Nigeria News (Standard)
State Assembly Speakers Back Passage of State Police Bill, Vow Rigorous Scrutiny
Conference of Speakers welcomes National Assembly move, pledges detailed review before state-level adoption
Conference of Speakers welcomes National Assembly move, pledges detailed review before state-level adoption
The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has commended the National Assembly for passing the bill to establish state police, promising to conduct a comprehensive review before ratifying the legislation at state level. The statement was made on Friday following a meeting held by the speakers’ forum in Abuja.
The group, representing all 36 states, described the passage as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle security challenges and decentralise policing. The bill, which seeks to amend the constitution to allow for creation of state police forces, was approved by both chambers of the National Assembly earlier this week and now awaits endorsement from at least two-thirds of state legislatures.
State police has long been a contentious topic in Nigeria’s political space, with advocates arguing it will empower states to respond more effectively to local security threats. Opponents have raised concerns about possible abuse by state governments and implications for national unity. The Conference of Speakers said their members would subject the bill to thorough scrutiny during legislative processes across all states.
“We recognise the importance of this bill for our country’s security architecture,” said the forum in its official statement after Friday’s meeting. “However, we will ensure that all necessary checks and balances are considered before giving our final approval.” No opposition party reactions were immediately available as at press time.
If ratified by two-thirds of state assemblies, the bill will proceed to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Its implementation could see Nigeria join other federal countries with subnational police structures, potentially reshaping how law enforcement operates nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Rescue Eight Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle in Plateau’s Pandam Forest
Operation ENDURING PEACE hails community support as soldiers pursue fleeing abductors in Qua’an Pan LGA
Operation ENDURING PEACE hails community support as soldiers pursue fleeing abductors in Qua’an Pan LGA
Troops attached to Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued eight persons abducted by suspected kidnappers during a midnight operation in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The military confirmed the rescue on Friday, stating that the operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, 24 June, after receiving credible intelligence about kidnappers’ activities in the area.
According to Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, troops stationed in Namu Town launched a coordinated offensive at about 3:00 a.m. Upon entering the forest, the soldiers encountered armed resistance from the suspects. In the ensuing gun battle, three victims managed to escape from captivity. The troops continued combing the dense forest and subsequently discovered five more kidnapped individuals, bringing the total number rescued to eight.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security concern across Plateau and neighbouring North-Central states, with many incidents occurring in remote forested areas. Security agencies have intensified operations in recent months to dismantle criminal hideouts and free hostages held by armed groups.
Captain Oteh said all rescued victims are safe and efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. He also disclosed that troops are currently pursuing the fleeing kidnappers through ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. “This successful operation has been highly applauded by members of the local communities, who indicated willingness to continue to provide useful information to ensure the arrest of the kidnappers,” he stated in a written statement.
Community leaders in Qua’an Pan LGA have commended the swift response by security forces and pledged continued support through intelligence sharing. Operation ENDURING PEACE called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to authorities as part of ongoing efforts to restore security across Plateau State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Digital Platforms Transform Small Business Operations, Boost Transparency and Efficiency
Service marketplaces in Lagos and other cities improve access to home repairs, events, and waste management for SMEs and consumers
Service marketplaces in Lagos and other cities improve access to home repairs, events, and waste management for SMEs and consumers
Digital service marketplaces are now reshaping the way small businesses operate in Lagos and other major cities, offering greater transparency, trust, and efficiency across sectors such as home repairs, events planning, and waste management. The development comes as service providers and consumers alike seek reliable options in an industry long plagued by price uncertainty and inconsistent quality.
Residents like Chidi Okonkwo in Lekki have faced challenges sourcing trusted technicians for urgent repairs. Okonkwo recounted spending hours searching for a plumber after a burst pipe incident in March, only to be met with disconnected numbers, fluctuating prices, and unfulfilled appointments. His experience mirrors that of many Lagosians who often turn to informal networks or social media groups to find service providers—sometimes at higher costs than market rates.
The rise of digital platforms is addressing these issues by centralising listings, standardising pricing information, and offering verified reviews. This shift is making it easier for small business owners to connect with new clients while building reputational capital based on customer feedback. For consumers, the platforms provide a layer of accountability that was previously lacking in the fragmented local service sector.
Industry observers note that the adoption of digital marketplaces is not limited to Nigeria. Similar trends are emerging across Africa, Europe, and North America as businesses leverage technology to streamline operations and improve service delivery. In Lagos specifically, stakeholders in the home services and waste management space have welcomed the move towards more structured online engagement but caution that regulatory oversight will be needed to sustain trust.
With digital transformation accelerating in Nigeria’s SME sector, experts predict continued growth for online service marketplaces. As more businesses embrace technology-driven solutions, market participants expect further improvements in efficiency and consumer confidence across the country.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Artists Launch Wave of New Afrobeats Releases as Wande Coal, Davido Lead Music Friday
Industry insiders say Lagos remains epicentre for Afrobeats innovation, with established stars and rising acts releasing fresh tracks
Industry insiders say Lagos remains epicentre for Afrobeats innovation, with established stars and rising acts releasing fresh tracks
GBESUNMO
A new set of Afrobeats singles hit the Nigerian music scene on Friday, with major artists including Wande Coal, Davido, Joeboy, and Magixx unveiling new tracks in Lagos. The latest releases were rolled out on June 26, marking another vibrant week for Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry.
The week’s headline release is ‘Gbesunmo’, a collaboration featuring Wande Coal, Ruger, and BNXN, which blends signature vocals with Afro-fusion rhythms. Wande Coal also teamed up with Wizkid for ‘Oshe’, further cementing his influence on the genre. Other notable singles include Davido’s ‘I Know Who I Be’, featuring JAZZWRLD and GL_Ceejay; Joeboy’s romantic offering ‘YBTM (You Belong To Me)’; and Magixx’s ‘Feel Am’ off his ATOM II EP.
Music analysts note that these regular Friday drops have become critical for maintaining Afrobeats’ global momentum. According to industry stakeholders in Lagos, established stars like Wande Coal and Davido continue to attract mainstream attention, while newer acts such as Taves—who released the reflective track ‘Uche Jumbo’—are pushing the sound in fresh directions. “Lagos is still the engine room for Afrobeats,” said a talent manager based in Victoria Island.
The releases have drawn mixed reactions from fans and critics. While some listeners praised the energy of ‘Gbesunmo’ and the cross-border collaboration between Yamê and Adekunle Gold on ‘On My Mind’, others described Davido’s latest as not significantly evolving his sound. Veteran producer Somi also made waves with ‘Sometimes Love’, featuring The Cavemen, recorded in Lagos and highlighting highlife influences.
With the global appetite for Nigerian pop at an all-time high, experts predict that upcoming Fridays will see even more high-profile collaborations. Record labels are expected to maintain this pace through the summer season, as artists compete for chart dominance both at home and abroad.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/new-music-friday-wande-coal-davido-joeboy-afrobeats-2026062610490667432
Troops Rescue Eight Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle in Plateau’s Pandam Forest
Lagos Digital Platforms Transform Small Business Operations, Boost Transparency and Efficiency
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Lagos Artists Launch Wave of New Afrobeats Releases as Wande Coal, Davido Lead Music Friday
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