policy was introduced under former President Goodluck Jonathan as a strategy to reduce dependence on imported wheat and strengthen local agriculture. Stakeholders have argued that successful implementation will not only lower Nigeria’s annual wheat import bill—which runs into hundreds of millions of naira—but also drive agro-industrial growth, generate jobs in rural areas and boost value addition along the cassava value chain.
Officials from AATF explained during the event that supporting processors with updated skills is critical for realising government’s vision. “By equipping these processors, we are directly supporting federal policy while empowering communities,” one organiser said at the training. Master bakers involved added that wider adoption could make bread more affordable for Nigerians by reducing costs tied to imported wheat.
With Nigeria still among Africa’s top consumers of wheat-based products, experts say expanding local sourcing is vital for food security and economic diversification. Government has indicated plans to further scale such capacity-building programmes nationwide as it seeks greater self-sufficiency in staple foods.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kano’s Shawall Barau Jibrin Leads Barau FC to Eighth-Place NPFL Finish and Kano FA Cup Triumph
Club president clinched Sports and Wellness award as Barau FC exceeded expectations in maiden Nigeria Premier Football League campaign
Club president clinched Sports and Wellness award as Barau FC exceeded expectations in maiden Nigeria Premier Football League campaign
Barau Football Club, under the guidance of its president, Alhaji Shawall Barau Jibrin, recorded an impressive eighth-place finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season and secured the Kano FA Cup, marking a period of remarkable progress for the Kano-based side. The club’s achievements have brought renewed recognition to Jibrin, who emerged as winner of the Sports and Wellness category at the CEOs Network Africa Awards held in December 2025.
Barau FC’s rise has been swift, with the team making its NPFL debut this season and surpassing expectations by not only finishing in the top half of the league table but also claiming silverware at state level. The club’s upward trajectory coincided with Jibrin being named youngest club president in the league, a feat acknowledged by stakeholders across Nigerian football.
According to organisers of the CEOs Network Africa Awards, Jibrin was honoured for his growing influence in sports administration, youth development, and community engagement. His leadership has been credited with transforming Barau FC from lower division contenders into an NPFL side within a short period. The club’s recent performances have been described by observers as evidence of focused investment and effective management.
Since receiving his award, Jibrin has continued to steer Barau FC towards greater ambitions. “This recognition is not just for me but for everyone at Barau FC who has worked tirelessly to put Kano on the national football map,” he said after receiving his award last December.
Football analysts say Barau FC’s success is significant for northern clubs competing in Nigeria’s top-flight league and demonstrates how robust leadership can drive grassroots football development. As attention shifts towards preparations for the next NPFL season, supporters are hopeful that Barau FC will continue its positive run under Jibrin’s stewardship.
Lagos: Mr Ibu’s Family Faces Hardship as Three Children Withdraw from School Two Years After Actor’s Death
AATF Trains 500 Cassava Processors in Oyo to Boost 20% Wheat Flour Substitution Policy
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Kano’s Shawall Barau Jibrin Leads Barau FC to Eighth-Place NPFL Finish and Kano FA Cup Triumph
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