Nigeria News (Standard)
First Lady Remi Tinubu Faces Criticism Over Akara, Kuli-Kuli Business Grant Remarks in Abuja
Nigerians question economic empowerment strategy after First Lady highlights small business grants under Renewed Hope Initiative
Nigerians question economic empowerment strategy after First Lady highlights small business grants under Renewed Hope Initiative
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has come under fire in Abuja after stating that grants provided through her Renewed Hope Initiative could enable Nigerians to start businesses such as frying akara, making kuli-kuli, and roasting corn. The comments were made public on Tuesday, drawing widespread attention online and sparking debate about the government’s approach to economic empowerment.
Mrs Tinubu, speaking on the impact of her initiative, emphasised that the programme aims to provide hope by giving out grants instead of loans to vulnerable Nigerians. “We’re trying to give hope. To start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn and kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” the First Lady said.
She further explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative has been supporting Nigerians with direct grants and interventions across several sectors, including health, agriculture, education and ICT training. According to Mrs Tinubu, these efforts are intended to foster self-reliance among citizens facing economic challenges.
However, her remarks have generated mixed reactions on social media platforms, with many Nigerians questioning whether promoting small-scale street food businesses is a sufficient response to the country’s current economic difficulties. Some commentators argued that more comprehensive policies are needed to address unemployment and inflation pressures affecting millions across the country.
Despite the backlash, Mrs Tinubu maintained her position: “We’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given and I keep giving.” As at press time, no official response had been issued from opposition parties regarding the statement. The ongoing conversation highlights growing public scrutiny over government interventions aimed at poverty reduction amid persistent economic hardship.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux in Abuja-Kaduna Operation
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Police operatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command have arrested a suspect and recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux after the vehicle was reportedly driven from Abuja to Kaduna State. The incident occurred on 20th June 2026, with officers from Maitama Division responding minutes after the theft was reported in the Wuse II area of Abuja.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the Divisional Police Officer for Maitama, CSP Altine Daniel, received a distress call around 1:45 p.m. The complainant stated that the white Toyota Hilux, a 2014 model bearing registration number BWR 712 CV, had been parked at about 1:30 p.m. before it was discovered missing just four minutes later. An unidentified individual was seen driving it away.
In response, police formations across entry and exit points within the FCT were immediately alerted. Officers were instructed to mount stop-and-search operations and prevent any attempt to move the stolen vehicle out of Abuja. This swift coordination led to the eventual recovery of the Hilux in Kaduna State and arrest of a suspect linked to the theft.
The FCT Command’s proactive approach comes amid growing concerns over vehicle theft and other property crimes within Abuja and neighbouring states. The recent operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen border surveillance and ensure prompt response to distress calls. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities in their communities.
While details about the identity of the suspect were not disclosed as at press time, police authorities assured that further investigations are underway and pledged to prosecute those found culpable. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding this latest breakthrough by security agencies.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/fct-police-nab-suspect-recover-stolen-toyota-hilux/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Police Foil Cattle Rustling in Jibia LGA, Recover 20 Stolen Cows
Joint operation with local vigilantes follows armed attack on Korama Mai Zurfi community, police urge residents to support security efforts
Joint operation with local vigilantes follows armed attack on Korama Mai Zurfi community, police urge residents to support security efforts
Police in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an attempted cattle rustling operation and recovered 20 stolen cows at Korama Mai Zurfi village, Jibia Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, when armed men attacked the rural community and rustled livestock belonging to residents.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, officers from the Jibia Division responded swiftly after receiving a distress call around 2:40 pm. The police team, working in collaboration with local vigilante groups, moved to intercept the bandits and secured the recovery of all rustled animals.
Cattle rustling remains a major concern for communities in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where recurrent attacks by armed groups have disrupted farming activities and heightened insecurity. The prompt response by security agencies is seen as critical to rebuilding trust among affected communities and safeguarding rural livelihoods.
DSP Aliyu commended the synergy between law enforcement officers and vigilantes in the successful recovery. He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely intelligence that can help prevent further incidents. “We encourage residents to continue giving actionable information that will assist police efforts against criminal elements,” he said in his official statement.
While no arrests were announced in connection with Wednesday’s incident as at press time, police authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining patrols and rapid response initiatives across Katsina State. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding ongoing security challenges in the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nollywood Star Joseph Momodu Completes US Army Training After Relocating from Lagos
Actor cites late father’s police service as inspiration; joins growing list of Nigerian entertainers enlisting in US military
Actor cites late father’s police service as inspiration; joins growing list of Nigerian entertainers enlisting in US military
Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu has completed Basic Combat Training with the United States Army, marking a significant career change after relocating from Lagos to the US. The development was made public by Momodu on Wednesday, who explained that his decision was motivated in part by a desire to honour his late father, a former officer in the Nigeria Police Force.
Momodu, whose full name is Abubakar Sadiq Momodu, spent more than ten years in Nigeria’s film industry, earning credits in popular movies such as ‘Coming to Nigeria’, ‘Play 2 Kill’, and ‘A Fool for Trust’. He also featured in long-running TV series like ‘Tinsel’, ‘Soul Sisters’, and ‘The Johnsons’, and gained wider attention after appearing in Simi’s music video for ‘Joromi’. The actor twice won Best Body Male at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, in 2018 and 2019.
His enlistment comes amid a trend of Nollywood personalities seeking new opportunities through military service abroad. In December 2024, actress Princess Chineke joined the US Army after relocating, stating on Instagram that she had answered “the call of service to my country, to serve the people of the United States of America.” Mayowa Dosu, another Nollywood actress and producer known for works such as ‘Fears’ and ‘Compromise’, also announced her enlistment around the same period. Meanwhile, Grace-Charis Bassey (formerly Belinda Effah) joined the US Navy in May 2025 and was granted citizenship after completing boot camp. Bassey dedicated her service to her late father, a former naval commander.
These developments highlight a growing pattern among Nigerians abroad who are turning to military careers as pathways to new professional experiences and citizenship. The news has drawn significant attention from Nigerian fans who followed these entertainers’ careers before their transition into military service.
With Momodu’s move now confirmed, he stands as one of the first male Nollywood actors to publicly make this shift. While some observers view this as evidence of changing aspirations among Nigerian creatives overseas, official reactions from industry associations have not yet been issued as at press time.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/joseph-momodu-joins-us-army-2026062615020152117
FCT Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux in Abuja-Kaduna Operation
Katsina Police Foil Cattle Rustling in Jibia LGA, Recover 20 Stolen Cows
Nollywood Star Joseph Momodu Completes US Army Training After Relocating from Lagos
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