Nigeria News (Standard)
WFP, FAAN Launch ₦4.7bn Humanitarian Aviation Facility at Maiduguri Airport
UN-backed project aims to boost humanitarian access in North-East; UK government provides funding through UNHAS initiative
UN-backed project aims to boost humanitarian access in North-East; UK government provides funding through UNHAS initiative
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on Thursday unveiled a new humanitarian aviation facility valued at $3.4 million (₦4.7 billion) at Muhammadu Bukarti International Airport, Maiduguri, Borno State. The project, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDC) via the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS), is designed to support relief operations for vulnerable populations in North-East Nigeria.
During the commissioning ceremony in Maiduguri, WFP Country Director—represented by Emmanuel Begenimana—explained that the new complex would enhance humanitarian access across the region. According to Begenimana, “UNHAS infrastructure development for an enhanced humanitarian access to the vulnerable populations in North-East Nigeria.”
The facility comprises a dedicated passenger terminal, office building, cargo office, flight planning centre, as well as upgraded security systems and sustainable energy infrastructure. WFP said these investments are expected to improve the speed, safety and reliability of humanitarian flights within the crisis-affected region while also contributing lasting assets to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Begenimana noted that the modern complex was built specifically for humanitarian operations and would strengthen coordination among agencies responding to ongoing needs in Borno and neighbouring states. He stated, “The investment in this facility improves the speed, safety and reliability of humanitarian air services while leaving a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
FAAN officials commended the partnership with WFP and international donors for supporting relief efforts amid persistent security challenges in North-East Nigeria. Stakeholders at the event expressed hope that similar collaborations would be replicated across other crisis zones to facilitate timely delivery of aid.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Police commands in Ogun and Lagos States have arrested 88 suspects and rescued five kidnapped victims in a large-scale joint security operation dubbed ‘Kosaye’ across the two states and boundary communities. The exercise, which began this week and was formally launched at the Ogun Police Training College in Iperu on Saturday, aims to root out criminal elements from South-West corridors, according to police authorities.
The operation involved extensive bush combing and coordinated raids on suspected hideouts spanning Ogun, Lagos, and up to the border with Oyo State. Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, said at a press briefing that officers arrested 84 suspects—comprising 75 males and nine females—while also rescuing five persons who were abducted along Ore–Ogbere road on Thursday. Four suspected kidnappers were killed during the rescue effort, with another four taken into custody.
Ojajuni explained that Operation ‘Kosaye,’ meaning ‘no chance,’ was initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of renewed efforts to eliminate kidnapping and armed robbery from major highways and rural settlements in the region. The commissioner described the operation as a proactive response to recent spikes in abductions and violent crime affecting commuters and residents along key transport corridors.
“We formally launch operation ‘Ko saye’ in Lagos and Ogun state. Operation ‘Ko saye’ means there is no space for criminality and criminals,” Ojajuni said at the event. He added that police would sustain aggressive patrols along flashpoints while intensifying intelligence gathering to pre-empt further attacks. The Inspector General’s office has directed all units to prioritise rapid deployment to identified trouble spots.
As at press time, investigations into the backgrounds of those arrested were ongoing. Security agencies urged communities to cooperate fully with law enforcement by providing timely information about suspicious activities. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Countryside Group Appoints Whiteman (Fakepoco) as Brand Ambassador in Lagos Signing Ceremony
Entertainment influencer Omotore Adebayo Barry to represent three flagship brands as firm targets greater African market reach
Entertainment influencer Omotore Adebayo Barry to represent three flagship brands as firm targets greater African market reach
Countryside Group has formally unveiled popular Lagos-based social media personality and hypeman, Omotore Adebayo Barry, also known as Whiteman or Fakepoco, as its new brand ambassador during a signing ceremony held on Thursday. The event took place in Lagos State, marking a strategic move by the company to strengthen its market presence and drive customer engagement across Nigeria and the African continent.
According to the firm, Whiteman—renowned for his energetic online persona—will serve as the official ambassador for three of Countryside Group’s flagship brands. Company representatives say this partnership is expected to boost brand visibility and attract a younger demographic, leveraging Whiteman’s large following on social media platforms.
Chairman of Countryside Group, High Chief Dr. Ndubisi George Ugo, described the collaboration as a deliberate investment to enhance public engagement and drive growth. “We believe bringing Whiteman on board will help us connect better with our audience and expand our footprint beyond Nigeria,” Ugo said at the ceremony.
Industry observers note that such partnerships between major companies and digital influencers have become increasingly common in Nigeria’s fast-evolving entertainment and business landscape. Many firms now rely on popular content creators to reach new customers, especially among urban youth who are highly active online.
With this new appointment, Countryside Group plans to roll out a series of marketing campaigns featuring Whiteman across various channels. The company says it will monitor feedback closely to assess the impact of the partnership on sales and brand perception in coming months.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/fake-poco-emerges-countryside-ambassador/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nasboi Counters Ycee’s ‘Peller Culture’ Remarks Amid Education Debate in Lagos
Content creator urges youth to prioritise learning as rapper’s comments spark fresh discussion on Nigeria’s digital culture
Content creator urges youth to prioritise learning as rapper’s comments spark fresh discussion on Nigeria’s digital culture
Nigerian content creator and singer Lawal Michael Nasiru Bolaji, popularly known as Nasboi, has responded to remarks by rapper Ycee on the state of education and internet culture in Lagos. The exchange comes days after Ycee criticised what he described as a growing ‘Olodo uprising’ and the rise of a so-called ‘Peller culture’ during a recent appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast.
Ycee, whose real name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo, had expressed concern over what he termed a declining emphasis on knowledge among Nigerian youths, suggesting that social media trends reward ignorance and shallow content. His statements quickly trended online, generating heated reactions from both supporters and critics within Lagos’ creative community.
Nasboi, reacting to the development on Thursday via his verified social media accounts, called on young people to value education in all its forms. He noted that while internet fame can be fleeting, having strong skills remains crucial for long-term success. The content creator further stated that conversations around digital influence should not undermine the importance of learning or personal growth.
The debate has reignited discussions about Nigeria’s changing youth culture and the impact of social media on education standards. Stakeholders in the entertainment industry said both artists have contributed meaningfully to public discourse but urged fans not to interpret their views as personal attacks. According to observers, such debates reflect deeper concerns about access to quality education and responsible use of online platforms.
With attention now focused on how popular figures shape national conversations, many expect further dialogue among entertainers, educators and policy makers in Lagos and beyond. The Ministry of Education has not issued any official response as at press time.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/nasboi-responds-to-ycees-peller-culture-and-olodo-uprising-comments/
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Countryside Group Appoints Whiteman (Fakepoco) as Brand Ambassador in Lagos Signing Ceremony
Nasboi Counters Ycee’s ‘Peller Culture’ Remarks Amid Education Debate in Lagos
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