Champions Family International

‎ ‎KIDNAPPED VICTIMS RESCUED, SUSPECT APPREHENDED IN KALGO AND DANDI LGAs ‎ ‎The Kebbi State Police Command has successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and apprehended a suspect following prompt and coordinated operations in Kalgo and Dandi Local Government Areas. ‎ ‎On 29th January 2026, at around 0300hrs, armed bandits abducted one Alhaji Juli Muhammad aged 55 from his home in Kokani Village, Kalgo LGA, restraining him with chains and ropes before taking him into the bush. Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers from the Kalgo Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), rescued the victim unharmed and arrested one suspect, Umar Usman (30) of Augie Fadama Area. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other gang members. ‎ ‎On 30th January 2026 at about 12:23hrs, the Kamba Division responded immediately to the abduction of one Garba Bachal aged 50 of Maigwaza Village, Dandi LGA. During the pursuit, the suspects fled, allowing...

Monday Ubani, SAN, Breaks Silence on the "Rubber Stamp" Label and Senate Power Struggles ABUJA, NIGERIA – A vital conversation on the state of law, power, and principle within Nigeria's democracy has emerged, featuring an exclusive, candid interview with Monday Ubani, SAN, Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Senate President. In the revealing discussion, Ubani addresses the pressing question many Nigerians are asking: "Is the National Assembly truly a rubber stamp?" He offers an insider's perspective on the complexities of the current political landscape, providing clear insights into the dynamics between the legislative and executive branches. The wide-ranging conversation covers several critical national issues, including: Navigating executive overreach; The controversial 'Natasha issue' and its aftermath; The future of electoral reforms in Nigeria; The imperative of women’s representation in government; Accountability within the Ni...

Lagos to Arraign Three for Violent Assault on LAWMA and KAI Officers The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has concluded all requisite administrative and legal preparations to prosecute three (3) hoodlums apprehended for violently attacking enforcement operatives of the Authority and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) during a joint routine enforcement exercise along Agboju Old Lagos Road. The enforcement operation was lawfully conducted to curb illegal cart-pushing activities and the persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the highway corridor acts which constitute grave violations of environmental sanitation and public order regulations within the State. The Authority expressed profound concern over the recurring incidents in which its enforcement personnel are subjected to threats, physical assaults and unwarranted interference while discharging their statutory responsibilities. Such actions were described as reprehensible, unlawful and a direct affr...

UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2025 Report Presented to Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad   The Director General of the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), DG Malame Ngamariju Mangzha, on Tuesday, 28 January 2026, led her team on a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. The visit, held at the Conference Room of the Permanent Secretary, featured the formal presentation of the 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Action Camps Report implemented in Kano and Adamawa States, alongside the screening of a short documentary highlighting community-based heritage preservation efforts.   In her briefing, the Director of International Cultural Relations of the Ministry commended the Director General for her depth of expertise, consistency, and commitment to delivering measurable outcomes in heritage documentation and youth engagement. She acknowledged the s...

Musawa Joins India’s 77th Republic Day to Strengthen Strategic Cultural Ties   The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, joined senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Indian community in Abuja to celebrate the 77th Republic Day of the Republic of India.   The event brought together senators, ministers, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, reflecting the enduring friendship and growing cooperation between Nigeria and India.   In his address, the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, highlighted India’s democratic journey since the adoption of its Constitution in 1950 and outlined the country’s recent achievements in economic growth, digital innovation, healthcare, manufacturing, and global development cooperation. He described India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and a leading voice of the Global South, while reaffirming India’s strong com...

Inbound Tourism Emerges as Nigeria’s Pathway to Global Visibility, National Unity and Shared Prosperity   The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging inbound tourism and international visibility as strategic tools for national unity, economic inclusion and global repositioning.   The Minister made this known during a strategic meeting with the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Ola Awakan, who was at the Ministry to formally brief her on the Authority’s activities, with a particular focus on international tourism markets, global expos and inbound destination marketing. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, was also present alongside senior officials of the Ministry and the Agency.   Receiving the update, the Honourable Minister commended the Director General and his team for the progr...

Dangote Cement Welcomes over 100 New Engineers After Completion of Graduate Trainee Program Dangote Cement has welcomed over 100 New Engineers After Completion of the Graduate Trainee Program      Dangote Cement Plc has inducted almost 200 newly trained engineers and other professionals into its workforce following the successful completion of its Graduate Trainee Programme, reaffirming the company’s commitment to job creation, skills development, and local capacity building in Nigeria.   The trainees, drawn from various engineering, finance, IT, and other disciplines, were formally inducted over the weekend after completing an intensive 18-month training programme, which entails both classroom and on-the-job learning, conducted at Dangote Academy and across the 4 plants locations in Nigeria and the Head Office.   The Graduate Trainee Programme is a structured development journey designed to groom high-potential professionals for future leadership roles through ...

