Governor Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.

Mrs. Nnake, 39, is from Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

She brings over 13 years of experience as a finance and public sector professional, specializing in finance, strategy development, and economic planning.

Most recently, she served as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Anambra State, where she led the effective mobilisation, planning, and allocation of state resources to drive socio-economic development.

She also chaired Solution Fun City Limited.Nnake has held key leadership roles on various state boards and initiatives, including the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service Board, and the Small Business Agency.

She currently serves as the state’s Reform Champion for Ease of Doing Business and as the focal point for Social Investment Programmes, driving reforms aimed at inclusive growth.

She is also the Nigeria Chairperson for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme.

Before joining the Anambra State government, Nnake worked as a Senior Strategy Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Nigeria, where she managed over 30 client engagements across different sectors and markets.

She contributed significantly to the development of the Anambra Vision 2070 plan.Her earlier career included roles as a Business Analyst at IHS Towers and an Equity Research Analyst at Meristem Securities Limited.

Nnake holds a Master of Business Administration from Lagos Business School, a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting from Benson Idahosa University, and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

She is a member of the ACCA National Advisory Committee, has completed the Implementing Public Policy course at Harvard Kennedy School, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy.

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Former Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has condemned a recent congress held by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Our correspondent had reported that the congress held by the Wike-backed group in Jos last Tuesday elected Peter Tongshep, a former chairman of the PDP in Mikang LGA, as the new state chairman of the PDP, alongside 38 other executive members.

The election attracted prominent members of the Wike-aligned faction, including former Minister of Sports Damishi Sango, another former minister, Musa I. Azi, and Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau, among others.

In a statement in Jos on Monday, Jang, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, rejected the congress, describing it as “kangaroo” and orchestrated by self-seeking individuals in connivance with undemocratic forces outside the state.

The former governor affirmed that Chief Raymond Dabo remains the authentic chairman of the party’s state chapter, having been duly elected in an INEC-monitored congress.

“It is a well-known and established fact that, at no time, did the State Working Committee of the PDP in Plateau State have any cracks.

“They were duly elected in a well-organised and INEC-monitored congress in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“So, as far as the law and the supporters of the PDP are concerned, there is no reason to organise any congress in the first place; therefore, all actions of those involved in the so-called congress, both legally and publicly, are null and void, and of no effect.

“Plateau is PDP, and PDP is Plateau.

The State Working Committee of the PDP, led by Chairman Chief Raymond Dabo, is the only recognised party executive in the state,” Jang said.

Jang attributed the development to the ongoing national crisis, saying party leaders are working to resolve issues and reposition the PDP for unity and progress.

“We are aware of the ongoing crisis at the national level and, as party leaders, we are doing everything possible to resolve every issue and reposition the party for unity and progress,” he said.

The former governor urged genuine party members to stay united and focus on resolving issues, warning agents of distraction to cease their actions.

“Plateau is PDP, and PDP is Plateau.

The State Working Committee of the PDP, led by Chairman Chief Raymond Dabo, is the only recognised party executive in the state,” the statement signed by Jang’s Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba, added.

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The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission, directing members to uphold corporate governance and safeguard over N28tn in pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

This was contained in a statement issued by PenCom on Monday.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described PenCom as “a critical pillar of Nigeria’s financial sector, entrusted with the retirement savings of millions of Nigerians.”

Akume said the inauguration reflects the government’s commitment to building “a pension system that is transparent, resilient, and trusted.”

He described the Board’s responsibility as one of “national importance,” noting that members are expected to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other relevant frameworks.

He also cautioned against interference in management duties, stressing that “while the Board is responsible for oversight, Management must be allowed to handle day-to-day operations.”

According to him, any interference in operational matters “would weaken accountability and undermine institutional effectiveness.”

The SGF noted that the pension industry has grown significantly, with assets exceeding N28tn and millions of contributors depending on the CPS for financial security in retirement.

He urged the Board to adopt zero tolerance for misconduct and prioritise strong internal controls, risk management and transparency.

“The actions of the Board must reinforce public confidence in the pension system and assure contributors that their savings are safe, secure, and well managed,” he was quoted in the statement as saying.

Akume added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to meeting pension obligations, noting that steps have been taken to address outstanding liabilities and ensure retirees receive their benefits “with dignity, certainty, and timeliness.”

He expressed confidence that the Board would provide disciplined governance and deliver on its mandate.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, its Chairman, Opeyemi Agbaje, thanked the President for the appointment, saying members are committed to upholding corporate governance, integrity and strong leadership.

