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Muslim youth organization presents Oyebanji Governor of the year Award

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), Ekiti State Chapter on Sunday presented Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji the Governor of he Year Award in recognition of his development strides in the state in the last one and a half years in office.

The Islamic body described the body as an embodiment of many virtues of a true believer in Government, adding that the award was to demonstrate to the Governor that his actions and policies have direct impact on the people of the state.

The award was one of the highlights of NACOMYO’s 2024 Hijirah Lecture and second edition of the Hon Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju Empowerment Programme held at the Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Ekiti.

Aside Governor Oyebanji, a former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and former Nationak Assembly member, Senator Babafemi Ojudu as well as Bartuster Tajudeen Oluyole Ahmed were also presented different awards.

Presenting the award to Governor Oyebanji, the President General. League of Imams and Alfas, Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, who is the Spiritual father of the day, said the Governor is outstanding in the unique was he prioritizes the wellbeing and welfare of the citizens, the way he carries everybody along and in the area of infrastructure development.

He said the Governor has brought joy to the people and has succeeded in united every tendencies in the state. “The award is to tell our Governor that his good works did not go unnoticed. May God continue to strengthen and guide him.”, he said.

Other speakers at the event including Alajaji Mudasitu Oladele Yusuf, NACOMYO Coordinator in Ekiti State lauded Governor Oyebanji for his transparency, accountability and inclusivity, which they said have accounted for the growing profile of the state under his watch.

Governor Oyebanji who thanked the Islamic body for the award, said he was humbled by the fact that the efforts of his administration is having the desired impact on the lives of the people of the state.

The Governor said the award, coming from a body of eminent Islamic scholars and leaders meant a lot to him and would only spur him to do more using the six development pillars of the administration to drive growth and development as well as creating economic opportunities for the people. This he said is in addition to making Ekiti State the number one destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest and relax.

The Governor said the massive investment in infrastructure development, security, agriculture and job creation are geared towards making the state number one destination of choice.

“God will help us to continue to take decisions that will bring prosperity for all the citizens and make our dear state the number one destination of choice for people looking for a place to live, invest, relax and work. With your support and God’s backing, we shall achieve all our goals and more”, the Governor said .

Senator Ojudu who was also presented an award of Distinguished Service to Islam award appreciate the body for the honour done to him, the Governor and other awardees.

Other highlights of the day include lecture, empowerment progranme and special prayer for the Governor, whom the NACOMYO coordinator described and “Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Saheed Akorede”.

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Four arrested as police uncover N500m Canadian-Australian visa scam

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with a visa scam that defrauded over 100 Nigerians of approximately ₦500 million.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu (27), Chineye Christian (36), Archibong Udeme Ifereke (23), and Maurine Peter (25), were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). All four are reportedly staff members of an educational consultancy firm located in the Ago Okota area of Lagos, where the fraudulent activities were allegedly carried out.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects deceived their victims with false promises of securing work visas to Canada and Australia.

The case, initially lodged at the Ago Okota Division, was later transferred to the SCID for deeper investigation. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained ₦500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims,” Hundeyin stated.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel and recruitment agencies. “Residents must exercise due diligence to avoid falling victim to such scams. The Command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements,” Jimoh said.

Further investigations uncovered that the syndicate includes other accomplices who are currently on the run. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to locate and arrest all individuals involved.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody as the investigation continues.

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Nigerian Air Force to acquire 49 new aircraft by 2026

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced plans for a major expansion of the Nigerian Air Force’s aerial fleet, with the acquisition of 49 state-of-the-art aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.Nearby concert tickets

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters in Abuja, Abubakar said the incoming aircraft will include three CASA 295 transport planes, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter jets.

“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively,” the Air Marshal stated during his address at the event themed, Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.

He underscored the need for NAF personnel to adopt advanced, innovative, and data-driven maintenance practices, stressing that the expansion in operational capability must be backed by robust engineering and logistics support systems.Nigerian fashion

“In the last two years, NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” Abubakar said.

He added that significant investments have already been made in logistics infrastructure, spare parts, and ground support tools to ensure that all operable aircraft are fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, also spoke at the event, describing aircraft engineering as “the backbone that supports the NAF’s mission and objectives.”

He said the rapidly evolving security landscape demanded a proactive and responsive approach to aircraft maintenance, and emphasized the importance of the annual conference as a platform for exchanging ideas, refining strategies, and promoting a culture of engineering excellence.

In addition to the planned acquisitions, the NAF has taken delivery of 15 new aircraft in the last two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air surveillance aircraft, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance planes.

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Bandits abduct ward councillor and others in Katsina

Armed bandits have abducted several people, including a ward councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 said the attack occurred on Monday night in Daudawa community.

According to the conflict journalist, the gunmen kidnapped Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, who serves as the councillor representing Daudawa ward, along with several other residents.

“Yesterday night, bandits invaded Daudawa in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. They abducted several people including the ward Councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

The exact number of abducted victims is still unknown at the time of filing this report.