
The Nigerian Exchange Limited experienced a significant weekly performance, with investors gaining N8.661 trillion due to heightened trading activity. Market capitalization increased by 6.60 percent, rising from N131.166 trillion to N139.827 trillion. The NGX All-Share Index also climbed by 6.57 percent, reaching 217,167.57 from 203,770.43 the previous week. A total turnover of 3.588 billion shares, valued at N195.313 billion, were traded in 254,553 deals, surpassing the 3.361 billion shares worth N151.948 billion exchanged in 229,442 transactions in the preceding week. The Financial Services Industry led sectoral activity, contributing 69.62 percent to total equity turnover volume and 48.13 percent to value. The Services Industry and Oil and Gas Industry followed in activity. Trading in Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc accounted for a substantial portion of the total turnover volume and value. Sixty-one equities appreciated during the week, while 36 declined, and 49 remained unchanged. Top gainers included Trans-Nationwide Express Plc and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, among others. Conversely, Coronation Insurance Plc and Ikeja Hotel Plc were among the top losers. The exchange also activated codes for rights issues by Guinea Insurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc, and Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc, enabling investors to trade in these offers.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State protested the ongoing captivity of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen on April 28 from a Christ Apostolic Church. The community raised and paid N10.5 million in ransom, but the victims, including women and two young boys, remain held after 36 days. The kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion, then N150 million, and later N50 million. After receiving the N10.5 million, along with food items, fuel, and other provisions, the abductors are now demanding an additional N50 million. Protesters appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government, and security agencies for intervention, highlighting the trauma endured by the victims, who include young children and an elderly woman. They also called for improved security infrastructure in the area, such as a functional divisional police headquarters, forest guards, and a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border, citing the community's vulnerability due to inadequate security.

The ruling All Progressives Congress APC experienced further defections in the House of Representatives as two lawmakers formally announced their departure from the party. This development follows the National Assembly's resumption after a recess, during which political actors engaged in consultations and strategic repositioning for the 2027 general elections. Rabilu Bala, representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, defected from the APC to the Peoples Redemption Party PRP. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read Bala's letter, which cited persistent internal disagreements within the APC and the need for a platform to better serve his constituents. Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, also announced his resignation from the APC and defection to the ADC, citing his conscience and the broader national interest. Additionally, Abdullahi, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, also defected from the APC to the ADC. These defections contribute to a growing trend of political movements as politicians prepare for the 2027 elections. Despite the APC maintaining majorities in both chambers of the National Assembly, these events highlight underlying tensions within some state chapters regarding internal democracy, leadership structures, and succession. The PRP, one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties, is working to rebuild its presence in northern Nig

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed revealed that his decision to accept the VP slot for the 2023 presidential election was driven by sympathy for Peter Obi and the state of Nigeria, rather than ideological alignment. In an interview with Symfoni, Baba-Ahmed stated that Obi had approached three other prominent politicians who declined to be his running mate. Feeling compassion for Obi and the nation, Baba-Ahmed stepped in as a "volunteer for the sake of Nigeria." He emphasized that his support had limits and that Obi does not control his political future. Baba-Ahmed, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the Peoples Redemption Party in May 2026, also commented on Obi's defection from the Labour Party, stating that internal challenges were not sufficient reason to leave.
Must ReadAngela Ajala, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education NCCE, warned that continued neglect of teacher education poses a significant threat to national development. Speaking in Abuja during a visit by the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria ECAN, Ajala emphasized that the quality of teachers underpins the strength of all other professions. She highlighted that every professional, from engineers to politicians, passes through a teacher's hands, making teacher education central to national progress. Ajala cautioned against undervaluing the teaching profession, stating that its societal impact is often underestimated despite its crucial role in shaping future leaders. She urged stronger media collaboration to change public perception of teaching and support ongoing reforms. Ajala lamented the decline in respect for teachers, advocating for a narrative shift. She defended recent policy changes, including removing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination requirement for admissions into Colleges of Education, explaining that these decisions were data-driven and not arbitrary. Ajala also warned of a looming teacher shortage if enrollment in teacher training institutions does not improve, noting that some colleges have very few students across multiple programs. She stated that reforms aim to enhance the global competitiveness of graduates from Colleges of Education and align curriculum with international best practices. ECAN chairman,