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NAPTIP Rescues Two Year-Old Girl Trafficked For N100,000

 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued a two-year-old girl who was trafficked from Abuja to Aba, Abia State.

In a statement shared via the agency’s official Facebook page on Friday, NAPTIP disclosed that the child was sold for N100,000 and that a suspect connected to the case was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

“A 2-year-old girl, renamed Chiamaka Favor (alias), who was trafficked from Abuja to Aba in February 2025, has been rescued by NAPTIP Abia Command on May 8, 2025,” the agency stated.

According to the report, the arrested suspect had ties to at least three trafficking syndicates operating from Abuja and was believed to have facilitated the sale of the child for ₦100,000.

“The suspected trafficker, arrested by DSS Abia and handed over to NAPTIP, is alleged to have worked with three trafficking syndicates from Abuja and sold the child to a buyer for ₦100,000. Investigations are ongoing,” the statement added.

NAPTIP also appealed to the public for assistance in tracing the child’s biological family.

“NAPTIP is calling on the biological parents or any relatives of the child to urgently contact the agency,” it said.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that NAPTIP in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development had in April, rescued eight trafficked children who had been “deceitfully taken away from their homes and trafficked to Aba, Onitsha, and parts of Imo State.”

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NAF @61: Embrace Careers In The Air Force, AOC Urges South-East Youths

 

As part of activities marking the 61st Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Ground Training Command (GTC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ahmed Shinkafi, has called on youths from the South-East to consider careers in the Nigerian Air Force.

The appeal was made during an Open Day event held in Enugu on Friday.

Represented by the Chief of Staff of the GTC, AVM Anthony Martins, Shinkafi expressed concern over the low enrollment of youths from the region in military and paramilitary services.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force offers structured career progression, educational advancement, and specialized training opportunities both within Nigeria and abroad.

“You can build a distinguished career while serving the fatherland through the NAF,” he said.

“There is equal opportunity for both male and female candidates, and we encourage young women to take up roles as airwomen, officers, and combatants.”

“Their energy, innovation, and ideas are essential to confronting current and emerging security threats.”

He further urged community leaders and dignitaries present to help sensitize youths in their respective communities about the opportunities available in the NAF, noting that each state in the South-East has a recruitment quota yet to be fully utilized.

Highlighting the achievements of the NAF, Shinkafi said it remains a dominant force in air combat operations in Africa and has successfully participated in several peacekeeping missions across the continent.

“Our operations are driven by cutting-edge technology, modern aircraft, precision weapon systems, and highly trained personnel. These ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of our missions,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Sarkin Hausawa of Enugu State, Alhaji Abubakar Sambo, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its contributions to national security over the past 61 years.

He praised the Open Day initiative for allowing civilians to engage with military personnel and gain insight into the workings of the force.

“This platform bridges the gap between the military and the public, especially young people who may be inspired to pursue military careers,” Sambo noted.

Some of the students who attended the event shared their experiences.

Master Ralph Uchechukwu, a student from Nike Grammar School, said he was fascinated by the aircraft demonstrations and the engineering checks that precede flight operations.

“With what I’ve seen today, I would love to become a pilot in the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.

Miss Nonye Onyeabor of New Haven Secondary School, Emene, also expressed interest in a career with the NAF, noting that the presentation made the profession more appealing and accessible, especially for females.

The Open Day featured a range of activities, including documentary screenings on the history and operations of the NAF, exhibitions, guided tours of aircraft and NAF facilities, an interactive session, and group photographs.

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‘Dr’ Title Controversy: Your Remarks Mischievous, Divisive, Threat To Interprofessional Collaboration – Resident Pharmacist Blasts Resident Doctors

Pharm. King-David Ahuchaogu,

Pharm. King-David Ahuchaogu, Secretary General of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria–Young Pharmacists Group (Enugu State chapter) and a resident student of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent statement by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday, Ahuchaogu described the association’s remarks against pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists as “mischievous,” “divisive,” and detrimental to the spirit of interprofessional collaboration in the healthcare sector.