He added that the Board would support national development by leveraging pension funds, particularly in infrastructure, housing and other critical sectors of the economy.

Also speaking, the Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, commended the SGF for providing oversight during the period the commission operated without a board.

Oloworaran said the inauguration was “timely and significant,” as it restores the Board’s oversight function and strengthens governance within the commission.

Oloworaran pledged to work collaboratively with the Board, stressing that “every decision of PenCom Board must ultimately deliver tangible benefits to contributors and retirees.”

She expressed confidence in a strong partnership between management and the Board in advancing the objectives of the pension industry.

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Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has expressed shock over reports alleging that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, and Vice Chairman, Alice Onyema, are facing a tax evasion suit instituted by the Lagos State Government, describing the claims as surprising and unsubstantiated.

The airline, in a statement on Monday, said neither the company nor its principal officers had been served with any court summons or official notification regarding the alleged suit, questioning the credibility of claims that legal proceedings had been ongoing since February without formal communication.

It recalled media reports alleging that the airline’s chairman became embroiled in a legal tussle instituted by the Lagos State Government over an alleged tax bill running into N94m.

According to the reports, the state revenue board initiated legal proceedings against the airline founder and his wife weeks after he publicly criticised federal tax reforms.

The airline said the development had raised concerns within the organisation, given its long-standing commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency.

Air Peace maintained that all its tax obligations, both corporate and personal, had been fully met and remain up to date in accordance with existing laws.

The airline, however, expressed willingness to engage with the Lagos State Government in the event of any discrepancies, emphasising that such engagement would be in the interest of due process, clarity, and accountability.

The statement read in part, “We wish to state unequivocally that neither the Onyemas nor Air Peace has been served with any court summons or official notification regarding the purported suit. The claim that legal proceedings have been ongoing since February, without service or formal communication, is quite surprising and shocking.

“We maintain that all personal and corporate tax obligations have been duly met and remain up to date, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. However, if there is any discrepancy in the computation of taxes, the Onyemas and Air Peace remain open to engaging the Lagos State Government to review and reconcile shortfalls, if any, in the interest of transparency, clarity, and due process.”

The carrier further highlighted the contributions of its leadership to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that the Onyemas have consistently demonstrated resilience and patriotism in sustaining operations despite challenging economic conditions.

It added that it remains focused on delivering safe and reliable services to passengers and would not be distracted by the allegations.

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The Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad of the Delta State Police Command have raided the hideout of a kidnap syndicate and rescued a 27-year-old woman and other victims along the Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku forests.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.

The statement noted that the operatives carried out the operation following intelligence gathered on the reported abduction of the woman (name withheld) from Ibusa Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The intelligence revealed that the victim was taken to a building site beside Obosi River, on the outskirts of the town, along Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku Road on March 12, 2026.

According to the PPRO, the State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, upon receiving the intelligence, directed the command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad to ensure the victims were rescued unhurt and that the suspects were apprehended.

“Acting on this directive, on March 19, 2026, at about 1500hrs, the Commander, Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad, led operatives on the trail of the kidnappers.

“Upon approaching their hideout, the kidnappers opened fire on the team, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the kidnappers to flee the scene and abandon their captives,” Edafe said.

The victims were subsequently rescued and taken to a General Hospital for treatment, while efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

In another development, on March 18, at about 0930hrs, the Divisional Police Officer of Owa-Oyibu Division received a distress call from Uwalade Street, off Pipeline, Boji Boji Owa, reporting that at about 0745hrs, one Sunday Blessing and two others robbed a POS operator of N600,000 at gunpoint at Diffrey Road by Ebu Owa Market.

Acting swiftly, the DPO deployed operatives from the division, who arrested one of the suspects, Sunday Blessing.

A locally made Beretta pistol was recovered from the suspect, who is currently in custody, while investigation is ongoing.

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Mahdavi Raja, Iranian ambassador to Nigeria, has debunked US
President Donald Trump’s claim of “very good and productive” negotiations
between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, Trump claimed the discussions led to his decision to instruct the Department of War to temporarily halt military strikes
against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period.

He added that the said negotiations would continue
throughout the week, basing the duration of the halt on the success of the
“ongoing meetings”.

But Raja rebuffed Trump’s comments.

“We have noted the remarks attributed to President Trump
regarding ‘productive talks’ with Iran. However, I must emphasize clearly that
no negotiations of any kind have taken place between Iran and the United States
regarding energy infrastructure or any other matter,” the ambassador told
TheCable on Monday.

