NYSC withdraws corps members from Benue community over suspected herders’ attack

NYSC

After a violent attack that claimed 20 lives in Mbaa community, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has withdrawn corps members from the area. The attack was suspected to have been perpetrated by herders. On Thursday in a statement released in Makurdi, the NYSC’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations in Benue State, Yahuza Adamu, confirmed the evacuation. Due to the security threat, Adamu said the decision to withdraw corps members was made, reaffirming the NYSC’s commitment to their security and safety. The statement read: “Since the beginning of incessant attacks on Mbaa Community, which shares a boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, NYSC withdrew all Corps Members from the area and has not posted any there till date.” However, after a headcount conducted by the NYSC Kwande Local Government Inspector, no corps members were reported killed. Read Also:  NYSC: Why 200 corps members were queried- Oyo NYSC Out of the 20 persons killed, 16 were said to be farmers, and their bodies were found at the River Katsina-Ala. While reassuring the public of their proactive measures to prevent risk, Adamu noted: “Hence, all Corps Members serving in Jato Acka Turan, which is far away from the affected community, are not exposed to any security threat.” “In fact, as a matter of policy, NYSC consistently takes proactive steps to mitigate risks and ensure that Corps Members receive the necessary protection at all times. “We assure parents and guardians that NYSC Benue State remains vigilant and committed to the welfare of all its Corps Members and will continue to work with security agencies to ensure their safety at all times. “Parents and guardians are encouraged to obtain accurate updates from NYSC official channels.”

Arab nations plotting alternative to Trump’s Gaza plan

Optimism in the Arab world that US President Donald Trump might bring a permanent end to the war in the Gaza Strip and, with it, stability to the tumultuous Middle East, soared as he was given a lion’s share of the credit for ushering in the current ceasefire. But that hope has faded quickly since Trump suggested a plan to force Gaza’s entire population out and to “take over” the decimated Palestinian territory to develop it as a vacation destination. Trump said the roughly 2.3 million Palestinians should be moved to Egypt and Jordan, apparently to make way for investors to move in and “just clean out the whole thing.” The president’s suggestion sent a shockwave of confusion and anger sweeping across the Arab nations that surround Israel, and beyond. “In Egypt, we have warned since the beginning of the crisis that what was happening was an attempt to render the Gaza Strip uninhabitable, paving the way for the displacement of the Palestinians,” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said several days after Trump first suggested his plan. “I state it unequivocally: The displacement of the Palestinian people from their place is an injustice. We cannot condone or be a part of the unjust displacement of Palestinians.” Meeting earlier this month in Washington with Trump, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, asked about the president’s proposal, said Egypt was working on an alternative plan with other Arab countries. “We will be in Saudi Arabia to discuss how we can work with the president and with the United States,” Abdullah told reporters. “Let’s wait until the Egyptians can come and present it to the [U.S.] president, and not get ahead of ourselves.”On Friday, a meeting to discuss that alternative proposal for Gaza’s future will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While Mr. Trump has continued to insist that Egypt and Jordan will rehome the Palestinians from Gaza, his administration has also said it remains open to other suggestions. “Right now, the only one who’s stood up and said, ‘I’m willing to help do it,’ is Donald Trump,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview last week. “All these other leaders, they’re going to have to step up. If they’ve got a better idea, then now is the time.” An Egyptian plan for Gaza takes shape “Egypt is putting together a comprehensive, phased plan that seeks to rehabilitate Gaza,” Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf told CBS News on Wednesday. “The plan will span several years that would entail sequential phases of removing rubble and reconstruction.” “It will be conducted in a way to ensure that Palestinians in Gaza remain in their homeland,” said Khallaf, adding that the plan “will be operationally both realistic and workable.” Funding for the herculean task of rebuilding Gaza will be a vital component of any plan for after the war. As of January, the U.N. and World Bank estimated that 72% of the territory’s housing, 84% of its health facilities and 92% of its primary roads had been damaged or totally destroyed, and the bombing continued for another month from that point. Khallaf told CBS News that Egypt was “in talks with the United Nations, through the U.N. Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, to jointly organize an international conference in Egypt for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, which will be essential to provide emergency relief activities and secure necessary funds to see the plan come to fruition and restore life back to Gaza.” The plan being discussed in Riyadh is expected to be officially endorsed at an Arab summit scheduled for March 4 in Cairo. The plan is also expected to garner backing from further afield. Many U.S. allies in Europe have firmly rejected Trump’s call to relocate Gaza’s population, but there has been no other offer of an alternative. Speaking Wednesday next to Spain’s prime minister after they met in Madrid, el-Sissi said the leaders had “emphasized the importance of the international community’s support and adoption of the reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, that does not involve the forcible displacement of the Palestinian people — again, without the displacement of the Palestinian people — from their land they so dearly cherish, and their ancestral homeland they will never abandon, and that ensures the immediate initiation of relief and early recovery operations.” Egypt has grappled for a post-war solution for Gaza that would be acceptable to all parties since the conflict was sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel.It’s unclear how much support a unified Arab stance, even with broader international support, might garner from Trump or his close ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Without their backing, it’s difficult to envision any proposal coming to fruition. “Generational healing between Palestinians and Israelis is possible but can only transpire when Palestinians live in an independent state of their own,” Khallaf told CBS News. “We look forward to working with the U.S. administration in achieving the long-awaited peace in the region.”