In a detailed response titled “Response to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD),” Ahuchaogu challenged NARD’s opposition to the use of the “Dr” title by non-physician health professionals and their stance on salary relativity, dismissing both as misinformed and misleading.

He argued that the title “Dr.” is not the exclusive preserve of medical doctors, explaining that its origin lies in the Latin word docere – meaning “to teach” and was traditionally reserved for scholars.

“The title ‘Dr.’ can be used by anyone who earns it, whether through an academic degree, a professional doctorate, or even by honorary conferment,” he said.

“Physicians with only MBBS degrees, which are bachelor’s-level qualifications, use the title by convention, not entitlement.”

Ahuchaogu rejected the notion that pharmacists and other professionals are attempting to rival physicians, clarifying that they earn the “Dr.” title legitimately through rigorous professional doctoral programs such as the PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) and OD (Doctor of Optometry), which typically span six years of academic and clinical training.

Addressing salary-related issues, he defended calls for the upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), pointing to a 2009 Memorandum of Understanding between the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Federal Ministry of Health.

The MoU, he explained, stipulates that any increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), used for doctors, must be reflected in CONHESS to maintain relativity and fairness.

“This is not about demanding equal pay with doctors,” he stated.

“It’s about ensuring equity and upholding the principle of relativity as agreed upon by all stakeholders.”

Ahuchaogu also condemned NARD’s assertion that only physicians are sought by patients for diagnosis and treatment, calling such a claim dismissive of the broader healthcare team.

“Healthcare is not a solo endeavor,” he said. “Doctors cannot function effectively without pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, and other allied professionals.”

He criticized what he described as NARD’s “disrespectful tone” and use of the term “quackery” to describe certified professionals trained in NUC-accredited institutions and licensed by their respective regulatory bodies.

Taking a swipe at the perceived inconsistency in NARD’s argument, he questioned why Nigerian surgeons, unlike their UK counterparts, still use the “Dr.” title, despite the British tradition of reverting to “Mr.” after surgical training.

“If MBBS holders without doctoral degrees can use the ‘Dr.’ title, how much more professionals who actually complete doctoral-level training?” he asked.

He urged resident doctors to channel their energy into academic growth and professional development, rather than stoking division within the healthcare system.

“NARD members, who are still undergoing training, should concentrate on their studies and refrain from making inflammatory remarks that undermine unity and mutual respect among healthcare professionals.”

Commending the National Universities Commission (NUC) for recognizing professional doctorate degrees, he called on the commission to stand firm against pressure from “distractors,” insisting that Nigeria’s health education and workforce policies must align with global best practices.

“Nigeria is not an island. We must think globally, even as we act locally,” he concluded.

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Ogbodo Takes Over As New FRSC Sector Commander In Ebonyi

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the appointment of Corps Commander Anthony Ogbodo as the new Sector Commander in charge of Ebonyi State Command. Ogbodo officially assumed duty in Abakaliki on Friday, succeeding Corps Commander Henry Igwe, who has been redeployed to the Motor Vehicle Administration Department at the FRSC national headquarters in Abuja.

Until his latest posting, Ogbodo served as the Deputy Commandant at the FRSC Academy in Udi, Enugu State, where he played a pivotal role in training and administration.

A seasoned officer, Ogbodo joined the FRSC in January 1998 and brings with him a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in various operational and administrative roles across the country.

He has served in multiple key positions, including Staff Officer for Corps Intelligence at the FRSC Headquarters in Abuja and as the pioneer officer who established the Zonal Intelligence Office in Owerri between 1998 and 2003.

From 2003 to 2012, he held uninterrupted postings as Unit Commander in several states: Warri and Agbor in Delta, Afikpo in Ebonyi, and Eleme in Rivers State.

At the FRSC Headquarters and Zonal Commands, Ogbodo has held a variety of roles including Head of Records and Documentation, Assistant Corps Commander for Training in Enugu, and Zonal Head of Operations.

