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Davido condemns attack on Osun Accord Party chairman, calls for peaceful politics
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Afrobeats artist Davido has condemned an attack on Asimiyu Ajibola, chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State. Ajibola reportedly escaped death after suspected gunmen attacked him and his associates on Wednesday night in Osogbo. The incident occurred near the Osogbo Community Bank axis of the MDS area when gunmen allegedly opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla carrying the politician and his friends. Ajibola sustained injuries and was taken to a teaching hospital. Davido called for an end to political violence, emphasizing that political differences should not lead to insecurity or bloodshed. He urged politicians to resolve their differences through the ballot box, stating, "Regardless of our political differences, everyone must make sure they are not contributing to insecurity in our nation." He added, "The attack on the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government by political hoodlums must be condemned and rejected by all."
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Bureau of Public Procurement BPP announced plans to blacklist contractors who violate procurement rules, aiming to strengthen accountability and curb abuses in public contracting. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the BPP, disclosed this in Abuja during the inaugural Procurement Evolution Day, marking 19 years of procurement reforms in Nigeria. The BPP has introduced a debarment policy to sanction defaulting contractors both within and outside Nigeria. This measure is part of a broader reform agenda to improve transparency, enforce compliance, and protect public resources. The bureau recently received approval to handle cases involving contract violations and fraudulent claims, and it is strengthening collaboration with anti-corruption agencies and civil society organizations. A 14-working-day standstill period has been introduced to resolve contractual disputes before project execution. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies will now be required to publish contract awards monthly and submit quarterly performance reports. The BPP is also developing a national procurement transformation strategy and has deployed digital platforms to automate processes. Over 4,000 procurement officers are registered in a centralized database for oversight. The Nigeria First policy is being expanded to prioritize indigenous businesses, and policies are being developed to reserve portions of government procurement for women-owned businesses, startups, vulnerable groups, and local communi
Must ReadThe Federal Government has issued a warning that climate change poses a significant threat to food security, livelihoods, and national security, urging Nigerians to adopt climate action and sustainable practices. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, stated this during a dialogue for secondary school students organized by the C-Circle Foundation to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day. Represented by Mrs. Dolapo John-Akhigbe, Principal Scientific Officer, Abiola-Awe emphasized that climate change is the defining challenge of the current generation, with far-reaching consequences for human existence, including rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. She noted that Nigeria is disproportionately vulnerable to these impacts despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Nigeria has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent unconditionally and by 52 percent with international support by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060. Government interventions include the Climate Change Act 2021, the Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Initiative, and the National Adaptation Plan. Dr. Chimere Ohajinwa, Executive Director of C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, highlighted that the annual event aims to raise awareness among young people about environmental issues, particularly climate change and a sustainabl
A heated confrontation erupted in the Nigerian House of Representatives during a session on Thursday, stemming from a dispute over the leadership of the opposition caucus. Mr. Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, accused fellow lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, of forging his signature on a document purportedly nominating Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader. Agbese stated he never signed such a document, despite discussions with Ugochinyere, and called for an investigation into what he described as an attempt to damage his reputation. He also denied receiving money to support any candidate. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen acknowledged the complaint and assured an investigation, while also announcing a closed-door meeting for minority lawmakers to address the leadership crisis. Ugochinyere, in turn, denied the forgery, claiming Agbese personally endorsed his nomination form in front of witnesses and that his bid has overwhelming support from opposition members. The exchange led to a shouting match in the chamber, highlighting deep divisions within the opposition bloc. This confrontation occurs amid uncertainty in the opposition caucus following political shifts and the defection of the former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda. The outcome of the Speaker's meeting is expected to be crucial in determining the future leadership of the minority caucus.
NerdzFactory Company and Research Links, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Digital Opportunity Trust, completed the MasterCrafters Assessment and Training Programme in April 2026. The program certified 201 skilled tradespeople across ten trades in Lagos, Nigeria, as structured mentors prepared to train new apprentices. This initiative falls under the Indigenous Apprenticeship to Work Programme, part of the Employee Innovation Fund, which aims to drive sustainable change in Nigeria’s informal skills economy. The program addressed the lack of structure and formal certification pathways in Nigeria's informal apprenticeship system. It mobilized experienced craftspeople from Lagos communities, assessing their technical competence and mentorship readiness, and providing them with teaching frameworks. The assessment phase, conducted from April 16-18, 2026, covered ten trades: fashion designing and tailoring, auto mechanics, carpentry and furniture making, catering, hair making, photography, cosmetology, art and craft, nail technology, and shoe making. Of the 201 certified MasterCrafters, 186 are women and 15 are men, reflecting a focus on inclusion. Four certified MasterCrafters are persons with disabilities. Training at the end of April included safeguarding, ethical apprenticeship practices, mentorship, communication, financial literacy, inclusion, and conflict resolution. All 201 MasterCrafters received formal certification through Nigeria’s Recognition of Prior L