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Nigeria News (Standard)

NITDA, Meta Launch Joint Initiative to Boost Online Safety for Nigerian Youths

Collaboration aims to address rising digital threats as online activity surges among young Nigerians nationwide

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Collaboration aims to address rising digital threats as online activity surges among young Nigerians nationwide

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered a partnership with global technology giant Meta to enhance online safety for youths across Nigeria. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 25 June, and is expected to focus on equipping young Nigerians with the skills and resources needed to navigate digital spaces securely.

Details of the collaboration were announced during a briefing in Abuja, where both NITDA and Meta representatives highlighted their commitment to tackling issues such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and data privacy breaches that affect youths on social media platforms. The agencies plan to roll out educational campaigns and digital literacy programmes targeting secondary schools and youth-led organisations in all six geopolitical zones.

This development comes amid growing concerns about the exposure of Nigerian youths to harmful content and online scams. With the increasing use of smartphones and social networking apps, incidents of cyber-related threats have surged nationwide. NITDA’s partnership with Meta is seen as a timely intervention to build resilience among the country’s large youth population, which constitutes over half of Nigeria’s estimated 220 million people.

According to officials at the event, the joint initiative will leverage Meta’s expertise in platform safety tools while NITDA will coordinate local outreach and policy advocacy. “We are committed to working closely with partners like Meta to ensure our young people can participate safely in the digital economy,” a NITDA spokesperson said at the briefing. Meta representatives emphasised their readiness to support local initiatives that promote safe online engagement.

The programme is expected to commence pilot activities within selected schools next quarter before expanding nationwide. Stakeholders have welcomed the move as a step towards empowering youths with critical knowledge for responsible internet use.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/890809-nitda-meta-partner-to-strengthen-youth-online-safety.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Osun Lawyer Petitions IGP Over Surge in Political Violence

Legal practitioner calls on police chief to intervene as political tensions heighten across South-West state

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Legal practitioner calls on police chief to intervene as political tensions heighten across South-West state

A legal practitioner in Osun State has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), raising alarm over rising incidents of political violence across the state. The petition, submitted on Thursday, comes amid mounting concerns from residents and stakeholders about the escalating tension within Osun’s political landscape.

According to details in the petition, the lawyer urged the police leadership to take swift action to curb attacks allegedly linked to rival party supporters. The petitioner argued that unchecked violence poses a threat to peace and stability in Osun State, especially as political activities intensify ahead of key events in the state’s calendar.

Political observers note that Osun, located in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone, has experienced several clashes between supporters of major parties in recent months. Stakeholders warn that if these incidents are not addressed, they could undermine democratic processes and discourage voters’ participation. Such concerns are particularly heightened given Osun’s history of closely contested elections and high voter engagement.

The lawyer’s petition called for immediate deployment of additional security personnel and proactive investigations into recent violent incidents. The petitioner appealed to the IGP to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that law enforcement agencies act impartially. As at press time, police authorities have yet to issue an official response regarding steps being taken or potential investigations.

With political activities expected to increase in coming months, residents and civil society groups are urging security agencies to prioritise conflict prevention measures. Many believe that sustained peace will be critical for safeguarding Osun’s democratic gains and ensuring free participation by all parties.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890811-lawyer-petitions-igp-over-escalating-political-violence-in-osun.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Peter Obi Files ₦8bn Defamation Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo in Abuja Court

Former Anambra governor seeks damages over alleged defamatory statements; legal action marks escalation within Labour Party ranks

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Former Anambra governor seeks damages over alleged defamatory statements; legal action marks escalation within Labour Party ranks

Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has filed an ₦8 billion defamation suit against Kenneth Okonkwo, a notable party figure, at an Abuja court. The lawsuit was officially lodged on Thursday, 25 June 2026, signalling a major legal escalation within the Labour Party’s national leadership.

According to court filings seen in Abuja, Obi is seeking damages over what he described as defamatory statements made by Okonkwo. The former governor claims that Okonkwo’s public remarks have injured his reputation and standing both within the party and among Nigerians at large. The specifics of the alleged defamatory statements were detailed in the suit but have not been made public at this time.

This legal action comes amid rising tensions within LP following last year’s general elections, where internal disagreements and public accusations have tested party unity. Observers say Obi’s move is significant given his status as a leading opposition figure and could impact ongoing efforts to reconcile factions inside the party.

Neither Peter Obi nor Kenneth Okonkwo has issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit as at press time. Efforts to reach representatives from both camps were unsuccessful. Legal experts note that high-value defamation suits between political figures are rare in Nigeria and could set a precedent for future intra-party disputes.

The case is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, with observers watching closely for its effect on Labour Party cohesion ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections. Further details will be provided as developments emerge from the court proceedings.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/890730-updated-peter-obi-finally-files-n8bn-lawsuit-against-kenneth-okonkwo-over-defamation.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Police Dismiss Bomb Attack Fears, Blame Vehicle Incident on Mechanical Fault

Command says forensic probe found no evidence of explosives or sabotage; reassures residents on public safety

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Command says forensic probe found no evidence of explosives or sabotage; reassures residents on public safety

The Lagos State Police Command has ruled out any bomb attack or criminal use of explosives in the recent vehicle-related explosion incident in Lagos, attributing the cause to mechanical failure. The announcement was made in a statement issued late Tuesday by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, and signed by SP Abimbola Adebisi.

According to the police, a thorough investigation including forensic and technical examinations revealed that the incident was not linked to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), terrorist activity, or any form of sabotage. The authorities said their findings showed no traces of explosives at the scene, putting to rest initial concerns raised by members of the public following reports of an explosion involving a vehicle within Lagos metropolis.

This development comes amid heightened security awareness in Lagos State and across the South-West region, where residents have expressed anxiety over similar incidents in recent months. The Command’s swift response and transparent communication were aimed at preventing misinformation and public panic.

“The investigation conclusively established that the incident was not caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), terrorist activity, sabotage or any form of criminal use of explosives,” the police statement said. The Command further explained that all available evidence pointed to mechanical failure as the sole reason for the explosion.

While assuring Lagosians of their safety, the police advised members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate tension. The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across all local government areas in Lagos State, urging residents to promptly report suspicious activities through official channels.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/lagos-police-rule-out-bomb-attack-attribute-vehicle-incident-to-mechanical-failure/

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