He also served as the Registrar of the FRSC Academy, Udi.

Born on November 14, 1965, in Enugu, Ogbodo hails from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He began his formal education in Enugu before proceeding to St. John’s College, Alor, Anambra State, where he earned his School Certificate in 1981.

He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Calabar in 1987.

Ogbodo furthered his education with a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 1995 and 1997, respectively.

He has also attended numerous professional courses, both within and outside Nigeria, to deepen his knowledge in road safety, operations, and public administration.

Outside his professional life, the new Ebonyi Sector Commander is a devout Catholic and a 4th Degree Knight of St. John’s International.

He is married to Lady Ogbodo Uche Eunice, and their union is blessed with children.

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US Judge Stops Trump’s Mass Layoff Order, Insists On Congressional Approval

 

A federal judge in California has issued a temporary injunction halting the implementation of mass layoffs in the U.S federal workforce, which were initiated under a directive by President Donald Trump.

U.S District ,Judge Susan Illston, ruled on Friday that President Trump’s plan to significantly reduce the number of government employees likely requires congressional consent.

The judge granted a two-week restraining order to pause the administration’s layoff efforts.

“The Court holds the President likely must request Congressional cooperation to order the changes he seeks,” Judge Illston stated, emphasizing the need for legislative oversight.

The layoffs stem from a February 11 executive order signed by Trump, which called for a “critical transformation of the Federal bureaucracy.”

Under the directive, agencies were instructed to dismiss workers deemed non-essential.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

In response, a coalition including labor unions, non-profits, and local governments filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, DOGE, and several federal bodies such as the Office of Management and Budget.

They argue the executive order bypassed constitutional processes and has destabilized essential services.

“The Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to reorganise the federal government has thrown agencies into chaos, disrupting critical services provided across our nation,” said the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) in a joint statement with other plaintiffs, welcoming the court’s decision.

The coalition also stressed that “each of us represents communities deeply invested in the efficiency of the federal government, laying off federal employees and reorganising government functions haphazardly does not achieve that.”

Since returning to the presidency in January, Trump has aggressively pursued plans to streamline government, cutting thousands of jobs and rolling back programs.

Agencies such as USAID, diversity and inclusion offices, and others have come under direct scrutiny.

However, this is not the first time Trump’s policies have faced legal roadblocks.

Courts have also intervened in cases involving immigration and budget restructuring, often slowing down or blocking some of his administration’s major reforms.

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Obi’s 2023 Candidacy Was Built On Injustice, Labour Party Betrayed Me – Former Presidential Aspirant, Faduri

 

Former presidential aspirant of the Labour Party (LP), Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, has alleged that his 2022 presidential ambition was deliberately sabotaged by top figures within the party to pave the way for Peter Obi’s emergence as flagbearer.

Faduri, who leads the Rescue Movement for a New Nigeria, expressed his disappointment in a statement shared with journalists.

He also announced his intention to run again for president in 2027, urging a generational transition in Nigeria’s leadership.

He accused LP leaders including Barrister Julius Abure, Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, and Dr Abayomi Arabambi of orchestrating his removal from the presidential race just days before the primary election held in Asaba.

“What is happening in the Labour Party today is nothing short of poetic justice, a karma unfolding before the very eyes of the nation.”

“It is the consequence of the injustice, betrayal and deceit done to me and my team in 2022, when some leaders of the party connived to rob me of the presidential ticket, a ticket we laboured tirelessly to build, and handed it over to Mr Peter Obi,” he said.

Faduri emphasized the effort he and his team invested to revive the Labour Party when it was still seen as politically irrelevant.

“In 2022, LP was a dead structure, no plan, no preparation, no hope. I reached out to its national leaders. I rallied my team, invested resources and reawakened the sleeping giant,” he recalled.

Despite the betrayal, he said he chose not to pursue legal redress for the sake of national stability.

“I could have blocked the Labour Party from appearing on the ballot, and I had every legal and strategic right to do so, but I refused. I chose patriotism over personal interest,” he said.

