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Dr. Adam Abdullahi Likpata has made waves globally by winning the prestigious CIPHER Grant

Dr. Adam Abdullahi Likpata has made waves globally by winning the prestigious CIPHER Grant from the International AIDS Society (IAS) for his groundbreaking research on drug resistance in children and adolescents on dolutegravir-based treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. This two-year grant worth $150,000 will support his project aimed at mapping emerging resistance patterns and generating critical evidence for treatment optimization.

As an infectious disease and global health scientist with an impressive record of research and leadership, Dr. Likpata’s achievement underscores the urgent need for locally driven research in Africa to build the continent’s own evidence base and set priorities for epidemic control. His work has the potential to improve outcomes for young populations living with HIV.

Some of Dr. Likpata’s notable achievements include¹ ²:
– *Research Experience*: Former Harvard Takemi Fellow and Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, with research spanning vaccine science, epidemic preparedness, and health systems
– *Published Works*: First-author research papers published in reputable journals like Nature Communications, with over 2,000 citations
– *Awards and Grants*: Recipient of a small grant of £20,000 through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for his research project
– *Mentorship*: Mentored by Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, during his academic journey at Harvard

Dr. Likpata’s recognition on the world stage is a testament to the impact of Nigerian and African researchers in global health. His work serves as an inspiration to the community, particularly the youth in Lafiagi, Kwara State, and Nigeria, showcasing the potential for excellence and innovation in medical science.

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Joint Task Force North East Achieves Successes Against Terrorist Groups

Joint Task Force North East Achieves Successes Against Terrorist Groups

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has indeed achieved significant successes against Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno and Yobe States. Here are some key highlights:
Recent Operations: On August 22, 2025, troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade repelled a large-scale night attack on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kumshe, Borno State, killing over 20 terrorists and recovering several weapons.
Neutralization of Terrorists: On August 23, 2025, Sector 2 troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a long-range tactical operation around Ndoksa, near Buni Gari in Yobe State, neutralizing additional terrorists and recovering one AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles.
Recovery of Arms: The operations have resulted in the recovery of various arms, including AK-47 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, and motorcycles.
Disruption of Terrorist Logistics: The coordinated offensives have denied the terrorists freedom of movement, degraded their firepower, and disrupted their logistics network within the region.
Military Commendation: The military high command has commended the troops for their exceptional performance and urged them to maintain the momentum of their offensive actions.

These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of the OPHK’s counter-terrorism operations in the region.

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NDLEA Seizes Over 1.2 Tons of Cannabis on Ajase-Ipo/Ilorin Highway

NDLEA Seizes Over 1.2 Tons of Cannabis on Ajase-Ipo/Ilorin Highway

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest and seizure of 1.231 tons, 328.42kg, and 728.21kg of cannabis sativa along the Ajase-Ipo/Ilorin Highway.

The operation is part of the ongoing collaboration between the NDLEA and the Kwara State Government to curb crime and criminality in the state. According to the agency, most bandits and kidnappers rely heavily on drugs to carry out their operations, hence the intensified clampdown on illicit substances

Credit: SA Drug Abuse , Protection a d Control to Kwara Gov , Hon Mikael Olamilekan

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FG, States, LGs Share N2.001 Trillion July Revenue

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed N2.001 trillion among the Federal Government, states, and local government councils as July 2025 revenue. This allocation marks the second consecutive month of growth in allocations, with a 10% increase from the N1.818 trillion shared in June.

Here’s a breakdown of the allocation:
– Federal Government: N735.081 billion
– State Governments: N660.349 billion
– Local Government Councils: N485.039 billion
– Oil-producing States Derivation: N120.359 billion, representing 13% of mineral revenue

The distributable revenue comprised¹:
– Statutory Revenue: N1.282 trillion
– Value Added Tax (VAT): N640.610 billion
– Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL): N37.601 billion
– Exchange Difference: N39.745 billion

From the VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N96.092 billion, State Governments received N320.305 billion, and Local Government Councils received N224.214 billion. The FAAC noted that Petroleum Profit Tax, Oil and Gas Royalty, EMTL, and Excise Duty increased significantly in July, while VAT and import duty recorded marginal increases.

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Former Chief of Army Staff Calls for Nationwide Mobilization to Combat Insecurity

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called for a nationwide mobilization strategy to combat insecurity in Nigeria, similar to the approach taken during the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Buratai, insecurity should be treated as a national crisis requiring collective sacrifice and a long-term plan.

The call comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating security conditions in the country. In the first six weeks of 2025, Nigeria lost 805 lives to violence and insecurity across the country. Some of the incidents include¹:
– 70 terrorists killed in Borno
– 22 soldiers killed in a Jihadist suicide attack in Maiduguri, Borno State
– 21 persons killed in Katsina State during an attack on a joint team of Katsina State Community Watch Corps and vigilante members
– 40 farmers killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Dumba community, Baga, Kukawa LGA of Borno State

Buratai emphasized that defeating insurgents requires more than military operations, urging citizens to be mobilized psychologically through social media, the press, and community-driven initiatives. He stressed the need for a long-term plan and collective effort to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.

