Senate Approves Badagry-Born Broadcaster Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, Others Federal Boards

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Maupe Ogun-Yusuf 

The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of acclaimed Channels Television broadcaster and Badagry indigene, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, to the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

During Wednesday’s plenary session, lawmakers cleared Ogun-Yusuf alongside 10 other nominees for the NHRC governing board. Additionally, seven nominees were confirmed for the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), with Abdullahi Saidu approved as its Executive Chairman.

The Senate's confirmation followed the presentation, consideration, and adoption of detailed reports submitted by the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Presenting the FRC assessment, Senator Lere Oyewunmi, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, stated that the panel conducted a rigorous review of the candidates' academic credentials, career backgrounds, and technical expertise prior to recommending their clearance.

In the same vein, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, reported on the screening of the NHRC candidates, which took place following their initial referral to the committee on April 28, 2026. He noted that the panel verified the nominees' documentation and expressed complete satisfaction with their qualifications, professional competence, and deep exposure to human rights matters.

Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, widely recognized for her veteran journalism and broadcast work with Channels Television, joins a distinguished panel tasked with driving policy, advocacy, and human rights enforcement across Nigeria.

Her national elevation serves as a proud landmark for Badagry, Lagos State, as the seasoned media personality steps into her regulatory role on the human rights commission.

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President Bola Tinubu Set for Six-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia Ahead of 2027 Election Cycle

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Bola Tinubu 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to leave Abuja on Thursday, 29 October 2026, for a six-day journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The President is slated to return to Nigeria the following week after completing his engagement.

According to reported details of the trip, the Nigerian delegation is expected to include five state governors, two cabinet ministers, the Chief of Staff to the President, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and several prominent business leaders.

While the Presidency has officially framed the visit as a spiritual pilgrimage (Umrah) to pray for national peace, unity, and economic progress, full details regarding the complete delegation list and operational itinerary remain undisclosed.

The planned departure comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns across the Arabian Peninsula, including reported Houthi military actions and drone/missile strikes near key regional transport hubs and infrastructure.

Additionally, the visit follows reports surrounding the postponement of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) widely referred to as "Davos in the Desert" which was reportedly put on hold due to security considerations. Questions persist over whether the initial timing of the President's journey was intended to align with the investment summit.

Meanwhile, political observers and critics continue to offer unverified commentary suggesting that the Saudi trip could serve as a cover for private medical evaluations—a recurring debate surrounding the President's foreign travel.

President Tinubu's foreign trips have frequently generated public debate and scrutiny regarding their true scope and necessity, in September 2022 (Pre-Election Campaign), During the presidential campaign, Tinubu spent time in London for what party officials described as rest and strategic meetings. Media speculation regarding his fitness intensified after he missed key engagements, including the signing of the National Peace Accord. Tinubu subsequently addressed the health rumours directly by sharing a workout video online.

In February – May 2023 (Transition Period), Following his election victory, Tinubu made multiple trips to France and Europe. While official statements cited work on transition logistics and consultations with foreign advisers, media reports cited sources alleging the visits included medical consultations following an exhausting campaign.

In June 2023 – Early 2024, he Travels to Paris for the New Global Financing Pact Summit and subsequent private stays in London and France prompted recurring questions from opposition figures regarding scheduled health checkups during official trips.

In October 2024 & April 2025, he Extended working vacations in the UK and France sparked renewed criticism over foreign stays, which administration spokespersons repeatedly clarified were purely focused on official governance and mid-term policy review.

In August – September 2026, A scheduled three-week European vacation stretched to 28 days across London and Paris. Public debate intensified after President Tinubu skipped the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York—delegating Vice President Kashim Shettima—while remaining in France after French President Emmanuel Macron had already departed for the UN summit.

Despite persistent speculation from political opponents, the Presidency has consistently denied claims of undisclosed medical care abroad, maintaining that all overseas trips are dedicated to official diplomatic business, strategic investments, or legitimate private rest.

President Bola Tinubu Approves ₦70,000 Monthly Transport Allowance for Nigerian Workers

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has approved a temporary ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers across Nigeria. The relief package will run for six months, starting in November 2026.

The resolution was formally announced by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following successful conciliation talks with representatives of the Federal Government at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.

