1. Tinubu Swears In Abel Enitan as Head of Civil Service
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation at a ceremony held at the State House in Abuja.
Enitan Succeeds Walson-Jack
Enitan succeeds Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who retired after attaining the mandatory age of 60. His appointment was announced on August 19 and took effect on August 27.
The new Head of Service was previously the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and has served in the Ministries of Police Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs, as well as the Office of the Vice President.
Tinubu charged him to uphold professionalism, integrity, accountability and efficiency in the civil service. Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, pledged to make the service more innovative, productive and responsive while continuing reforms introduced by his predecessor.
2. Tinubu Orders Comprehensive Reform of Nigerian Football
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and several other senior officials.
NSC to Lead Reform Process
The President directed the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF secretariat and other stakeholders on governance, administration, grassroots development, domestic competitions and accountability.
The reform directive follows repeated failures by Nigeria’s national teams to qualify for major tournaments, including the Super Eagles’ absence from consecutive FIFA World Cups.
Tinubu also directed that FIFA and CAF be engaged during the process to ensure the reforms do not lead to sanctions for government interference. Essential football administration is expected to continue while consultations on the new structure take place.
3. Atiku Demands Answers Over N600 Billion Cash Transfer Programme
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has demanded greater transparency from the Federal Government over its expanded cash-transfer programme.
Former Vice President Questions Beneficiary Figures
Atiku questioned conflicting government figures on the number of households benefiting from the programme. He noted that the Presidency previously said 15 million vulnerable households had been reached, while the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs later reported slightly more than 10 million.
He also questioned how the reported expenditure of just over N600 billion aligned with the announced N25,000 monthly payment for three months.
Atiku called for the publication of verified beneficiaries, payment records, state-by-state distributions, failed transactions and reversals, as well as an independent audit of the programme.
4. 163 Kwara Abductees Reunite With Families After Rescue
A total of 163 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have reunited with their families after spending weeks in captivity.
Women and Children Among Rescued Victims
The victims, mostly women and children, received medical treatment in Ilorin after they were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park forest during a major security operation.
They were escorted back to their community on Thursday by the Kaiama local government chairman, the Emir of Kaiama and other traditional leaders.
Authorities said 13 people remain unaccounted for from the original group of about 176 abducted. The rescue has provided relief to families while highlighting the continuing security challenges in parts of the North-Central.
5. Naira Strengthens to N1,338.59 as Reserves Rise
The naira recorded further gains against the US dollar on Thursday, closing at N1,338.59 at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.
External Reserves Rise to $53.3 Billion
The latest rate represents an improvement of about N5 from Wednesday’s N1,343.59. The parallel market rate remained around N1,407.
Nigeria’s external reserves also increased to approximately $53.3 billion, supported by improved foreign exchange inflows and liquidity.
The stronger naira could provide some relief for import-dependent businesses and support efforts to moderate inflation, although demand pressures remain in the foreign exchange market.
6. UK Court Confirms Sexual Offence Charges Against Poco Lee
A London court has confirmed that Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, faces five sexual offence charges.
Case Listed for September Hearing
The charges include one count of attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration. The case is scheduled for plea and trial preparation at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026.
A reporting restriction has been imposed to protect the complainant’s identity under UK law.
Poco Lee’s management and legal representatives have urged the public to allow the judicial process to run its course. He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
7. Police Challenge VeryDarkMan Over Kidnap Claims
The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence supporting allegations he made about police officers allegedly sharing information about wealthy travellers with kidnappers.
Activist Releases ‘Evidence One’ Video
Force spokesperson CSP Ani Iniedu described the allegations as unsubstantiated and damaging but said credible evidence would be investigated.
VeryDarkMan responded with a video titled “Evidence One”, showing footage involving police officers who had previously faced charges relating to armed robbery and kidnapping.
The activist said he preferred to present his evidence in court rather than to the police and challenged the authorities to charge him if they believed he had committed an offence.
8. Tinubu Meets APC Governors at Aso Rock
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress at the State House in Abuja.
2027 Strategy and Party Unity in Focus
The meeting comes as the APC steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections and follows the recent unveiling of campaign structures and other political appointments.
Discussions are expected to have covered party unity, governance, policy implementation and electoral mobilisation. The engagement also comes amid growing opposition activity and early political realignments ahead of the next presidential contest.
9. Soludo Declares State of Emergency on Environment
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has declared a state of emergency on the environment as the state marked its 35th anniversary.
Gully Erosion and Flooding Raise Concern
Soludo identified gully erosion, flooding, land degradation and poor waste disposal as major threats to Anambra’s communities, farmlands and remaining landmass.
He also launched a renewed Clean and Green Initiative, urging residents, markets and communities to plant trees, protect waterways, stop dumping waste in drainage channels and clear blocked drains.
The governor said government efforts alone would not be enough to address the environmental crisis and called for greater community participation.
10. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau Resigns Amid Football Crisis
Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau resigned from office on Thursday, alongside the federation’s general secretary and several executive committee members.
Resignations Trigger Presidential Reform Directive
Gusau reportedly advised other board members to follow his decision as the federation faces criticism over national team performances and reported concerns surrounding the handling of government funds for national team activities.
The resignations have created an immediate leadership crisis within Nigerian football and prompted President Tinubu to order a wider reform of the sector.
The development comes at a time when pressure is mounting for greater accountability and a stronger administrative structure capable of matching Nigeria’s football talent with improved results.
