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‘They’ll Be Free Soon’ – DIG Gives Fresh Update on Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

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The Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the reconstruction of Ijio-Idiko-Ile Road which is one of the roads in the Oke Ogun geo-political zone in the state. Makinde also disclosed that he had given the go-ahead for the renovation of Iseyin Township Hall. Makinde, made these known during a town hall meeting held at Iseyin Town Hall in Iseyin Local Government Area, on Thursday. In his speech, Makinde informed the audience that construction is still going on at the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso campus's College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus. He declared that Oba Abdul Ganiy Adekunle Salau, the most recent Aseyin of Iseyin, would be honored by having the campus lecture hall bear his name.

The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Adegoke Fayoade, has reassured Nigerians that the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State will soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify rescue operations.

Speaking during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday, Fayoade expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and government authorities would yield positive results in the shortest possible time.

According to him, all available resources are being deployed to secure the safe release of the victims, while security operatives remain focused on rescue efforts rather than engaging in discussions about ransom demands.

ALSO READ: Oyo APC Rejects LG Election, Says Makinde Wants to Rule by Proxy After Exit

“All agencies, including government authorities, are working tirelessly. I can assure Nigerians that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” the DIG stated.

Fayoade dismissed reports suggesting that the abductors had altered their demands, insisting that the police were unaware of any negotiations involving ransom payments or the release of suspected accomplices.

“We do not discuss ransom. Our priority is ensuring the safe rescue of those in captivity,” he said.

The senior police officer explained that his visit to Lagos was part of a broader strategy to strengthen supervision across police commands in the South-West and engage officers on effective approaches to tackling emerging security threats.

He disclosed that discussions with officers centered on manpower development, welfare improvement, and operational efficiency.

Fayoade noted that the ongoing recruitment of 40,000 police personnel would help address manpower shortages across the country, while improved welfare packages would boost officers’ morale and effectiveness.

The DIG also highlighted the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to adopting modern technology in crime fighting.

He revealed that efforts were underway to complete a central data centre that would enable security agencies to share intelligence and improve crime detection nationwide.

He added that the force was preparing to introduce artificial intelligence into criminal investigations and intelligence gathering to enhance policing and improve response times.

“Technology remains a major priority. Very soon, our officers will begin specialized training on the use of artificial intelligence in investigations and intelligence operations,” he said.

Fayoade further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, stressing that effective policing requires mutual trust and respect between officers and citizens.

The assurance comes amid growing concern from parents and residents over the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers, with many hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the incident.

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Tinubu Sends Six NMDPRA Executive Director Nominees to Senate, Retains Three

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President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of six nominees for executive director positions at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to the Senate for confirmation, retaining three existing directors while introducing three new nominees.

The nominations were conveyed to the Senate in a letter from the President, according to a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The six nominees comprise three executive directors seeking reappointment and three new candidates proposed for different leadership positions within the petroleum regulatory agency.

SEE ALSO: Tinubu Promises to Boost Local Production with NNPC Refineries

The officials nominated for reappointment are Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director of Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

The three new nominees are Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa, proposed as Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure; Ogechukwu Modie, nominated as Executive Director of Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning; and Said Abutalib, nominated as Executive Director of Corporate Services and Administration.

If confirmed by the Senate, all six nominees will serve five-year terms.

President Tinubu urged the lawmakers to consider the nominations expeditiously, stating that the appointments would ensure institutional continuity and strengthen the Authority’s oversight capacity.

In a related development, the President has approved the appointment of Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser of the NMDPRA.

Her appointment is subject to the completion of the statutory processes stipulated under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The latest nominations follow Tinubu’s appointment of Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive of the NMDPRA in April.

The Senate’s consideration and confirmation of the six nominees will determine their formal appointment to the respective executive director positions.

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Osun Tackles Sanitation with Adhoc Road Sweepers

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Four gang-killed two in Osun, destroy N8M properties

In the bid to improve environmental sanitation, the Osun State Government plans to engage with immediate effect, able-bodied men and women as ad hoc road sweepers.

