Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Rescue 47 Boko Haram Captives in Borno State Operation
Security agencies free abducted women and children in North-East raid, intensifying fight against insurgency
Security agencies free abducted women and children in North-East raid, intensifying fight against insurgency
Nigerian Army troops have rescued 47 persons held captive by suspected Boko Haram insurgents during a security operation in Borno State on Tuesday, 23 June. The rescue mission took place within the state’s conflict-prone areas, where government forces continue to battle armed groups terrorising communities in the North-East.
According to security sources, the freed captives include women and children who were being held by Boko Haram elements. The operation is part of ongoing military efforts to weaken insurgent holdouts and restore normalcy across Borno and neighbouring states affected by over a decade of conflict.
The mass rescue underscores persistent security challenges in the region, as many families remain separated or displaced due to abductions and attacks. Borno State has witnessed repeated incidents involving armed groups, especially in rural communities where access for security agencies remains difficult.
Military authorities have said that operations against Boko Haram factions are ongoing, with increased patrols and intelligence-driven raids aimed at freeing more captives and dismantling insurgent camps. While no casualty figures were provided for Tuesday’s operation, officials confirmed that all rescued persons are receiving medical attention and will be reunited with their families after debriefing.
The rescue highlights both the scale of humanitarian need and the resilience of security agencies operating in difficult terrain. Authorities say further operations are planned as part of a wider strategy to ensure lasting peace across North-East Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NEF2026 Committee Launches Industrialisation Drive in Lagos, Targets Value Addition Across Sectors
Forum to convene on June 30 as stakeholders push for jobs, increased exports and sustainable economic growth
Forum to convene on June 30 as stakeholders push for jobs, increased exports and sustainable economic growth
The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2026) committee has announced plans to host its 11th annual conference in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 30, focusing on upscaling value addition as a pathway to sustainable industrialisation. Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, Chairman of the forum, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Lagos ahead of the event.
According to Adeuyi, NEF2026 will bring together policymakers, investors, manufacturers and energy sector operators to deliberate on strategies for transforming Nigeria’s vast natural resources into productive industries and job opportunities. The forum, themed “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialisation,” is expected to highlight opportunities across critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing and technology sectors.
The timing of the conference comes as Nigeria and several African countries are intensifying efforts to create employment, attract investment and grow exports through local production. With the naira under pressure and unemployment rates high according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, stakeholders argue that boosting value addition is now essential for long-term economic stability.
“Industrialisation is no longer optional. The nations that will prosper in the coming decades are those that can convert their natural resources, innovation and human capital into value-added products, thriving industries and sustainable prosperity,” Adeuyi stated. He noted that NEF2026 would spotlight initiatives around industrial decarbonisation, circular economy solutions and modern infrastructure needed for Nigeria’s competitiveness.
The committee said the forum would also provide a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to network with government officials and investors. Discussions are expected on policy reforms required to scale up manufacturing capacity across agriculture, clean energy and technology-driven enterprises. Organisers maintain that outcomes from the conference will feed into national development strategies aimed at accelerating industrial growth.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade Celebrate Daughter’s 10th Birthday Together in Lagos After Public Split
Former couple’s joint appearance at Azariah’s birthday marks continued co-parenting despite past online accusations and separation
Former couple’s joint appearance at Azariah’s birthday marks continued co-parenting despite past online accusations and separation
Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro and her ex-husband, actor Gbenro Ajibade, reunited in Lagos over the weekend to celebrate their daughter Azariah’s 10th birthday, years after a highly publicised separation. The event, held on Saturday, saw both parents share tributes online and appear together in videos dancing at the party—demonstrating a pattern of cooperation that has grown since their split.
Ighodaro and Ajibade were married in 2015 during a wedding that received national media attention. They welcomed Azariah in 2016, but by 2018, the marriage ended with a public fallout. In the months following their separation, Ajibade openly criticised Ighodaro on social media, alleging neglect of their child and questioning her suitability as a mother. These accusations played out online, including on Mother’s Day when Ajibade mocked celebrations of Ighodaro’s role as a mother.
Despite the initial hostility, both parents have made consistent efforts to co-parent publicly for Azariah’s benefit. Over the years, they have appeared together or coordinated closely for each of Azariah’s birthdays. Notably, when Azariah turned five, Ajibade organised an amusement park outing at her school; for her ninth birthday last year, he flew into Nigeria from the United States to surprise her at the airport—a moment that went viral for its emotional impact. This year, Ajibade visited Azariah’s school ahead of her birthday before joining Ighodaro for the main celebration.
Videos from this year’s party have sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many Nigerians expressed admiration for the pair’s commitment to peaceful co-parenting despite living apart and past disputes. Some commenters praised Ajibade for his consistency despite residing abroad, while others highlighted Ighodaro’s efforts as evidence that healthy relationships after separation are possible—even within Nigeria’s often dramatic celebrity culture.
Although there is no indication that Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade intend to rekindle their romantic relationship, their transition from public acrimony to deliberate co-parenting has been noted by observers as an example within Nigerian society—where messy breakups frequently dominate headlines but positive post-separation arrangements rarely receive similar attention.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/osas-gbenro-co-parenting-journey-2026062312354671382
Nigeria News (Standard)
NCC Unveils Free Internet Access for Students in Abuja, Targets Data Cost Relief Nationwide
Pilot programme to remove data charges on JAMB, WAEC portals as telecoms weigh portal and whitelist models
Pilot programme to remove data charges on JAMB, WAEC portals as telecoms weigh portal and whitelist models
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced public consultations on a new ‘Zero-Rated’ free internet scheme for students, aiming to eliminate data charges when accessing accredited educational websites. The initiative, announced in Abuja on Monday, follows a presidential directive targeting high data costs that affect millions of students across the country.
According to the NCC, the proposal will initially run as a 12-month pilot with daily data caps to monitor its impact on telecom infrastructure. Under the plan, students in public schools would have unrestricted access to education portals such as JAMB and WAEC without deductions from their personal data balance. Two implementation models are being considered: a centralised online portal hosting all approved learning materials or a network-wide website whitelist managed by major operators including MTN, Airtel and Glo.
Rising internet costs have forced many Nigerian students to spend thousands of naira monthly just to download lecture materials or attend virtual classes. In some cases, students must choose between buying data or meeting other essential needs. The government says this digital divide undermines access to quality education and economic opportunities. “This programme is designed to ensure no student is left behind due to inability to afford data for academic work,” an NCC official involved in the consultation stated.
Stakeholders in the telecom sector are reviewing potential impacts on network traffic and revenue, while student groups have welcomed the move but called for strict measures against abuse—such as using VPNs or accessing social media through the scheme. The whitelist will strictly block non-academic sites, according to NCC’s draft guidelines.
If implemented nationwide after the trial phase, the project could enable millions of Nigerian students to participate fully in digital learning environments and apply for opportunities online without financial strain. The NCC said feedback from stakeholders during the consultation period will determine final rollout plans and coverage.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ncc-free-internet-students-nigeria-data-costs-2026062312192906779
NEF2026 Committee Launches Industrialisation Drive in Lagos, Targets Value Addition Across Sectors
Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade Celebrate Daughter’s 10th Birthday Together in Lagos After Public Split
NCC Unveils Free Internet Access for Students in Abuja, Targets Data Cost Relief Nationwide
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