FG Approves First Comprehensive Reform of NYSC in 53 Years
The Federal Executive Council on Monday approved the first comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, since the scheme was established 53 years ago. The reforms include the full digitalisation of the scheme’s operations, enhanced security and welfare measures for corps members, and improved attention to their special needs. Officials say the changes are designed to modernise the decades-old programme and address long-standing concerns about the safety and wellbeing of corps members deployed across the country. Further details on the implementation timeline are expected as the reforms take effect.
Troops Rescue 10 NECO Candidates, Teachers Abducted in Borno; Oyo Police Free Two Children
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have rescued 10 National Examination Council, NECO, candidates and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on a secondary school in Lassa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command separately rescued two abducted children and smashed a kidnapping syndicate in the Ibarapa axis. The twin operations highlight intensified security efforts against abductions targeting schools and communities across the country.
FG Tells NMDPRA to Stop Marketers Exploiting Nigerians on Fuel Prices
The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to ensure petroleum marketers do not exploit Nigerians through excessive pricing under the deregulated downstream petroleum market. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, gave the directive in Abuja yesterday while delivering the keynote address at the NMDPRA General Counsel and Legal Advisers Forum. He stressed that deregulation should not become a cover for profiteering at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.
Court Orders INEC to Register ADA as Political Party Within 72 Hours
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as a political party. The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, equally ordered the electoral body to release its access code to the Akin Ricketts-led leadership of the association within 72 hours. The ruling follows a legal dispute over the rightful leadership of the association during the registration process.
Cooking Gas Prices Begin to Ease as Supply Improves
Households across parts of the country are beginning to experience relief as retail prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as cooking gas, decline following improved product supply and softer depot prices. The latest market update from gas marketers showed that retail LPG prices have started easing in major cities after weeks of elevated prices. The development is expected to bring some relief to households grappling with rising cooking costs.
Bus Conductor Stabs LASTMA Official With Screwdriver in Lagos
A commercial bus conductor allegedly stabbed an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority with a screwdriver during a traffic enforcement operation at Ile-Epo, inward Abule-Egba, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The spokesperson for LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety risks faced by traffic officials in the course of their duties.
Two Siblings Die as Boat Capsizes in Rivers State
Two siblings, Mekalachi Gogochuri, 25, and his younger sister, Rejoice Gogochuri, 23, have died after a boat conveying them and five other passengers capsized in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was learnt that the incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday while the victims were travelling. Rescue efforts were said to have been launched following the mishap.
ASUU Benin Zone Gives Edo, Delta, Ondo July Deadline Over Agreement
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Benin Zone, has given the governments of Edo, Delta and Ondo states until the end of July to implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement or face industrial action. The Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Monday Igbafen, gave the ultimatum at a news briefing in Benin, on Monday, saying that the union would embark on an indefinite strike in seven state-owned universities in the states, if its demands were not met.
Police Officer Arrested Over Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old Girl in Niger State
Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, has confirmed the arrest of a police officer serving with the Niger Police Command for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. Hajiya Kuta disclosed this in an interview with NAN in her office in Minna on Monday. She said two other suspects were also arrested for allegedly raping the same girl. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Username Feature to Replace Phone Number Sharing
WhatsApp says it has started rolling out username reservations, a new privacy feature that will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. WhatsApp made this known in a statement on Monday. The messaging platform said username reservations commenced on Monday, June 29, ahead of the full launch of the feature later this year, with users to be notified in the app once the option becomes available to them.
Tinubu Swears In New RMAFC, NPC Commissioners
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, swore in two new Federal Commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, and newly appointed Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission, NPC. The swearing-in was held at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Among those inaugurated for the RMAFC were Amina Gamawa, representing Bauchi State, and a former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammed, representing Kaduna State. Six new commissioners were also sworn in for the NPC.