Bobrisky singing ‘Favour’ left me stunned – Lawrence Oyor

Nigerian gospel minister Lawrence Oyor has expressed shock after seeing popular crossdresser Bobrisky singing his hit song Favour. Oyor, known for his inspirational gospel music, admitted that he had to replay the video several times to process what he had just witnessed. In a video shared online, Oyor described his reaction as disbelief. He never expected someone like Bobrisky to be familiar with his music, let alone sing along to it. The gospel singer even joked that he almost denied ownership of the song because of the unexpected nature of the moment. “A very risky Bob” Oyor recounted his feelings while watching the clip. “I saw one of our guys—the most unexpected guy on the internet—singing Favour,” he said. “I almost denied the song. I know some of you didn’t see it, but somehow it got to me. Somebody sent it to me.” The gospel minister then went on to describe Bobrisky in a way that played on the crossdresser’s name. “I saw Bob, a very risky Bob, singing Favour,” he added. “I had to watch it like three times. The shock! You too? I have never doubted myself like that before. How?” A moment of reflection Oyor’s words suggested that the moment left him questioning how his music had reached such an unexpected audience. As a gospel minister, he likely never imagined that his message of faith and inspiration would resonate with someone like Bobrisky, a figure known for controversial takes on gender identity and social issues. Despite his initial shock, Oyor did not express any outright disapproval. Instead, his reaction appeared to be a mix of surprise and humour. Many of his followers found the exchange amusing, with some suggesting that music has the power to reach all kinds of people, regardless of background or beliefs. Music knows no boundaries Oyor’s reaction highlights a truth about music—it transcends boundaries. Whether gospel, pop, or traditional, a song can connect with people in unexpected ways. Bobrisky, who is widely known for their social media presence and bold personality, has often been at the center of public discussions. Seeing them engage with a gospel song like Favour might have been surprising to Oyor, but it also speaks to the universality of music. Social media reactions Fans quickly reacted to Oyor’s comments, with many sharing their own thoughts on the viral moment. Some found the situation humorous, while others saw it as a sign that gospel music can touch lives in unexpected ways. A few even encouraged Oyor to see it as a positive thing, as his message of faith was reaching diverse audiences. One user commented, “God works in mysterious ways. Even Bobrisky is singing Favour—this is proof that gospel music is powerful!” Another added, “Oyor should be happy. His song is making waves beyond church circles.” The bigger picture Beyond the humor and shock, this moment serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of music or faith. Oyor’s song, meant to uplift and inspire, found its way to an unexpected listener. Whether intended or not, the clip of Bobrisky singing Favour has sparked conversations about the influence of gospel music and the unpredictable ways it spreads. For now, Oyor may still be processing the moment, but one thing is clear—his song has gone further than he ever imagined. Read Also: 17th Headies Awards unveils nominees, Odumodublvck dominates with six nods

