News

I’Ve Nothing To Hide, Nothing To Fear – Senator Buba On Banditry Allegations

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2026

Editor

Sen. Shehu Buba representing the Bauchi South Senatorial District has said that he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear while reacting to allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities in the state.

Buba, who stated this in a press conference in Bauchi on Monday, explained that the allegation was an organised politically motivated smear campaign against him in 2024, adding that it had been forcefully debunked through legal action.

It could be recalled that the allegation had recently resurfaced in some social media outlets immediately after the Senator declared his intention to contest for the Bauchi state governorship seat under the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

“The allegations repeatedly circulated against me, claims linking my name to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities-have reached a point where silence is no longer sufficient.

“What began as a politically motivated smear campaign against me in 2024 was forcefully debunked, and I took legal action against those behind it.

“When the falsehood later resurfaced in another form, I formally reported the matter to security agencies, and some of the suspects are currently being prosecuted in the Federal High Court.

“Yet despite these steps, the scandalous allegations have continued unabated, taking a disturbing and unfathomable path,” Buba said.

The Senator, who denied the allegation, affirmed that it didn’t touch not only his name, reputation and political career, but also on the security of the country and the public’s confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting Nigerians.

“I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation.

“It is for this reason that, through my legal team led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), I have voluntarily submitted myself to the Department of State Services for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into every allegation made against me.

“My lawyers formally wrote to the DSS, DIA and Police requesting that the Services investigate these allegations in the interest of national security and the protection of my reputation and integrity as a Nigerian citizen.

“I am taking this extraordinary step because I do not believe allegations of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping against a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be allowed to remain matters of social-media speculation,” Buba said.

Proving the level of his innocence, Buba challenged any politician, activist, social media influencer, journalist or any other Nigerian that possessed credible evidence that he had sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated or supported bandits, terrorists, kidnappers or any criminal organisation to take the evidence to the relevant security agencies.

He urged those peddling the allegation not to hide behind social media, nor rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations.

The Senator, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, said politics must not become an excuse for destroying people’s reputations with allegations of terrorism and other grave crimes, adding that where allegations of criminality are made, they must be supported by evidence and submitted to the appropriate authorities.

According to him, his decision to submit himself for investigation was bigger than politics but it’s about accountability and the principle that nobody should be above scrutiny.

“To the security agencies, I pledge my full cooperation. To my accusers, I say clearly: this is your opportunity. Take your evidence to the security services.

“To the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians generally, I assure you that I remain committed to peace, security, justice and the service of our people.

“My conscience is clear. I have nothing to hide. I have voluntarily submitted myself for investigation because the truth should not be afraid of scrutiny,” Buba declared.

News

Six Corps Members Receive N10m Grants To Boost Agribusiness

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have received a total of N10 million in grants to expand their agribusiness ventures under the Farmers for the Future Programme.

The programme was organised on Monday by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in collaboration with the NYSC to encourage young Nigerians to embrace agriculture and develop sustainable businesses.

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries in Abuja, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, urged Corps members to maximise the opportunities provided by the service year by venturing into commodity marketing and other viable businesses.

Nafiu said agribusiness remained a viable avenue for young people to build sustainable enterprises, create employment and generate wealth.

He also stressed the importance of value addition to the success and sustainability of business ventures, while commending BATNF for placing Nigerian youths at the centre of its entrepreneurship initiatives through value-chain development, employment creation and its partnership with the NYSC.

“I charge you to spread the news around. We have seen the outcome, and it is a good idea,” he said.

The beneficiaries are Dominic Olufemi (FC/25C/1143), who received N3 million; Temitope Adewole (ED/26A/2251), N2 million; Abdulwaheed Bala (ED/25B/1402), N2 million; Olanike Mayungbe (OG/26B/1037), N1 million; Kingsley Udoeyen (KG/26A/1735), N1 million; and Lorember Lorsue (JG/25B/1742), N1 million.

Speaking on the selection process, the Acting Director, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mrs Winifred Shopeka, said the programme began with an online registration portal through which Corps Members engaged in agribusiness submitted their business plans.

She said nearly 3,000 Corps members applied and underwent a rigorous selection process that produced 20 finalists.

According to her, the finalists participated in a boot camp and a final pitching session, which produced the 10 best presenters before the six ultimate winners were selected.

Shopeka said the beneficiaries had also been mentored and attached to established market operators to assist them in marketing their products.

She added that Corps Members who did not make the final stage of the competition were also trained by BATNF.

The BATNF Team Lead, Mr Oludare Odusanya, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged Corps Members engaged in agribusiness to master the fundamentals and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

“We are happy with our collaboration with the NYSC, and it will continue,” he said.

Odusanya explained that BATNF was an independent organisation established to contribute to poverty reduction in Nigeria through sustainable agricultural practices and other interventions.

He said the Farmers for the Future Programme was instituted in collaboration with the NYSC to encourage Corps Members to venture into agribusiness and become job creators.

He added that the beneficiaries would be attached to mentors who would guide them towards achieving success in their respective businesses.

According to him, the programme has, since its inception, continued to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of Corps Members.

News

CBN Reduces Interest Rate To 23%

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday announced the reduction of the interest rate, also known as Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 23 percent.

Briefing the media in Abuja, the Governor of the CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said at the 307th MPC meeting held on September 22, 2026 agreed the resetting of the MPR and recaliberation of the monetary policy market.

According to Cardoso, the committe is satisfied with the disinflation progress, adding that members noted stable banking sector following successful recapitalisation.

Meanwhile, according to Nigerian Tribune, reports that that the MPC, at its 306th meeting in July 2026, disclosed its resolution to retain the interets at 26.5 percent.

According to the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, “the Committee’s decision to maintain the current policy stance followed a thorough assessment of the balance of risks. Although headline inflation moderated marginally in June 2026, global uncertainties have heightened, due mainly to the renewed hostilities in the Middle East.

“In view of the evolving developments, maintaining a cautious monetary policy stance remains appropriate. In arriving at its decision, the Committee noted the recent resurgence of hostilities in the Middle East, with particular attention to its spillover effects on global energy prices and the potential pass-through to domestic inflation.”

News

NURTW: KWAM1 Settles Long-time Rift Between MC Oluomo, Tafa Sego

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Nigerian Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, has brokered a peace deal between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) National President, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and the Lagos State Chairman of the union, Mustapha Adekunle, aka Tafa Sego.

The reconciliation took place at Ojusagbola in Ijebu, Ogun State, where several NURTW chieftains gathered for the meeting.

The development was announced on Tuesday on KWAM1’s digital media page on Instagram, alongside photographs from the meeting.

According to the post, the two union leaders have resolved their differences after years of strained relations.

“After years of an age-long rift, MC Oluomo and Tafa Sego have finally settled their differences. And from what we know now, this is final,” the post said.

The musician was said to have intervened as the Mayegun of Yorubaland, with the aim of bringing an end to the longstanding disagreement between the two NURTW figures.

“K1 acted in his role as the Mayegun of Yorubaland by seeking an end to the long-standing rift, once and for all,” it said.

The post also described the meeting as a significant step beyond previous public displays of reconciliation.

“This time, it was not just another handshake for the cameras. The two old friends and colleagues came together at Ojusagbola, with King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1) playing the peacemaker.”

Both MC Oluomo and Tafa Sego were reported to be pleased with the outcome of the intervention.

“Both parties are delighted about the new development,” the post said.

The two men had previously been allies and prominent figures within the Lagos NURTW before their relationship became strained amid disagreements linked to leadership of the union in the state.