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The Development Report, Abuja, Abuja (2026)

20/08/2026

“No police officer should indiscriminately search through the mobile phones of corps members on the road.”

That was the clear warning from the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, to police officers in the state.

During a visit to the NYSC orientation camp for the 2026 Batch B Stream II corps members, the CP warned officers against searching corps members' phones under the guise of checking for internet fraud.

He also assured corps members of adequate security throughout their service year and reminded them that they are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect in their interactions with police personnel.

The commissioner urged corps members to report inappropriate conduct by officers and any security concerns through the appropriate channels.

The message is particularly significant in a country where many young Nigerians have raised concerns about unlawful phone searches and harassment.

Security enforcement should not come at the expense of citizens' dignity and rights.

Do you think this warning will make a difference on the road?

20/08/2026

N571 billion.

That is the staggering amount 146 presidential and governorship candidates in Nigeria's 2027 elections could collectively spend on their campaigns — if every candidate spends the maximum amount permitted by law.

Under the Electoral Act 2026:

• A presidential candidate can spend up to N10 billion
• A governorship candidate can spend up to N3 billion
• A single donor cannot contribute more than N500 million to one candidate

With 19 presidential candidates and 127 governorship candidates currently being tracked, the combined legal campaign spending ceiling stands at N571 billion.

But the bigger question is not just how much politicians are allowed to spend.

Who will monitor the money?

Nigeria has had campaign spending limits before, yet there is little evidence of successful prosecutions for politicians who allegedly exceeded those limits.

Civil society groups are now raising concerns about whether INEC and other relevant agencies have the capacity — and political will — to effectively track campaign spending.

Because when billions are spent to win political office, Nigerians have every right to ask:

Where is the money coming from?
Who is funding the candidates?
What does the donor expect in return?
And can campaign spending really be monitored and enforced?

The 2027 election campaigns have begun. The battle for votes may soon become a battle of billboards, adverts, rallies, influencers and massive political spending.

This time, Nigerians may need to pay attention not only to what politicians are promising — but also to how much they are spending to make those promises heard.

What do you think: Can Nigeria realistically enforce a N10 billion campaign spending limit?

19/08/2026

LASU’s Best Graduating Students Get ₦20m Each from Sanwo-Olu

Excellence has come with a major reward for two of Lagos State University’s best graduating students.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a ₦20 million cash gift each for the overall best graduating students of the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions.

The beneficiaries are Ayilara Lawal Olawale, who graduated with a 4.96 CGPA in Project Management Technology, and Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, who achieved an impressive 4.97 CGPA in Aerospace Engineering. Both graduated with First Class Honours.

The governor announced the reward during LASU’s 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies at the university’s Ojo campus, describing the money as his personal donation.

For Oluolamide, the ₦20 million comes just days after he received another ₦10 million prize from the Sunbeth Excellence Partnership Programme.

More than 20,000 students are graduating across the two academic sessions, including 494 first-class graduates.

A remarkable achievement—and an even bigger recognition of academic excellence.

Photo credit: Internet

19/08/2026

Abuja floods: FCT landlords, businesses demand urgent action

Landlords, business owners and investors in Abuja are calling on the FCT Administration to take urgent steps to tackle the capital’s worsening flooding.

The FCT Stakeholders Forum for Development wants authorities to desilt drainage channels, stop encroachment on waterways and review Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the forum’s Chairman, Chief David Kente, said recent floods had submerged homes, cut off roads and disrupted livelihoods across parts of the capital.

The group said its assessment identified several factors contributing to the flooding, including rapid urban expansion, blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and the removal of drainage covers by scavengers.

The forum also argued that Abuja’s flooding problem should not be blamed solely on the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, saying the capital has experienced flooding under previous administrations.

However, it said the 1979 Master Plan is now outdated and no longer adequately reflects Abuja’s population growth and infrastructure needs.

The forum also urged the FCT Administration to ensure that ongoing infrastructure projects do not create new environmental problems.

Its message is clear: Abuja needs more than roads and urban renewal. Flood management, drainage and proper urban planning must be part of the city’s development strategy.

With flooding becoming a growing threat during the rainy season, the question is no longer whether Abuja needs action, but how quickly the authorities can respond.

19/08/2026

Police kill two suspected bandits, arrest 11 in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command says it has neutralised two suspected bandits and arrested 11 other suspects in separate operations targeting banditry, motorcycle theft and other criminal activities across the state.

The operations, conducted between August 14 and 15, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 54 rounds of live ammunition, a locally fabricated pistol and 14 stolen motorcycles.