DRUNK DRIVER RESCUED IN SEVERE EBUTE-ERO CRASH AS LASTMA RENEWS STRONG WARNING AGAINST DRINKING AND DRIVING. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a grave road traffic incident involving a suspected drunk driver at Ebute-Ero inward NEPA, Ebute-Ero, Apongbon, which occurred in the early hours of today. Preliminary security findings indicate that a male motorist, believed to be heavily intoxicated, was operating a Honda Jeep (FKJ 562 JF) at a dangerously excessive and uncontrollable speed when he forcefully crashed into the rear of a moving Scania truck while descending the bridge. The violent impact of the collision left the driver critically trapped within the mangled wreckage of his vehicle, creating an immediate life-threatening emergency. In a swift demonstration of professionalism, vigilance and operational efficiency, LASTMA rescue personnel promptly mobilised to the accident scene, carried out a delicate emergency extraction of the trappe...

ABIA ON TRIAL: HOW GOVERNANCE WAS DOCKED, CONVICTED AND REDEEMED by Dr M.O. Ubani SAN This is a dinner Speech delivered by Dr M.O Ubani SAN at the dinner of just concluded Eastern Bar Forum Quarterly Meeting held in Umuahia, the State Capital of Abia State between 23rd and 25th of January, 2026. When lawyers gather for dinner, governance is never far from the table. We may be eating pepper soup or swallowing pounded yam with fresh egusi soup, but our minds are usually dissecting constitutions and even non Law Materials. And so, when members of the Eastern Bar Forum are converged here in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, it is inevitable that Abia, the centre of gravity itself would be called to the Bar of history. If Abia were a litigant, it would be fair to say that for many years, it stood perpetually in the dock, charged with gross offences like misgovernance, abuse of public trust, and reckless disregard for the welfare of its citizens. The evidence was overwhelming. ...

LAWMA BOSS ORDERS CLOSURE OF NON-COMPLIANT GARAGES AND PARKS ALONG THE MAZANMAZA–OJO–ORILE CORRIDOR OVER FLAGRANT ENVIRONMENTAL BREACHES. In a firm assertion of regulatory authority and environmental guardianship, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) yesterday has ordered the sealing of all garages and motor parks operating along the Mazanmaza, Ojo to Orile axis for sustained and deliberate contravention of statutory waste management regulations. The enforcement operation, executed by LAWMA’s Environmental Enforcement Unit, was precipitated by a deluge of formal complaints and petitions from conscientious and law-abiding residents who raised alarm over the habitual and indiscriminate disposal of refuse by operators and users of the affected facilities. These unlawful activities culminated in the desecration of road setbacks, medians, street junctions and drainage infrastructures, thereby constituting serious environmental degradation, public health risks and traffic...

Argungu 2026 Open Day: Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Reaffirms Support at Abuja Pre-Event Ceremony Pre-event activities for the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival formally gained national momentum on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, as stakeholders convened at the NTA Headquarters Arena, Abuja, for the Festival’s Official Open Day ceremony. The event, which featured cultural performances, media engagements, and the unveiling of branded vehicles for the festival’s sensitisation campaign, drew dignitaries including the Kebbi State Government delegation, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural troupes and a UNESCO Representative, ahead of the main festival scheduled for 11–14 February 2026 in Kebbi State. Representing the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale M...

HADEJIA MAKES HISTORY AS MERIDIAN RENEWED HOPE INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING FESTIVAL OPENS A NEW CHAPTER FOR NIGERIA’S CULTURAL TOURISM   Hadejia, Jigawa State | Saturday, 17th January, 2026   The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has commended the successful hosting of the Maiden Meridian Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Festival, describing it as a proud expression of Nigeria’s living heritage and a strategic cultural tourism platform that deepens unity, promotes youth engagement and strengthens Nigeria’s visibility across West and Central Africa.   The historic festival held from 14th to 17th January, 2026 at the Hadejia International Race Course in Jigawa State marked the official inauguration of the race course and attracted participants and guests from Nigeria and neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Cameroon and Chad, presenting the town of Hadejia as a growing hub for traditional sports, cultu...

LASG DISBURSES ₦40 MILLION IN CONSOLATORY ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES AND DEPENDANTS OF FALLEN LASTMA HEROES AND HEROINES. In an eloquent affirmation of compassion, institutional appreciation and an unwavering resolve to immortalise sacrifice, the Lagos State Government has disbursed a cumulative sum of ₦40 million as consolatory assistance to the families and dependants of departed officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), gallant heroes and heroines who laid down their lives in the faithful discharge of duty. The solemn yet impactful presentation, meticulously coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa was held today at the LASTMA Headquarters, Oshodi, Lagos. At the ceremony, 20 families and dependants were each presented with the sum of ₦2 million as a demonstration of the State Government’s enduring solidarity and concern. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Giwa cautioned against interpreting the gesture as compe...

