Education News August 21, 2026 Otuaro rallies Niger Delta support for Tinubu as PAP sends 150 scholars to UK

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has urged people of the Niger Delta to reciprocate President Bola Tinubu’s developmental efforts by voting massively for him in the 2027 general elections.

Otuaro made the call on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the pre-departure orientation for 150 postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries being deployed to universities in the United Kingdom.

A statement signed by Mr Igoniko Oduma – Special Assistant on Media to the PAP’s administrator, on Friday, said the latest deployment brings the number of PAP-sponsored beneficiaries sent to UK universities this year to 243, following the deployment of 93 beneficiaries in January and May.

Before the latest batch, about 270 beneficiaries were already studying various postgraduate programmes in UK universities, including cybersecurity, software engineering, data science analytics, law, forensic auditing, fintech analytics, construction engineering management, global public health and oil and gas engineering.

Speaking at the event, Otuaro described the scholarship scheme as a strategic investment in the future of the Niger Delta and Nigeria, saying it would help address the region’s human capital deficit while contributing to peace and stability.

He said, “We are again here to send some of the most brilliant and vibrant youths of the Niger Delta for post-graduate studies in select disciplines in the UK.

“We are able to do this because, our father and leader, Mr President is committed to the peace, security and development of the Niger Delta.

“I must say that as a people, we should make sure we vote massively to ensure his victory in the 2027 general elections. This is the best way to show gratitude to a President who has taken these deliberate steps to help our people and the region.

“This year, in January and May, we had sent 93 beneficiaries for offshore post-graduate programmes. Now, we have 150 that we are sending abroad, and about 56 made first class while about 140 made second-class upper division. We already have 270 in UK universities before these recent deployments.

“This exercise underscores our commitment to ensuring that the Niger Delta youths have greater access to higher education within and outside Nigeria as we build a solid foundation for the region’s future.”

The PAP administrator attributed the expansion of the scholarship programme to what he described as President Tinubu’s unprecedented support for the agency under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Otuaro disclosed that 8,700 beneficiaries were currently undergoing training and education within Nigeria, while the programme had also expanded its offshore scholarship opportunities.

“As of today, we have 8700 in-country. That is what President Tinubu has done for the Niger Delta. By the grace of God, we are going to increase the number this year.

“We have deployed 270 beneficiaries to offshore universities: 11 for undergraduate programmes, 238 for master’s degrees, and 21 for PhDs.

“While 57 have graduated, many with distinction, 248 are in-training. From onshore universities, we have recorded 54 master’s and doctoral graduates. In the 2024/2025 academic year, we recorded over 50 first class and over 134 second-class upper division.

“That is our investment for a greater and better tomorrow because it will help our communities and our region tomorrow,” Dr Otuaro added.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support for the programme and commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his supervision, insights and professional contributions.

Otuaro charged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies, obey the laws of the United Kingdom and regulations of their respective institutions, and return home after completing their programmes to contribute to the development of their communities and Nigeria.

Two of the beneficiaries, Opukeme Gideon, who will study MSc Cyber Security at the University of Aberdeen, and Afiyagba Peredisabofa, who will undertake an MSc in Oil and Gas at Coventry University, thanked President Tinubu and Otuaro for the opportunity.

They pledged to work hard and make the country and the Niger Delta proud.

In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Boladei Igali; Prof. Ben Binebai of Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State; Niger Delta activist, AnnKio Briggs; Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; and President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr Doubra Okotete, commended the Federal Government for sustaining the scholarship programme.

They also praised Otuaro for expanding the scheme and described it as “a legacy that will impact several generations.”

The stakeholders further commended the PAP leadership for promoting gender balance in the selection of beneficiaries, noting the significant representation of female scholars.

The new beneficiaries were also sensitised on social and cultural dynamics, academic and school expectations, security considerations while studying abroad, obligations of the PAP office to beneficiaries and economic prudence.

Other stakeholders at the event included PANDEF Secretary, Engr. Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack; Treasurer, Hon. Mrs Ifeoma Agbomah; and members of the Ijaw Women Connect, led by its President, Mrs Rosemary Oduone.

Crime News August 21, 2026 Real reason we won’t release Tinubu’s files- FBI

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has approached a federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking permission to privately explain why it is withholding portions of investigative records linked to allegations of drug trafficking involving President Bola Tinubu.

In a court filing dated August 20, the FBI asked the US District Court for the District of Columbia to allow it to submit a confidential declaration to the judge explaining grounds that, according to the agency, cannot be disclosed publicly.