The Federal Government–NLC Agreement includes Six-Month Transport Subsidy, The Federal Government will commence disbursement of the ₦70,000 monthly stipend in November 2026 to cushion transport costs and ease daily financial burdens on the workforce.

Resolution of Health Sector Arrears: The agreement secures the payment of 19 months' worth of outstanding arrears owed to health sector personnel.

Peculiar Allowance Backlog: Workers will also receive backlog payments for peculiar allowances, backdated to May 2026.

Call to Action for States and LGAs:  The NLC has urged state governors and local government authorities to replicate the ₦70,000 monthly transport intervention for employees within their respective jurisdictions.

2027 Elections: Badagry PDP Reps Candidate Medemaku Warns APC Over Destruction of Campaign Banners

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Barr. Medemaku Abayomi Noah (MAN), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the House of Representatives in Badagry Federal Constituency, has issued a stern warning to supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly destroying PDP campaign banners across the constituency to cease immediately or face the full wrath of the law.

Medemaku raised the alarm on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during an exclusive interview with News Peddlers, attributing the surge in political vandalism to fear and anxiety within the ruling party over its declining popularity in the area.

According to the PDP candidate, his campaign team woke up on Tuesday morning to discover widespread destruction of PDP banners across several key locations, while adjacent APC banners were left entirely untouched.

Expressing his displeasure, Medemaku said, “We woke up this morning with most of our banners destroyed across the board. These are places where APC banners stand side-by-side with ours, yet no one touched theirs. 

"Our banners have been subjected to deliberate destruction and mutilation. We are calling on the APC to restrain their thugs and hired destroyers because we will resist this using all lawful means. Badagry, Lagos State, and Nigeria do not belong to the APC alone.”

He warned that any perpetrator caught vandalising his campaign materials would face legal consequences, stressing the financial sacrifice behind the campaign media.

“If for any reason we catch any of their boys, they should be ready to face the full consequences of their actions. We do not understand why they have the effrontery to destroy our banners, which are products of our hard-earned money and not political loot,” he added.

Highlighting specific locations where the destruction occurred, Medemaku pointed out that PDP banners situated around the Topo Garage axis and near the Nigeria French Language Village in Badagry were systematically targeted shortly after campaign activities kicked off on October 20, 2026.

“Our banners were destroyed at Topo Garage and around the French Village. Why are they so scared of the PDP? Why are they terrified of Medemaku Abayomi Noah? It is simply because they have seen our widespread acceptance among the people. We only launched our campaign on October 20, 2026, and they are already panicked.”

Despite the provocation, Medemaku urged his supporters across Badagry Federal Constituency to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, assuring them that no amount of intimidation would derail the mandate to deliver quality representation at the National Assembly.

“They are in power, but why are they scared? They know the masses are speaking, and come 2027, they will be voted out of office. I urge all our supporters to remain calm. Medemaku for the House of Representatives in 2027 will become a reality. We are heading to the Green Chamber to represent the good people of Badagry, and nothing shall discourage us. The more banners they destroy, the more banners they will see,” he added.

Nigeria Customs Handover of ₦511.4m Contraband Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Drugs

By: Manoah Kikekon 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has officially transferred confiscated illicit drugs and controlled medicines valued at ₦511.4 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The official handover took place on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

The contraband items surrendered to the regulatory and enforcement agencies included, Illicit Substances: 121 parcels of cannabis sativa (weighing 65.9kg), 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis, 900g of ground synthetic cannabis, 400g of cocaine, and 100g of crystal methamphetamine.

Pharmaceuticals: 57 cartons containing assorted codeine syrup.

Operational Evidence: 86 packs of specialized packaging material, two conveyance vehicles, and two male suspects arrested in connection with the trafficking operations.

Representing the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (Enforcement) Oluwaseun Oguntuase stated that the intercepts were executed through targeted, intelligence-driven operations across major transit corridors and strategic points within the unit's coverage.

Detailing the operations, Oguntuase revealed that on 10 October 2026, customs officers stopped a Toyota Hiace bus along the Lagos–Benin Expressway near Ore, Ondo State, uncovering narcotics hidden within polythene bags. Earlier, on 7 October, another patrol team intercepted a vehicle along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, confiscating 57 cartons of illegally transported codeine syrup.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect the nation’s borders, safeguard public health, and support national security,” Oguntuase affirmed.