“I want to emphasize that there have been absolutely no
talks between Tehran and Washington, and no negotiations of any kind have
occurred between Iran and the United States.

“These statements were in fact made to influence the energy
market and justify a temporary withdrawal from hostile actions against Iran.”

Oil prices fell by ⁠more than 13 percent after ⁠Trump’s comments.

Last week, they had risen above $100 per barrel as Iran’s
attacks of vessels had choked passage on the Strait of Hormuz.

On Saturday, Trump said he would “hit and obliterate”
Iranian power plants – “starting with the biggest one first” – if the critical
waterway was not fully open to shipping within 48 hours. The ultimatum would
have expired today.

In response, Iran warned it would completely close the
Strait of Hormuz if Trump carried out his threat to bomb Tehran’s power plants.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) added that
“power plants of regional countries hosting US bases will be legitimate
targets”.

Multiple countries were reported to have ramped up
diplomatic efforts after the exchange between both countries.

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Legend Internet Plc has announced plans to merge with
Spectranet Limited in a move aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure and
strengthening their position in Nigeria’s telecoms market.

In a notice signed by Erinma Onuoma, company secretary, on
Monday, to Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and shareholders, Legend said the
proposed transaction will combine the businesses and operations of both
companies under a unified corporate structure.

The company said the merger, approved by its board on
October 3, 2025, and shareholders on November 7, 2025, is subject to regulatory
approvals.

Legend said the deal aligns with its long-term strategy to
scale operations and deepen broadband penetration.

“The proposed merger aligns with Legend’s long-term strategy
to expand broadband infrastructure and strengthen its position within Nigeria’s
telecommunications sector,” the company said.

According to the company, the combined entity is expected to
benefit from improved network capacity through the integration of fibre and
wireless infrastructure.

“The transaction is expected to deliver significant
strategic and financial benefits, including enhanced network capacity, improved
operational efficiency, and expanded coverage across key urban markets,” the
statement reads.

The company further said the merger is expected to create
long-term value for shareholders through increased scale and operational
synergies.

“The board believes the transaction will create sustainable
long-term value for shareholders by strengthening the company’s competitive
position, supporting revenue growth, and improving earnings capacity,” the
network provider said.

“The transaction is expected to be value accretive to
shareholders over the medium to long term.”

Legend said the merger is subject to approvals from the
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC).

The company added that, subject to approvals, completion of
the transaction is expected in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

Legend said it will continue to keep the investing public
informed of any material developments regarding the merger.

In April 2025, Legend listed two billion ordinary shares by
introduction on the main board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited

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The National Inland Waterways Authority has debunked reports alleging that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The NIWA Area Manager in charge of the Sokoto Zonal Office, Mr Bello Bala, dismissed the report as fake in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Sokoto.

Bala said there was no such incident, adding that the river mentioned was not navigable.

He appealed to the media to be wary of spreading misinformation and to always verify news from credible sources, assuring that the authority was readily available to provide clarification.

The area manager reiterated that NIWA had been engaging riverine communities on safety measures, guidelines, the use of life jackets, and other considerations regarding water transportation.

He stressed that “if such an incident had occurred, community members would have reported it to water users’ association leaders.”

Meanwhile, a source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto also confirmed that the report was false, stating that no such incident occurred in the area.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said troops were present across the area and that there had been no report of any boat capsizing involving bandits.

(NAN)

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The people of Ohatekwe Ukawu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have banished a 20-year-old man, Damian Oforbuike, for allegedly killing his mother.

It was gathered that Oforbuike attacked his mother, Onyemaechi, with a machete, an incident that has thrown the community into mourning.

Sources said the incident occurred over the weekend, after which the suspect fled into a nearby forest.

However, youths of the community mobilised, tracked him into the forest where he was hiding, and apprehended him.

He was subsequently paraded around the community by the youths and later banished, with a stern warning not to return.

In a viral video recorded during the parade, the suspect reportedly confessed to the act, claiming he committed the crime because his mother refused to bathe him and declined to provide funds to set up a barbing salon for his brother who had completed apprenticeship.

“I killed my mother because she refused to bathe me and also refused to rent a shop for my brother who learned barbing and needed money to start,” he said.

The councillor representing the area, Maduabuchi Nweke, who confirmed the incident, said he mobilised over 200 youths who combed the forest and arrested the suspect.

He added that the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue.

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