Mexico’s president warns U.S. against invading to fight cartels

….After Washington designates them as terrorist groups Mexico will never tolerate an invasion of its national sovereignty by the United States, President Claudia Sheinbaum warned Thursday after Washington designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organisations. “This cannot be an opportunity for the U.S. to invade our sovereignty,” she said. “With Mexico it is collaboration and coordination, never subordination or interventionism, and even less invasion.” On Wednesday, the Trump administration formally labeled eight cartels as terrorist groups. They include Mexico’s two main drug trafficking organizations, the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels. Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in the White House saying that the cartels “constitute a national-security threat beyond that posed by traditional organized crime.” The move has raised speculation about possible military action. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been given a prominent role in the Trump administration, said on social media the designation “means they’re eligible for drone strikes.” Experts, however, said that bombing Mexican cartels or sending troops over the border still appeared unlikely, although Mr. Trump’s unpredictability makes it impossible to completely rule out. Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum receives military honors during the 112th anniversary of the Mexican army in Cerralvo, Nuevo Leon state, Mexico, Feb. 19, 2025. Julio Aguilar/AFP via Getty Images The idea “used to be something that was found in a niche, very much on the fringes, and now it is at the center of the discussion,” said Cecilia Farfan-Mendez, an analyst at the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation. In 2022, former Secretary of Defence Mark Esper told “60 Minutes” that during his first term President Trump suggested firing missiles into Mexico to combat drug cartels there. Esper also said when he pushed back on the idea, Trump said, “No one would know it was us.” Mexico targets U.S. gun manufacturers Sheinbaum also said Thursday that Mexico would follow through on her promise to expand its legal action against U.S. gun manufacturers following Washington’s decision to designate cartels as terrorist groups. The Mexican government accuses U.S. arms makers of negligence in the sale of weapons that end up in the hands of drug traffickers, and Sheinbaum said the lawsuit could lead to a new charge of alleged complicity with terrorist groups. An estimated 200,000 to half a million American firearms are smuggled into Mexico every year, “60 Minutes” reported in December. A 2023 CBS Reports investigation found that dozens of cartel gunrunning networks, operating like terrorist cells, pay Americans to buy weapons from gun stores and online dealers all across the country, as far north as Wisconsin and even Alaska, according to U.S. intelligence sources. The firearms are then shipped across the southwest border through a chain of brokers and couriers. Mexico has already filed a lawsuit in the United States against U.S. arms manufacturers and vendors, claiming $10 billion in damages for their alleged role in criminal violence in the country. Earlier this month, Sheinbaum angrily rejected an accusation by the United States that her government has an alliance with drug cartels. “We categorically reject the slander made by the White House against the Mexican government about alliances with criminal organizations,” the president wrote on social media at the time. “If there is such an alliance anywhere, it is in the U.S. gun shops that sell high-powered weapons to these criminal groups,” she added. Last month, Sheinbaum launched a campaign to crack down on the number of weapons on the country’s streets by offering cash to those who anonymously leave weapons at designated drop-off locations, including churches.

Labour group files lawsuit against Trump administration over mass firing

Labor group have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that tens of thousands of probationary federal employees were unlawfully terminated as part of a broader initiative to reform the federal workforce. The complaint, lodged on Wednesday evening in a federal court in San Francisco, raises serious questions about the authority of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in overseeing federal employment practices. According to the labor groups, the OPM issued directives on February 13 that led to the mass firing of probationary employees under the pretext of performance issues. The plaintiffs argue that such actions exceeded the OPM’s jurisdiction, which they claim does not extend to directing federal agencies to dismiss employees. The lawsuit contends that Congress, not the OPM, retains the power to govern federal employment and allocate funds for personnel expenses across U.S. administrative agencies. “OPM, the federal agency tasked with enforcing our nation’s employment laws, has executed one of the most significant employment frauds in American history, misleading tens of thousands of workers into believing they were dismissed for performance reasons when that was not the case,” the complaint asserts. This bold claim underscores the gravity of the allegations against the administration. As of Thursday, the OPM directed inquiries regarding the lawsuit to the Department of Justice, which has yet to issue a public response. The controversy surrounding the firings has drawn attention not only from labor groups but also from legal experts who are monitoring the case closely for its implications on federal employment practices. Typically, federal employees undergo a probationary period of up to one year, though this duration can be extended based on the specific employment context. The current administration, led by President Trump and supported by Elon Musk, who oversees the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, is pursuing an aggressive agenda aimed at reducing the size of the federal government. This includes significant job cuts, which have raised alarms among labor advocates and workers alike. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit represent a coalition of influential labor organizations, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFGE Local 1216 in San Francisco, and the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals. Each group has voiced strong opposition to the administration’s actions, arguing that the mass firings not only violate established employment laws but also undermine the rights of federal workers. The legal battle is set against a backdrop of ongoing national debate regarding the efficiency and size of the federal workforce. Proponents of reduced government spending argue that streamlining operations is necessary for economic recovery, while critics warn that such measures can lead to detrimental impacts on public service and employee rights. As the lawsuit unfolds, it is expected to attract widespread attention from lawmakers, labor advocates, and the public. The outcome will likely have far-reaching consequences for federal employment policies and the future of labor relations within the government. In a time of heightened scrutiny regarding the administration’s policies, this case serves as a pivotal moment for both labor rights and federal governance, highlighting the tension between efficiency measures and the protection of workers’ rights. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly illuminate the complexities of federal employment law and the responsibilities of agencies like the OPM in maintaining fair labor practices. As the situation develops, stakeholders from all sides will be watching closely to see how this dispute is resolved.