LAGOS TASKFORCE RAIDS BRT CORRIDOR, IMPOUNDS 28 VEHICLES, 14 COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLES (OKADA) …arrests six suspected “Omotaku” in Dolphin axis The Lagos State Taskforce has carried out a swift enforcement operation in response to growing lawlessness and persistent violations of traffic regulations along designated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors across the State. The operation, which focused on enforcement for compliance, was aimed at curbing unsafe practices around the BRT lanes and addressing increasing concerns expressed by well-meaning Lagosians over the safety of pedestrians and passengers. During the exercise, the Agency took decisive action against recalcitrant commercial motorcycle (okada) operators and other traffic violators who flagrantly abused the BRT corridors. This initiative forms part of ongoing measures to eliminate the dangers posed by illegal okada operations and private vehicles unlawfully plying the BRT lanes, which have resulted in avoidable injuries ...

“FUND THE FIGHT, RESTORE THE PEACE”: ADVOKC FOUNDATION URGES GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO TO MOVE FROM VEHICLES TO VITAL SECURITY FUND AdvoKC Foundation is calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to fulfil his cornerstone campaign promise of establishing the Edo State Security Trust Fund. While acknowledging the Governor’s recent deployment of patrol vehicles, the Foundation emphasises that a sustainable solution to the state’s security crisis requires the immediate institutional framework he promised the Edo people. In the first weeks of 2026, the people of Edo State have faced a harrowing wave of violence. On January 2nd, the kidnapping of the Momoh brothers in Auchi resulted in the tragic murder of Abu Momoh while his brother remains in captivity. This was followed by the January 9th killing of a young man in Ekpoma, an event that sparked widespread unrest, the vandalisation of the Onojie’s palace, and the indefinite closure of schools across Edo Central. “The Edo people voted for th...

Electoral Act Amendment Will Be Ready for 2027 Cycle, Assures Akpabio’s Special Adviser, Dr. Monday Ubani ABUJA, NIGERIA — January 19, 2026 — Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), Special Adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has formally assured Nigerians that the ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act will be finalized and ready for implementation well ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interactive session with reporters today, Dr. Ubani expressed high confidence that the Senate will prioritize the passage of the bill immediately upon its resumption from recess on January 27.  He noted that with the House of Representatives having already passed its version, the legislative process is nearing its final stages. Dr. Ubani emphasized that the goal is to have the amended Act passed and assented to by President Bola Tinubu by the first week of February 2026.  This timeline is critical as it aligns with the statutory requirement for the Independent Nati...

HON. GIWA URGES HEIGHTENED ROAD SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS AS LASTMA OPERATIVES RESCUE TRAPPED DRIVER IN MULTI-VEHICULAR CRASH AT OJOTA INBOUND KETU, IKORODU ROAD. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has once again affirmed its institutional alertness and lifesaving efficacy following a grave multiple-vehicle collision that occurred earlier today along the Ojota inbound Ketu axis of Ikorodu Road, involving three vehicles on the main carriageway. Preliminary security and incident intelligence disclosed that a Toyota Sienna saloon car (KRD 311 JH), had decelerated to allow a large crowd of pedestrians to safely traverse the expressway, with a mini truck positioned immediately behind it. Tragically, a Volkswagen commercial bus driven at an excessive and uncontrolled speed, failed to slow down and forcefully rammed into the two stationary vehicles, precipitating a violent collision. The ferocity of the impact resulted in the Volkswagen commer...

LAWMA BOSS VOWS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL CART PUSHER, NOTORIOUS MISCREANT ARRESTED DURING ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION OPERATION AT ALAYABIAGBA MARKET, LAGOS. LAWMA BOSS VOWS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL CART PUSHER, NOTORIOUS MISCREANT ARRESTED DURING ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION OPERATION AT ALAYABIAGBA MARKET, LAGOS. In a firm reiteration of the Lagos State Government’s unwavering resolve to uphold environmental sanitation, safeguard public health and entrench urban orderliness, traders at Alayabiagba Market, situated in the Boundary area of Ajegunle, earlier today embarked on a large-scale environmental clean-up exercise under the stringent supervision of officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in strategic collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LASESC). The sanitation exercise, which recorded impressive participation from market stakeholders was deliberately structured to restore environmental deco...

DR. MUYIWA GBADEGESIN: RECALIBRATING URBAN SANITATION AND ENTRENCHING INSTITUTIONAL DISTINCTION AT LAWMA. In the chronicle of public sector leadership in Lagos State, scarcely any stewardship has been as profoundly transformative, intellectually prescient and results-oriented as that of Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). His tenure transcends routine administration; it is a bold odyssey of reform, renewal and institutional rebirth firmly rooted in an enlightened grasp of environmental sustainability, operational efficiency and the immutable social covenant between the state and its citizens. Upon assuming the mantle of leadership, Dr. Gbadegesin was confronted with an agency enmeshed in the intricate challenges synonymous with a burgeoning megacity: runaway population expansion, chronic urban congestion, inherited infrastructural inadequacies, widespread public indifference ...