Tracing his political journey, Faduri said he originally worked to restore life to the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), but claimed that party was later taken over by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“We then began scouting for a new platform, and that was how we came to the Labour Party,” he said.

He blamed the current divisions and instability within LP on the events of 2022.

“After I was unjustly removed, the peace and unity we had built collapsed. The party has not known true peace since,” he stated.

Faduri also questioned the moral legitimacy of Obi’s candidacy.

“The candidacy of Peter Obi was built on injustice. No matter how loud the noise or how vast the donations, the foundation was flawed. And just as they cheated me, the system cheated them in return,” he argued.

He described himself as a political underdog who could have triumphed if not betrayed by party elites.

“I was the David of that election. I could have defeated any Goliath, but was betrayed by leaders blinded by greed,” he said.

Faduri did not hold back in his critique of the current LP leadership.

“The current Labour Party leadership cannot deliver the Nigeria we seek. They are transactional politicians, driven by money and self-interest,” he asserted.

While still identifying as a Labour Party member, he noted that he is exploring other platforms ahead of the 2027 election.

“I will run again for the presidency of Nigeria in 2027. Because what we have today is not a nation, but a jungle. It is time for a generational shift,” he declared.

He concluded by calling for older political figures to step aside for fresh leadership.

“From President Tinubu to Atiku Abubakar to Peter Obi, they’ve all had their time. It is time for them to step aside. It is time for a leader who is young, vibrant, intelligent, untainted by the system and ready to take Nigeria to its promised land,” he said.

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25 Year-Old Arrested For Transporting Human Organs For Rituals

 

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 25-year-old man, Samson Oghenebreme, for allegedly transporting human organs from Edo State to Lagos for ritual purposes.

According to a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the arrest was made by officers of the Odo-Noforija Division in the Odomola community, Epe.

“Operatives of Odo-Noforija Division have arrested one Samson Oghenebreme ‘m’ aged 25 in Odomola community, Epe, for being in possession of human organs.”

“he arrest, which occurred on April 25, 2025, followed credible information from members of the public about the suspicious movement of the suspect.”

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was transporting the organs from Edo State to a native doctor for the purpose of money-making rituals,” the statement read.

Authorities have since deposited the recovered human organs at the General Hospital in Epe for preservation.

The case has been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for continued investigation and prosecution.

In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, lauded both the operatives and the Odomola community for their vigilance and timely action.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the swift response of the operatives and the vigilance of the Odomola community.

He emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, which played a vital role in the prompt apprehension of the suspect,” Hundeyin said.

The police boss further encouraged citizens to remain alert and report unusual activities in their surroundings.

“CP Jimoh urges all residents of Lagos State to remain watchful and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station.”

“He assures the public that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state,” he added.

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Lagos LG Polls: APC Holds Primaries Today Amid Tight Security

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to conduct its primary elections today, May 10, 2025, at the State Secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, ahead of the Lagos local government elections scheduled for July 12.

According to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), the July polls will elect chairmen and councilors across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). In total, 377 councilors will be chosen from the state’s 377 wards.

Following the screening process, the APC Electoral Committee approved 432 chairmanship aspirants from the 470 that submitted nomination forms.

The primaries will determine candidates for both chairmanship and councillorship seats across all 57 councils.

To ensure a peaceful process, the party has opted to pursue consensus arrangements among leaders, aspirants, and members.

“The party stated that adopting consensus lists for both the councillor and chairman seats would ensure a rancor-free primary exercise and sustain the existing unity among members of Lagos APC.”

Highlighting the sheer number of contenders, APC leaders noted, “We have 57 councils, but the number of aspirants is over 400, and all of them can’t seat in office.”

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, assured stakeholders that the party is fully prepared for the exercise.

Ogala said, “The constitution recognizes direct, indirect, and consensus primaries, but for this council primary, we are adopting indirect primaries. The electoral body, which are the delegates, have been constituted.”

