Atiku Abubakar criticizes Tinubu administration over Oyo abductions and First Lady's response
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the response of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration regarding the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, stated that Nigerians are entitled to greater empathy and urgency from government officials while the victims remain in the hands of kidnappers. The criticism comes nearly three weeks after the abduction from three schools in Esinele, Oriire Local Government. In a statement, Atiku accused the administration of appearing more focused on political activities than addressing the victims' plight, finding it difficult to reconcile public engagements and celebratory activities with the anguish of the families. He specifically criticized the First Lady, arguing that her public celebrations and political engagements sent the wrong message, especially given her role as a mother figure. Atiku emphasized that a true mother would not celebrate while children are missing and would use every platform to highlight their plight. He warned that the increasing frequency of kidnappings risks creating a dangerous sense of normalcy if government responses are not swift and decisive, calling for the deployment of all security and intelligence resources for the immediate release of the abductees and justice for those responsible. Atiku concluded that Nigerians need leadership and results, not polit
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Federal Government plans to create approximately 7,000 direct jobs through an estate-based ranching program, aiming to empower youths and women, boost livestock productivity, and stimulate rural economic development. This initiative, disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development following an engagement with Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, seeks to provide structured opportunities for participation in ranch operations and other livestock-related enterprises. The program is expected to support growth across the dairy, red meat, and leather value chains. Minister Maiha emphasized that this forms part of the government's strategy to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria's livestock industry, particularly in dairy production, meat processing, feed and fodder development, and leather manufacturing. He also highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms for livestock production, especially dairy farming. The dairy industry alone has the capacity to generate billions of dollars, and Maiha called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, and private investors. The ministry is also pursuing the establishment of modern abattoirs in selected states and the Federal Capital Territory, each capable of processing at least 1,000 cattle daily, to enhance meat quality and safety standards. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand pasture cultivation nationwide and establish feed resources closer to production ce
The Peoples Democratic Party is contemplating legal action against the Tanimu Turaki faction for allegedly continuing to present themselves as PDP leaders despite court judgments. Jungudo Mohammed, the party's National Publicity Secretary, stated that petitions have been submitted to security agencies, urging their intervention. However, Ini Ememobong, Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, countered that the issue is legal, not a security matter, and their actions align with court judgments and the PDP Constitution. This dispute follows a Supreme Court decision on April 30 that nullified a national convention supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, which had produced the Turaki-led leadership. Subsequently, the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees reconstituted Turaki and others into an Interim National Working Committee, operating in opposition to the Independent National Electoral Commission-recognized PDP leadership, which is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Mohammed indicated that the party is awaiting guidance from its legal department on further steps, while Ememobong maintained that their leadership is genuine and their actions are lawful.
Must ReadAfrican champion Christianah Ogunsanya has won Nigeria's first medal at the World Wrestling Ranking Series in Mongolia, claiming a bronze medal in the women's competition. Ogunsanya defeated Mongolia's Bayanmunkh in the bronze medal bout. Her campaign began with a 10-0 victory over Mongolia's Tsovoo Gankhuyag before a defeat to Japan's Kiyooka M. Nigeria narrowly missed another medal when Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis lost her bronze medal contest to Turkey's Evin Demirhan. Nigeria women’s wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, praised Ogunsanya's achievement, stating it demonstrates Nigeria's ability to compete with leading wrestling nations and elite athletes. Akuh also noted the valuable experience gained by the wrestlers and himself, which will aid in preparing for future competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games. He thanked the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adeniyi, for enabling the team's participation. Attention now turns to the remaining bouts involving Esther Kolawole and Hannah Damola Ojo as Team Nigeria aims for more medals.
Cyclists in Lagos, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and road safety officials, participated in an awareness ride to mark the 2026 World Bicycle Day. The event aimed to promote cycling as a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly mode of transport, while also calling for better infrastructure for riders. The rally, organized by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, FT Cycle Care, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, began at the National Stadium, Surulere, and concluded at the FRSC office in Lagos. Femi Thomas, a board member of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of encouraging bicycle use and raising awareness among other road users about cyclists' rights. Kehinde Hamzat, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, urged cyclists to adhere to traffic regulations and called on the government to consider cyclists when constructing roads. The global theme for World Bicycle Day 2026 was "Boosting Urban Life with the Bicycle," highlighting cycling's role in addressing urban mobility challenges.