The proposed submission, known as an ex parte, in camera declaration, would be presented privately to the judge and kept outside the public record.

The FBI argued that making some of the withheld information public could expose law-enforcement methods and procedures, while also potentially putting the lives or physical safety of certain individuals at risk.

The application was made public on X by Von Batten-Montague-York, a Washington-based lobbying firm recently engaged by African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The records in question stem from two Freedom of Information Act requests submitted to the FBI.

The first request, identified as 1588244-000, sought the “entire FBI file” on Tinubu, who was described in the request as Nigeria’s president-elect in February 2023.

The second request, numbered 1593615-000, asked for FBI Form 302 interview records concerning Tinubu in connection with FBI Case No. 245-IP-71386-UUUUUU covering 1992 and 1993.

According to the bureau, it relied on several exemptions under the US Freedom of Information Act, including exemptions 6, 7(C), 7(D), 7(E) and 7(F), to withhold parts of the records.

The agency said some of the information could reveal investigative techniques and procedures, while other material could reasonably be expected to threaten the life or physical safety of an individual.

It further argued that the full justification for applying exemptions 7(E) and 7(F) could not safely be disclosed in a public filing.

The FBI is therefore asking the court to permit it to submit an additional declaration under seal, through which it would provide the judge with further details supporting its position.

The agency said it would file the confidential document by August 28 if the court grants its request.

The case was brought by Aaron Greenspan, founder of PlainSite, who has been seeking government records connected to investigations into a Chicago heroin trafficking operation dating back to the early 1990s.

Greenspan submitted 12 FOIA requests to six US federal agencies between 2022 and 2023. The requests sought documents relating to criminal investigations involving four individuals, including Tinubu, Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega and Abiodun Agbele.

Five of the agencies initially issued what is known as a Glomar response, meaning they refused to confirm or deny whether the requested records existed.

Greenspan challenged the agencies’ positions before the US Department of Justice’s Office of Information Policy, but the office upheld their responses.

He subsequently instituted a lawsuit on June 12, 2023, challenging the refusal to confirm or deny the existence of the records.

The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Executive Office for United States Attorneys and Department of State were initially listed as defendants. The Central Intelligence Agency was later added to the case.

In April 2025, US District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the Glomar responses issued by the FBI and DEA were improper and ordered that they be lifted.

Howell found that the agencies had not demonstrated the existence of a legally recognisable privacy interest that justified keeping secret the fact that Tinubu had been the subject of a criminal investigation.

She also held that the agencies had failed to provide adequate evidence to support their continued refusal to confirm or deny the existence of the records.

The latest filing follows a request by the US Department of Justice for an additional 10 days to comply with a court order concerning the release of records relating to the allegations involving Tinubu.

Although Howell granted only a four-day extension, moving the deadline to August 21, Tinubu’s legal team subsequently joined the DOJ’s request for the longer extension.

The judge reportedly rejected that request.

The FBI’s latest application is now seeking to give the judge privately what it describes as further justification for retaining some of the records, particularly information it says could expose sensitive investigative procedures or create risks to individuals if released publicly.

(DAILY TRUST)

News Politics August 21, 2026 Obi launches 2027 campaign, challenges rivals to defend their records

Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party, Peter Obi, has formally commenced his campaign for the 2027 presidential election, urging other contenders to face Nigerians directly and explain their records, policies and capacity to govern.

Obi made the call on Friday during a press conference at his Onitsha residence to mark the beginning of his campaign for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

He said presidential candidates should engage voters personally instead of relying on representatives, stressing that Nigerians had the right to scrutinise their credentials and plans for the country.

He said, “No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates to the hustings, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country.

“Every candidate seeking the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records, and subject their vision to public scrutiny.

“Leadership Requires Presence and Empathy. Genuine leadership required physical presence and empathy, a presidential candidate would not effectively lead communities without understanding their circumstances.

“True leadership requires presence and empathy. No one can lead from the front without standing with communities across Nigeria devastated by banditry, criminality, terrorism, and flooding.

“You cannot truly lead people you are unwilling to visit, listen to, and understand.”

Obi, who is contesting alongside his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the duo would personally tour the country to interact with voters and hear their concerns.

He maintained that they would not hand over their campaign responsibilities to proxies, saying the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the track records, ideas and programmes of those seeking the presidency.

According to him, Nigeria is confronted by several challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, internal displacement, inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power supply, insecurity and the high cost of doing business.