Key Challenges:

– Insecurity: Nigeria faces numerous security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and cybercrime, which pose a significant threat to national stability and development.
– Economic Impact: Insecurity has severe and far-reaching consequences for the economy of affected areas, directly impacting economic activities and development in the region.
– Displacement and Trauma: Many Nigerians have been forced out of their homes and communities due to violence and attacks, with over 2 million people displaced. Constant news of killings and attacks induces fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in citizens.² ³

Possible Solutions:

– Nationwide Mobilization: Buratai suggested that the government adopt a lockdown strategy to identify and neutralize terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers terrorizing communities nationwide.
– Community Involvement: He highlighted the importance of community involvement, citing the example of nationwide support during the Maiduguri flood disaster.
– Long-term Plan: Buratai emphasized the need for a long-term plan to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.
– Improved Security Surveillance: Improving security surveillance nationwide and ensuring swift prosecution of perpetrators can help prevent attacks.
– Promoting Dialogue: Promoting dialogue between farmers and herdsmen can help reduce conflicts and improve security in vulnerable communities.

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Nigeria’s democracy deeply compromised – Obasanjo


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday expressed concern that Nigeria’s judiciary has become “deeply compromised”.

Obasanjo noted that corruption among judges has turned Nigerian courts into “court of corruption rather than courts of justice”.

The ex-President made the assertion in his new book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’, published by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

The former Nigerian leader lamented what he described as the “steady decline of the judiciary’s integrity”.

“The reputation of the Nigerian judiciary has steadily gone down from the four eras up till today. The rapidity of the precipitous fall, particularly in the Fourth Republic, is lamentable,” he wrote.

The former military Head of State equally stated that justice had become commodified in Nigeria, with dangerous consequences for the nation’s stability.

“The great fear of most well-meaning Nigerians and good friends of Nigeria is that where ‘justice’ is only available to the highest bidder, despair, anarchy, and violence would substitute justice, order, and hope.

“I went to a state in the North about ten years after I left public office. Next to the government guest house was a line of six duplex buildings.

“The governor pointed to the buildings and stated that they belonged to a judge who put them up from the money he made from being the chairman of election tribunals,” Obasanjo said.

He accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, of undermining the electoral process since 2015.

“No wonder politicians do not put much confidence in an election which the INEC of Professor Mahmood Yakubu polluted and grossly undermined to make a charade,” he added.

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US Contradicts WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Over Nigeria’s Economy



The United States has disputed World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s assessment of Nigeria’s economy, citing that the new minimum wage of N70,000 hasn’t improved the standard of living for Nigerian workers due to the continued depreciation of the Naira.

The US report highlights that the minimum wage, pegged at about $47.90 per month, has lost its value due to the Naira trading at over N1,500 to the dollar. This has resulted in the wage being no longer higher than the poverty income level. Furthermore, the law only applies to employers with 25 or more full-time staff, leaving most workers in the informal economy unprotected.

Some key points from the report include¹ ²:
– Naira Depreciation: The Naira’s continued depreciation has undermined the new minimum wage, making it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities.
– Limited Coverage: The minimum wage law only applies to a small portion of the workforce, with most workers operating in the informal economy.
– Enforcement Issues: The government rarely enforces minimum wage and overtime laws, with penalties being low and not commensurate with other crimes like fraud.
– Informal Economy: Between 70 and 80 percent of Nigeria’s working population operates in the informal economy, where authorities fail to enforce wage, hour, and occupational safety and health laws.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had commended President Tinubu’s administration for restoring stability to Nigeria’s economy, but the US report presents a contrasting view, highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.

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Alaafin Of Oyo Denies Supremacy Battle With Ooni

Alaafin Of Oyo Denies Supremacy Battle With Ooni, Says British Colonial Govt Recognised His Throne As Yoruba Nation’s Superior Head.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has dismissed speculations of being in a supremacy tussle with any traditional ruler, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

The monarch made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

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Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud

Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud



The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The deportees include 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, bringing the total number of deported convicts to 102 since the exercise began on August 15, 2025.

These individuals were part of a larger group of 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation targeting a major foreign-led cybercrime syndicate. The EFCC has stated that further deportations are scheduled in the coming days as part of an intensified crackdown on transnational cybercrime.

The deported individuals had completed their prison sentences handed down by the Federal High Court in Lagos before being handed over to immigration authorities for repatriation. The EFCC emphasized that this operation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global cybercrime syndicates and protecting its digital space.

Key Details:
– Number of Deportees: 102 foreign nationals deported since August 15, 2025
– Nationalities: 50 Chinese and one Tunisian in the latest batch
– Crimes: Cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, including romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes
– Arrests: 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation
– Future Plans: Further deportations scheduled as court processes for remaining suspects are concluded.

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Japan Names Kisarazu City as Hometown for Nigerians in New Cultural Diplomacy Effort

Kisarazu, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has been designated as a “hometown” for Nigerians looking to live and work in Japan. This initiative aims to foster cultural diplomacy, boost economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity.

About Kisarazu

  • Location: Chiba Prefecture, Japan, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Chiba City and 70-80 kilometers from central Tokyo
  • Population: around 136,023 people
  • Economy: Mixed economy with commercial fishing, agriculture, and heavy industry along its Tokyo Bay shoreline

Getting to Kisarazu

  • Train: Accessible via JR Uchibo Line and JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station, with journey times ranging from 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Bus: Bus services available from Tokyo Station, Yokohama, Shinagawa, Kawasaki, and Haneda Airport

Living in Kisarazu

  • Climate: Humid subtropical with warm summers and cool winters
  • Attractions: Kisarazu Port, firework displays, and traditional festivals like the Kisarazu Port Festival

For Nigerians considering this opportunity, it’s essential to research the specific requirements, benefits, and cultural aspects of living in Kisarazu.