Taking custody of the narcotics on behalf of the NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji commended the NCS for its robust inter-agency synergy. He assured that the suspects, vehicle, and confiscated exhibits would be thoroughly processed and prosecuted according to statutory regulations.

Representing NAFDAC's Director of Enforcement, Deputy Director of Pharmaceuticals Edith Joseph formally accepted the seized codeine shipment. She lauded the Unit’s vigilance and reiterated NAFDAC's commitment to working alongside Customs to eradicate substandard and illegal pharmaceutical products from Nigerian markets.

Nigeria Customs Service Foils Wildlife Trafficking Attempt, Rescues Live Pangolins

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, have successfully saved three live pangolins from illegal traffickers during a targeted anti-smuggling crackdown near Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora, Ogun State.

The successful operation unfolded on Monday, 12 October 2026, following actionable intelligence received by the unit. The endangered mammals were found hidden within a wire-mesh enclosure inside a heavy sack. Upon spotting the approaching Customs patrol officers, the fleeing smugglers abandoned the animals and escaped into nearby swampy terrain.

Representing Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement Oluwaseun Oguntuase lauded the team's swift and alert action. He emphasized that the interception marks a notable triumph in the agency's broader campaign to eradicate organized illegal wildlife trade and protect the nation's natural environment.

According to Oguntuase, the interception reflects the division's unwavering resolve to safeguard local biodiversity and dismantle the criminal syndicates exploiting Nigeria's land borders and aquatic routes.

"Pangolins enjoy strict international protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which strictly governs global commerce in vulnerable wildlife. Illicit trafficking poses a grave threat to conservation and ecological balance. 

The three rescued pangolins have been safely transferred to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for professional care, rehabilitation, and sanctuary," he noted.

Issueing a stern caution to syndicates involved in illegal animal trafficking, the command warned that enforcement will only intensify. 

The service reiterated its commitment to expanding patrol operations, leveraging intelligence networks, and strengthening cross-agency partnerships to preserve endangered species and eliminate illicit wildlife supply chains.

2027: Bonu Solomon Launches Branded Fleet to Drive APC Grassroots Campaign in Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu 

Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu, the representative for Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has introduced a dedicated fleet of branded cars and buses to support the newly established Starboy Movement. 

Following the launch, the lawmaker spearheaded the group's maiden door-to-door campaign in Badagry to build grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos governorship candidate Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and other All Progressives Congress (APC) contenders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The political outreach kicked off on Saturday, following an open-air launch event opposite the French Language Village in Ajara, Badagry. The fleet will serve as operational transport to streamline political mobilization across local communities.

The Starboy Movement is structured to champion the re-election bid of President Tinubu, Dr. Hamzat's gubernatorial campaign alongside his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, as well as Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule for Lagos West Senatorial District and other local APC candidates.

Addressing party faithfuls and youth supporters at the venue, Hon. Bonu pledged sustained financial and logistical support for the group, revealing that additional vehicles would be deployed as campaign activities intensify.

 The lawmaker appealed to aggrieved youths following the outcome of the party’s primaries, urging them to accept internal decisions, set aside grievances, and rally together to secure victory for all APC candidates.

Bonu reassured residents that despite not securing a spot on the ticket in the primaries, his dedication to the development of Badagry remains unchanged.

 Describing Dr. Hamzat as a trusted political mentor, he expressed confidence that a Hamzat governorship supported by Princess Damilola Sonayon James, a native of Badagry, as deputy would yield significant developmental benefits for the division.

Bonu urged the youth wing to educate community members on the key policies, economic reforms, and infrastructure achievements of the current administration.

He specifically cited major projects expected to transform the socioeconomic landscape of the area, including, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, designed to enhance regional connectivity and boost local commerce.

Landmark projects under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, such as the newly completed housing estate in Ajara, extensive road construction projects, and the restoration of grid electricity to the Badagry West LCDA.

He also acknowledged existing APC support structures in the area notably the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, and the City Boy Movement, led by House of Representatives member Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan. Bonu called for seamless collaboration among the three groups to form a formidable, unified front.

Following the official ceremony, Hon. Bonu personally led Starboy Movement members on a house-to-house canvassing drive through the Ganyingbo and Aklakumo communities.