He nevertheless expressed optimism that the country could overcome its difficulties, citing its large population, resources, market, talent and entrepreneurial capacity as assets capable of supporting a prosperous economy.

Obi said his administration would seek to move the economy away from excessive dependence on consumption and toward production, investment, enterprise and human-capital development.

“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets.

“I promised to prioritise agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services, while creating an environment in which businesses could invest, employ workers and expand without unnecessary regulatory and infrastructure constraints.

“I pledged to strengthen agriculture through improved security, irrigation, rural roads, storage facilities, access to finance and markets, while promoting manufacturing and agro-processing,” he added.

On public spending, Obi said government expenditure must be tied to clearly defined objectives, while major infrastructure and other public investments should deliver measurable results.

He also described insecurity as a serious impediment to economic growth, arguing that development would remain difficult if Nigerians could not safely farm, travel, trade or operate businesses.

He proposed better intelligence gathering, closer coordination among security agencies, stronger policing and border control, increased deployment of technology and lawful community-based mechanisms for detecting threats.

“We will improve basic education, strengthen universities, and expand technical and vocational training,” he said.

Obi also promised greater attention to healthcare, including maternal and child health, access to essential medicines and improved working conditions and equipment for health workers.

He said poor health outcomes continued to undermine human-capital development and economic productivity.

The former Anambra governor further outlined development priorities for the country’s various regions, saying each should maximise its comparative advantages while contributing to national economic growth.

“The North-Central could strengthen food production and processing while responsibly developing its mineral resources. Manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative economy are the areas of strength for the South-West, while the South-East could build on its entrepreneurial and industrial base through better infrastructure, connectivity and access to investment.

“For the South-South, oil and gas, maritime services, fisheries and agriculture are areas with potential for greater value creation, alongside stronger environmental protection.

“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” he added.

Obi urged Nigerians to interrogate the records and manifestos of all presidential contenders, ask difficult questions and demand evidence to support campaign promises.

He also appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns without resorting to hatred, violence, ethnicity or religious sentiments, while urging all sides to accept the outcome of the 2027 election.

“Our campaign will focus on the urgent concerns of Nigerians and not on ethnicity or religion.

“Nigerians must reject and disregard any campaign driven by propaganda, ethnicity, religion, elitism, or cronyism.

“My ultimate objective is to unite the country, defeat insecurity, reduce poverty and hunger, tackle the problem of out-of-school children, improve education and healthcare and create an economy that works for all Nigerians.

“The campaign will mark the beginning of a journey to reset Nigeria by uniting the country, securing it and placing it on the path of inclusive economic growth. A New Nigeria is possible,” Obi declared.

News August 21, 2026 Don Jazzy reveals how Ayra Starr transformed his life

Nigerian music executive and producer Michael Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, has revealed that Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has had a profound impact on his life.

The Mavin Records founder made the disclosure on X while responding to a fan who praised his contribution to the singer’s career.

Don Jazzy wrote: “She has most definitely changed my own life too. I bless the day I was shown her Instagram freestyle o. And she has been nothing but a dream Starrgirl.”

Don Jazzy discovered Ayra Starr after coming across her freestyle performances on Instagram and subsequently signed her to Mavin Records.

Since joining the label, Ayra Starr has risen to become one of Nigeria’s prominent Afrobeats acts, attracting an international audience with her music.

The singer released her third studio album, Starrgirl, on Aug. 14.

The 16-track album features collaborations with Nigerian stars Wizkid and Rema, alongside international artistes including ZAYN, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.

Wizkid appears on the track “Gimme Dat”, while Rema features on “Who’s Dat Girl”.

News August 21, 2026 Woman remanded for reportedly stabbing husband to death over party dispute

A Kano Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a newlywed woman, Khadija Sa’idu, following her arraignment over the alleged killing of her husband, Auwal Adam.

Sa’idu, who resides in Hayin Lawal, Rimin Kebe, in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was reportedly taken before the court by the police on a charge of culpable homicide.

Presided over by Magistrate Haulatu Magaji Kankarofi, the court directed that the accused be kept in a correctional facility over allegations that she stabbed her husband in the chest and neck at their residence.

The incident was said to have occurred after a disagreement between the couple concerning the woman’s request to attend a social gathering.

According to the facts presented to the court, Sa’idu had asked her husband for permission to attend a party, but he allegedly declined her request.

The prosecution alleged that the disagreement later escalated, with the accused allegedly stabbing Auwal in the chest while he was asleep on a couch.

Following the incident, Auwal was reportedly taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital for treatment, but medical personnel were said to have confirmed his death from injuries allegedly sustained in the attack.