The police said the two suspected bandits were killed after security operatives responded to an attempted attack on Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.

According to the command, armed men were advancing from Tsauana Forest towards the community when police tactical teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit moved in.

A gun battle reportedly followed, forcing the suspects to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds. A subsequent search led to the recovery of the weapons and ammunition.

The command said no security operative or resident was killed during the operation.

In a separate operation in Sokoto metropolis, police arrested suspects linked to a motorcycle theft syndicate operating around Kwannawa and Tamaje, recovering five stolen motorcycles and a locally fabricated pistol.

Further investigations led to additional arrests, bringing the number of suspects arrested in connection with the syndicate to several individuals, while police said nine stolen motorcycles had so far been recovered.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, commended the officers involved and warned criminals and buyers of stolen property that the command would continue to pursue them.

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities.

What do you think should be done to curb the growing networks behind motorcycle theft and banditry?

18/08/2026

GOMBE CONSTITUENCY BYE-ELECTION: INEC SETS SEPTEMBER 19

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed September 19, 2026, for the bye-election to fill the vacant Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

The seat became vacant following the death of lawmaker Tongo Yaya, who represented the constituency.

According to INEC's timetable, party primaries will hold from August 21–25, candidates will be published on September 8, while campaigns will run from September 9–17.

The election will cover 903 polling units across 31 registration areas and three Local Government Areas.

INEC says it is committed to a free, fair and inclusive election and has urged political parties to follow the electoral guidelines.

For residents of Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye, the bye-election is an opportunity to choose a representative who can speak to the development needs and priorities of their communities.

Civic participation matters. Every vote is a voice in shaping the future of the constituency.

18/08/2026

ABUJA FLOODING: Wike Orders Demolition of Houses Blocking Waterways

Following the recent flooding in parts of Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the demolition of houses and structures built on designated waterways and drainage channels.

Wike said an inspection of affected areas revealed that some property owners had blocked channels mapped out for water flow under the Abuja Master Plan.

His message was clear: structures obstructing waterways will be removed, regardless of who owns them.

The FCT Development Control Department has been given until Saturday to identify and act against buildings found on designated water channels.

The minister also stressed that political influence or the status of property owners, including politicians would not stop the enforcement.

As Abuja continues to experience heavier rainfall and flooding, the development raises an important question: How do we balance urban development with responsible environmental planning?

17/08/2026

A 14-year-old boy has drowned in an Abuja canal while trying to retrieve his shoe during rainfall.

The boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, drowned in a canal behind Millennium Park, Abuja, according to the Nigeria Police Force.

Police said his body was recovered and taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The boy’s father reportedly declined an autopsy and requested the release of the body for burial.

The police said its Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja has commenced an investigation into the incident.

The tragedy also raises a wider concern about the dangers posed by open canals and waterways, especially during heavy rainfall.

As rainfall intensifies, how can communities and authorities do more to prevent avoidable drowning incidents?

17/08/2026

El-Rufai demands family access, N10bn damages from ICPC

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a fresh N10 billion fundamental rights suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that he has been denied access to his wife and son while in custody.

El-Rufai claims the alleged restriction has prevented his family from providing him with food, medication and other personal necessities.

He is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the ICPC to grant him reasonable and unhindered access to his family and counsel throughout his detention.

The former governor also alleges that ICPC officers restrained and intimidated his wife and son during an attempted visit on July 7.

This is the latest in a series of legal actions El-Rufai has brought against the commission since its investigation into him began.

What do you make of the former governor’s latest legal challenge?

15/08/2026

For some girls, dropping out of school should not mean giving up on education.

Poverty, early marriage, pregnancy, family responsibilities and displacement can force girls and young women out of school, making it difficult to return to conventional classrooms.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is seeking to change that with the rehabilitation of the Alternative High School for Girls in Agboju, Lagos State.

Speaking at the commissioning, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, said the intervention is more than an infrastructure project. It is an opportunity for girls whose education was interrupted to return to learning, develop useful skills and rebuild their confidence.

The rehabilitated school now includes improved academic facilities, furniture, ICT equipment, laboratory and vocational facilities, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.

UBEC also disclosed that a second Alternative High School for Girls in Ikorodu is nearing completion. The Agboju school is expected to receive a bus and digital smart boards before the end of 2026.

For UBEC, the real measure of success will not simply be how the school looks, but how many girls are able to walk through its gates, regain hope, acquire skills and build a better future.

Every child deserves an opportunity to learn. Every girl deserves another chance.

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