He added, “For chairmanship, the designated venue is the party Secretariat in Ogba, where all aspirants will converge. The aspirants are expected to come with only one agent.”

Ogala also disclosed that 38 chairmanship aspirants had either been disqualified or voluntarily withdrawn from the race.

At a recent stakeholders’ forum, top APC leaders, including the Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the House of Assembly Mudasiru Obasa, Senator Oluranti Adebule, and former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, urged aspirants and supporters to maintain peace.

In his remarks, Olusi called for cooperation and unity: “We are here to advise you. Since the early days of democracy, primaries have always been through consensus. With patience and support, there will be a way out. That is why wisdom is applied in politics.”

Meanwhile, Seye Oladejo, the APC Lagos chapter’s Publicity Secretary, told our correspondent on Friday that security would be tight around the venue to ensure the exercise goes smoothly and without disruption.

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Okey Bakassi Returns To Comedy Days After Being Crowned Mbaise Monarch

 

Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, Okechukwu Onyegbule, widely known as Okey Bakassi, is showing that royalty won’t keep him away from his passion, comedy.

Just days after being crowned the traditional ruler of his Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Mbaise, Imo State, the entertainer is already back on air.

Despite his new royal title, Okey Bakassi wasted no time reconnecting with fans through his program, Lagos Talks on 81.3 FM.

Videos shared on his Instagram page show the newly crowned monarch anchoring the radio show with his signature blend of humor and storytelling.

In one clip, he delivers a hilarious account of a Kogi community that reportedly initiated 103 virgins into womanhood.

In another, he narrates the curious tale of an 18-year-old boy who allegedly impregnated 10 girls in Anambra State.

His performances drew laughter and applause from his followers online.

His fans were thrilled to see him return to the microphone, demonstrating that his enthronement hasn’t dimmed his comedic spark.

As one admirer noted in the comments, the comedian-turned-monarch is staying true to his calling.

“For anything, Okey Bakassi has demonstrated that even the throne cannot separate him from his calling.”

Earlier this week, Bakassi shared a video of his coronation ceremony, where he was formally installed as the traditional ruler of Umuihuocha by his kinsmen.

The grand event marked a celebration of Igbo heritage, rich with traditional rites and jubilant scenes.

He now bears the regal title: “His Royal Highness Eze Okechukwu Onyegbule, the Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia.”

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Reality Tv Show ‘The Next Titan’ Returns With Season 10

 

Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurial reality TV show, The Next Titan, has made a grand return for its 10th season, once again offering young business minds a shot at a N50 million grand prize.

Sponsored by Sifax Group, Lifemate Furnitures, Nikky Taurus, and Arik Air, this new season is themed “The Unconventional” and promises to spotlight innovative thinkers ready to challenge the norm.

The show, which spans 10 weeks, is designed to inspire and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerians.

Auditions kicked off in Abuja, drawing large numbers of hopefuls.

The process was intense, as audition judges Ms. Victoria Mamza, Mr. Ronald Ajiboye, and Mr. Chucks Iwunoh rigorously screened participants in their quest to find “that entrepreneur who is unconventional.”

The audition train then moved to Port Harcourt, with sessions held at Hotel Presidential.

In Enugu, the organizers were forced to hold the audition online due to the Federal Government’s decision to ground the Akanu Ibiam International Airport for maintenance.

Despite the logistical hurdle, turnout remained strong, with many participants eager to seize the moment.

Lagos hosted the final physical audition at Lagos Travel Inn, Ikeja, concluding the nationwide search for Nigeria’s next trailblazing entrepreneur.

At the Lagos event, Mr. Olusesan Olukoya, Head of Marketing at Betano, urged contestants to make the most of the platform.

“Seize the opportunity presented to you to be the best at what you do, even as you compete to become the Next Titan,” he said, while also noting that “Betano is not just their one-stop shop for gaming.”

From the auditions, over 50 contestants have been selected to move on to the Next Titan boot camp.

Only 20 of them will ultimately earn a place in the house, as the competition intensifies and the quest to find The Next Titan reaches new heights.

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