Soldier, CJTF Member Killed During Rescue of Borno NECO Candidates — Army
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the safe and successful rescue of ten National Examinations Council, NECO, candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescue was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni. He said the Theatre Command deployed strike and surveillance aircraft to support troops mobilised for the rescue. However, one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives during an exchange of fire with the terrorists.
FG Moves to Scrap Fines for Drug Traffickers, Push 15-25 Year Jail Terms
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has disclosed that the Federal Government is planning to remove the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers. The NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, revealed the development on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. He stated that the option of fines creates a loophole that weakens the fight against drug-related crimes. Babafemi said the judiciary has remained a strong partner in the agency’s prosecution efforts, noting a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent, but identified fines as a major challenge whose removal would serve as a stronger deterrent.
You Don’t Expect Tinubu to Wear Khaki and Fight — Adeboye Defends President Over Insecurity
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against claims that he has not done enough to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Speaking during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington on June 23, Adeboye said the president had carried out his duty by giving orders to the military and security agencies. According to him, it is not the responsibility of the commander-in-chief to personally take part in military operations on the battlefield, comparing Tinubu’s role to that of other world leaders.
Petrol Price Should Reflect Crude Oil Decline — FG Charges NMDPRA
The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to ensure that petroleum marketers do not exploit Nigerians through excessive pricing under the deregulated downstream market. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, gave the directive on Monday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 NMDPRA General Counsel and Legal Advisers Forum. He noted that following the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Nigerians expected a corresponding drop in petrol prices, which had yet to happen despite crude falling from $120 to $72 per barrel last week.
You Can’t Be in a Video With Me and You’re Naked or Smoking — Spyro
Nigerian singer Spyro has shared the personal guidelines that shape how he works in the music industry, saying he keeps firm boundaries on the kind of visuals and collaborations he agrees to. In an interview on TVC, he explained that he does not allow smoking or nudity in any music video he appears in, adding that anyone working with him must respect those conditions. He also said he turns down collaborations containing explicit or inappropriate content, preferring projects that align with his personal beliefs and clean message.
We Don’t Do That Over Here — Tems Reveals Why She Can’t Date Nigerian Celebrities
Grammy award-winning singer Tems has shared her view on romantic relationships with Nigerian celebrities, saying she does not see herself dating or approaching them for love. She made the comment while speaking during the recent BET Awards weekend interview, after being asked if she would make a move on Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. She said she knows who he is but has no personal relationship with him, adding that she views her male colleagues in entertainment as brothers, which removes any romantic interest from that circle.
Brazil Fight Back to Beat Japan, Reach World Cup Last 16
Brazil came from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring deep into stoppage time to send the five-time champions into the FIFA World Cup last 16. Japan made a brighter impression in the first half, stunning Brazil in the 29th minute when Kaishū Sano drilled a low effort past Alisson Becker. Carlo Ancelotti’s side returned with greater urgency after the break, eventually equalising just before the hour mark when Casemiro headed home Gabriel Magalhães’s cross. With extra time looming, Bruno Guimarães picked out Martinelli at the far post, and the Arsenal forward curled his shot in off the upright in the 96th minute to seal the comeback.
Chelsea Confirm Maresca Compensation as Man City Appointment Ends Bitter Exit
Chelsea have confirmed that Enzo Maresca will pay compensation to the club after his appointment as Manchester City’s new head coach was finalised. The 46-year-old Italian signed a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, replacing Pep Guardiola, who stepped down in May. City’s move for Maresca was reportedly delayed while both clubs negotiated a compensation package, with BBC Sport reporting Manchester City will pay Chelsea about £17 million, separate from a confidential settlement under which Maresca will also compensate Chelsea. The London club said Maresca informed senior officials in the autumn that he wanted to succeed Guardiola if the opportunity arose.
NEWS NOW:
- Petrol price war:Stations hint at N1,000 per litre as crude keeps falling
- Nigeria should not repeat SIEC mistake, Agbakoba warns against gifting governors unlimited police power
- The Good Life actress Penelope Keith dies at 86
- Outrage as police officer, two others allegedly rape 13-year-old girl in Niger