At Thursday’s court session, the prosecutor informed the magistrate that the case file had been forwarded for legal advice from the state counsel before further action could be determined.

Magistrate Kankarofi subsequently adjourned the matter until September 8 for further mention.

The allegation against Sa’idu is yet to be determined by the court.

(DAILY TRUST)

News August 21, 2026 UK issues fresh travel warning on 11 states in Nigeria

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory to its citizens, warning against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states while recommending that trips to several other states and the Federal Capital Territory be undertaken only when essential.

The advisory was contained in an updated travel guidance released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Under its highest-risk category, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East, as well as Katsina and Zamfara in the North-West.

The warning also applies to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the South-South.

The FCDO described the affected riverine locations as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”

The latest advisory cited security concerns in the affected regions and divided its recommendations into areas where travellers are advised against all travel and locations where only essential journeys are recommended.

The UK government further placed Bauchi State under the “all but essential travel” category in the North-East.

In the North-West, the same warning applies to Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states.

Several states in the North-Central region were also listed, including Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue.

In the South-East, the advisory covers Abia, Anambra and Imo states, while travellers were advised to limit journeys to essential ones in non-riverine parts of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja, is also among the areas where the UK recommends against all but essential travel.

The FCDO cautioned British nationals and other travellers that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and advised anyone planning to visit Nigeria to review the latest travel guidance before departure.

It also urged prospective travellers to “research your destinations” and “get appropriate travel insurance” before embarking on their trips.

The UK government warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

According to the advisory, travellers should confirm that their insurance policies cover their complete itinerary, intended activities and any emergency-related expenses that may arise during their stay.

The updated guidance also contains information on other issues affecting travellers, including entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health concerns, IVF and fertility treatment scams, overseas adoption and procedures for British nationals seeking assistance in Nigeria.

The FCDO’s strongest warning applies to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states, alongside the riverine portions of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

The “all but essential travel” category covers Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Anambra and Imo states.

It also includes the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.

Education News August 21, 2026 Nigerian girl emerges overall winner of international Qur’anic contest in Saudi Arabia

A young Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, has emerged the overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Maryam, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria at the international contest, where she competed in the category involving memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation.

The competition covered all 60 Hizb of the Qur’an with Tafsir and attracted participants from different countries.

Her outstanding performance earned her the overall first position, bringing international recognition to both Gombe State and Nigeria.

The achievement was particularly significant because the 46th edition marked the first time women participated in the competition since its establishment 46 years ago, making Maryam’s victory a landmark accomplishment.

Reacting to the development, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, congratulated Maryam, her family, teachers and the Muslim community in the state, describing the feat as a major source of pride for Gombe and Nigeria.

The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, and made available to journalists.

Yahaya said Maryam’s success demonstrated the impact of discipline, dedication and commitment to education, while also highlighting the potential of young people in the state.

“I am deeply proud of our daughter’s exceptional achievement on the global stage. Maryam’s triumph exemplifies the excellence and rich educational heritage of Gombe State.

“Her victory brings pride not only to Gombe but to Nigeria as a whole.

“I am particularly confident that this feat will inspire numerous young people, especially our girls, to pursue excellence and distinguish themselves in their chosen fields.”

The governor also restated his administration’s commitment to supporting the education of young people, including Qur’anic and religious studies, which he said play an important role in character formation and responsible citizenship.

He said the state government would continue to recognise and celebrate residents whose accomplishments project Gombe positively within Nigeria and internationally.

“Our commitment to promoting the educational journey of young people, particularly in the realm of religious studies, remains unwavering. We recognise its role in moulding character and contributing to societal development.

“Gombe is known for excellence, and we shall continue to identify with those who promote the good image of Gombe to the world. Maryam is one of such people, and we are proud to celebrate her.”

Yahaya said Maryam’s achievement was even more remarkable because she had progressed through several stages of the competition, emerging first at the Gombe Local Government Area level, then at the state and national levels before representing Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.

He disclosed that he looked forward to receiving Maryam and personally honouring her when she returns to the country, noting that such recognition would encourage her to maintain her pursuit of excellence and inspire other young Nigerians.

The governor urged parents, teachers, religious institutions and other stakeholders to invest in young talents and provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to develop their abilities.

He also commended Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation for its contribution to Maryam’s development and success.

Yahaya has a longstanding connection with the institution, having served as its pioneer Chairman of the Board before becoming governor. He later relinquished the position to Architect Yunusa Yakubu after assuming office as governor.