Biztellers reports that the exercise would cover designated areas of the state.

The recruitment exercise, announced by the Osun State Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation (OSTES) is open to medically fit able bodied men and women who are residents of the areas where they intend to work.

According to the public service announcement, applicants must be at least 30 years of age, medically fit and resident in their preferred areas of assignment.

READ ALSO: US Hails DPRP as Nigeria’s Petroleum Exports Surge Seven Times

The designated areas mentioned by the Taskforce include Akoda- Abere, Ataoja -Ogo-Oluwa, Olaiya -Old Garage, Igbonna -Ayetoro, Power Line – Ota-Efun and Kobongbogboe.

Other areas covered by the exercise are Ataoja- Dele Yes Sir, Stadium- Testing Ground and Ilesa- Garage, as well as Oke-Fia -Dada Estate, Dele Yes Sir- Lameco and Oroki Housing Estate.

Interested applicants are required to submit application letters to the General Manager, Osun Waste Management Agency, at its office located at the former Boreepo House, West Bye-Pass, Ring Road, Osogbo.

The announcement further stated that the deadline for submission of applications is Thursday, November 12th, 2026.

The recruitment is expected to support routine road sweeping and complement the state’s efforts to promote a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.

Applicants have been advised to ensure that they meet the stated requirements and reside within the areas where they seek to be deployed.

It would be recalled that the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, had earlier declared every Thursday of the week as Environmental Sanitation Day throughout the state during which offices, markets, shopping malls and homes among other public places are to be swept clean between 8am and 10am.

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PTDF Succour 15,000 Nigerians with Scholarships

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The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) said it has sponsored nearly 15,000 Nigerians for studies at home and abroad, with 1,571 scholars currently studying in 15 countries, as of July 2026.

This is as the Fund is now asking the United Kingdom (UK) to help address visa rejections, high tuition fees and the monitoring of its scholars, which it says are putting pressure on the programme.

The executive secretary of the Fund, Prof Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, made the request on Tuesday at a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pete Vowles. The meeting was held at the General Shehu Musa Yar’adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, Kaduna.

According to Aliyu, the Fund had sponsored the beneficiaries through its Overseas Scholarship Scheme and In-Country Scholarship Scheme, for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

He said that as of July 2026, 1,571 scholars were studying in 15 countries and more than 120 partner institutions. He added that demand for PTDF scholarships was still rising.

READ MORE: Investors Embrace DPRP IPO Globally, 120 Countries, 54 African Nations

The executive secretary said the UK had for decades been the Fund’s main partner in building skills for Nigeria’s energy sector.

He said the PTDF worked with 24 British universities, including Robert Gordon, Strathclyde, Portsmouth, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester.

He said the partnership had helped train thousands of Nigerian engineers, geoscientists, researchers and energy professionals.

Aliyu also said the Fund worked with institutions in Germany, France and Malaysia, where it sought cheaper ways to train Nigerians. He said the Fund still wanted to keep its long-standing ties with the UK.

The ES told the High Commissioner that the Fund was facing problems with its UK partners. He listed these as tuition fees that were high compared with other European countries, and visa rejections.

“I would like to take this opportunity to highlight several challenges we are facing with our UK partners for the High Commissioner’s attention,” he said.

He said the Fund also wanted a plan to monitor its scholars in the UK, with support from the UK government and the host universities.

Aliyu did not give figures for the fee increases or the number of visa rejections.

In response, Vowles said the British High Commission understood the difficulties, especially those linked to visas and increases in tuition fees.

“We will take these concerns away as a team and communicate them to the relevant stakeholders within the UK system,” he said.

The High Commissioner said the PTDF and the High Commission had worked together to simplify the process. He said the PTDF’s recognition as a government-approved sponsor was expected to help.

“Having the PTDF recognised as a government-approved sponsor will hopefully make the process much smoother,” he said.

He did not promise any change in fees or visa rules.

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