1. Tinubu Dissolves Presidential Committee on Federal Government Properties
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate dissolution of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Alienation of Federal Government Properties, ending the activities of a body established in 2000 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo to oversee the privatisation, sale and lease of federal landed assets. Going forward, all responsibilities relating to the management of the committee’s affairs will be handled by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, while the former secretary, B.S. Dutsin-Ma, has been directed to stop acting on behalf of the committee or the Federal Government.
The decision followed a government review which concluded that the committee had exceeded its original mandate and had become entangled in multiple legal disputes across the country. The dissolution, which takes effect from November 2025, is expected to streamline the management of federal assets, reduce litigation and improve transparency in property administration. Stakeholders are also calling on the Attorney-General’s office to ensure accountability in all pending and future transactions involving federal properties.
2. Tinubu Reaffirms No-Ransom Policy Over Oyo School Abduction
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated that his administration will neither negotiate with nor pay ransom to terrorists, kidnappers or other criminal groups, while revealing fresh details about the demands made by suspects involved in the Oriire, Oyo State school abduction. Speaking during a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu disclosed that the abductors demanded money and the release of detained gang members, adding that some of those involved were not Nigerians.
The President linked Nigeria’s security challenges to the instability across the Sahel region and assured Nigerians that security agencies remain committed to dismantling criminal networks. The successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers without paying ransom has attracted commendation from security stakeholders, with expectations that the suspects will face prosecution as the government maintains its hardline position against kidnapping.
3. Otedola Raises First HoldCo Stake to Nearly 26%
Business mogul Femi Otedola has increased his stake in First HoldCo Plc after acquiring an additional 1.779 billion ordinary shares worth about N222.2 billion through Calvados Global Services Limited. The latest purchase raises his total beneficial ownership to about 11.76 billion shares, representing approximately 25.9 per cent of the financial institution.
The acquisition comes weeks after another major investment by Otedola and pushes his total investment in First HoldCo to nearly N1.47 trillion. Market analysts say the move reflects strong confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector and the company’s future prospects, while attention is turning to whether further acquisitions could trigger mandatory takeover regulations as ownership approaches the 30 per cent threshold.
4. Police Arrest, Release Osun SSG Over Alleged Vote-Buying
The Osun State Police Command has released Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, after questioning him over allegations of vote-buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Igbalaye and five others were arrested during a raid on a residence in Osogbo, where police recovered N4.81 million in cash, Permanent Voter Cards, voter registers covering several wards and printing equipment.
The incident has heightened political tension in Osun State, with the state government describing the operation as unlawful while opposition parties continue to monitor the investigation. Police said the operation forms part of efforts to enforce the Electoral Act, adding that forensic examination of the recovered items will determine the next line of action.
5. Team Nigeria Wins Multiple Gold Medals at Commonwealth Games
Team Nigeria has continued its impressive performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, winning multiple gold medals and setting new records in para powerlifting and weightlifting. The strong outing has placed Nigeria among the leading nations on the medals table and one of Africa’s best-performing countries at the Games.
The outstanding performances have boosted national morale, with attention now shifting to athletics events where stars including Tobi Amusan are expected to compete. Sports officials say the results reflect investments in athlete preparation, while many Nigerians remain optimistic that the country will secure even more medals before the competition ends.
6. FG Arraigns Ansaru Commanders Over Oyo School Abduction
The Federal Government has arraigned two commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group alongside three other suspects before a Federal High Court over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State. The defendants are facing charges bordering on terrorism, kidnapping and murder after their arrest by the Department of State Services.
All the accused persons pleaded not guilty, while the court adjourned proceedings until September for the commencement of trial. The prosecution has been welcomed by security stakeholders, who described it as another significant step in the government’s campaign against terrorism and violent criminal groups across the country.
7. Tinubu Explains How Fuel Subsidy Savings Are Being Spent
The Federal Government has explained that funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms are being channelled into debt servicing, payment of salaries, implementation of the new national minimum wage and the student loan programme. Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, said the reforms were designed to eliminate waste, corruption and long-standing distortions in the economy.
The clarification comes amid persistent public debate over the impact of subsidy removal on living costs. Government officials insist that the reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, while many Nigerians continue to demand greater transparency on how the savings are allocated and utilised.
8. Northern Senators Endorse New Army Divisions
Northern senators have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s decision to establish additional Nigerian Army divisions following deadly attacks in parts of Benue and Kaduna states. The lawmakers described the expansion as a necessary response to worsening insecurity and increasing threats from terrorists and armed groups.
Security experts and former military officers have also welcomed the move, saying it could improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the military’s ability to respond rapidly to security challenges. The development comes amid renewed calls for justice for victims of recent attacks and sustained investment in security operations across the country.
9. Super Falcons Prepare for Crucial WAFCON Fixture
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are preparing for a crucial match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after suffering an unexpected setback against Malawi. Despite the early disappointment, the team remains in contention and is determined to revive its campaign in the tournament.
The result has generated discussions about the team’s tactics, squad depth and overall performance as fans continue to rally behind the nine-time African champions. Football followers remain hopeful that the Falcons can recover strongly and keep alive their ambition of winning another continental title.
10. JAMB Registrar Oloyede Hands Over to Successor
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede has officially handed over as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to Prof. Segun Aina, marking a major leadership transition in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions agency. The handover took place on July 31 as the board begins a new phase in its administration.
The transition is expected to sustain reforms aimed at improving the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and strengthening Nigeria’s admissions process. Stakeholders have expressed optimism that the new leadership will build on existing efforts to reduce examination malpractice and improve access to higher education.