UN condemns Hamas for ‘abhorrent’ parade of hostage coffins

Hamas, parading the coffins of four hostages, has drawn severe condemnation from the United Nations Human Rights chief, Volker Turk, who described the act as “abhorrent and cruel,” asserting that it contravenes international law. This event, characterized as a “disgusting spectacle,” took place in Khan Yunis, a city in central Gaza, where the coffins were believed to contain the remains of Shiri Bibas, four-year-old Ariel, his infant brother Kfir, and 85-year-old Oded Lifthitz. During the event, Hamas supporters watched as masked fighters clad in black carried the coffins through crowds of onlookers, culminating in a presentation on stage. Behind the coffins was a provocative poster depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a vampire, with blood dripping from his fangs, further politicizing the already tense atmosphere. The image served as a stark reminder of the deep-seated animosity that characterizes the ongoing conflict. As the coffins were handed over to the Red Cross, Israeli authorities expressed significant concerns regarding the potential for booby traps. Reports indicated that the coffins had been locked, and Hamas did not provide any keys, raising alarms about the safety of those involved in the handover process. The fear was that the coffins might have been rigged to detonate, a tactic not unheard of in the context of the ongoing violence. In his statement, Volker Turk emphasized the necessity of treating the remains of the deceased with dignity, reiterating that any transfer of bodies must adhere to the prohibition against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. He stressed the importance of respecting the dignity of both the deceased and their families, underscoring the profound impact such acts have on the grieving process. Following the handover, military engineers were tasked with examining whether any personal belongings belonging to the hostages had been returned alongside the bodies. The coffins, draped in Israeli flags, have since been transported to the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Jaffa, Tel Aviv. There, forensic teams are set to conduct formal identification procedures, pledging to do so “as efficiently and respectfully as possible,” while maintaining compassion for the families involved. The incident has sparked outrage beyond the immediate context, with groups such as North West Friends of Israel, a UK-based organization, condemning Hamas for what they termed a “disgusting spectacle.” They criticized the terrorist group for using the tragic circumstances of innocent children to propagate their agenda, referring to the act as a display of “Jew-hating” sentiment. The broader implications of this event extend into the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, highlighting the tragic human toll of the violence. As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the politicization of grief and tragedy only deepens the wounds inflicted by years of conflict. In light of this incident, the international community is once again reminded of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The actions of Hamas have reignited discussions about the ethical responsibilities of all parties involved in such deeply tragic circumstances. As the situation continues to unfold, the call for accountability and respect for human rights remains paramount, with hopes that future actions will reflect a commitment to dignity and peace. The UN’s strong stance against the parade of hostages’ coffins serves as a critical reminder of the need for compassion and respect in the face of ongoing violence, urging all parties to consider the profound human impact of their actions.

Babangida admits Abiola won June 12 election, calls annulment ‘toughest decision’

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has for the first time publicly acknowledged that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, but described its annulment as the “most difficult decision” of his life. Babangida made the revelation in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, February 120.  The book offers a deep dive into pivotal moments of Nigerian history, including controversial decisions during his time in power. While reviewing the book at the launch, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying that Abiola, who contested the election under the banner of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), fulfilled all constitutional criteria for the presidency, including securing the majority of votes and meeting the necessary geographical spread. “There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida was quoted as saying, confirming Abiola’s victory, which had been widely regarded as the most credible and free election in Nigeria’s history. Despite the overwhelming evidence of Abiola’s victory, Babangida justified the annulment of the results, citing national security concerns at the time.  The decision to annul the election, which had been conducted with great expectations for a peaceful transition to democracy, remains one of the most controversial and defining moments of Babangida’s regime. Reflecting on the decision in his book, Babangida admitted, “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held in June, on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.” He continued: “That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.” Babangida expressed that the annulment weighed heavily on him, but he found some solace in the posthumous recognition of Abiola.  In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, Nigeria’s highest national honour, which is typically reserved for sitting presidents. “I took solace in the fact that, despite the annulment, MKO Abiola’s legacy was honoured by President Buhari,” Babangida added. In addition to the June 12 election crisis, Babangida’s autobiography addresses other significant national events, including the 1976 coup attempt that resulted in the assassination of then-Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist Dele Giwa. The June 12, 1993 election, won by Abiola, was abruptly annulled by Babangida’s government, sparking widespread protests and political unrest.  The annulment led to the incarceration of Abiola and a long period of political instability that eventually culminated in the return to civilian rule in 1999. In his reflections, Babangida conceded that, if given the opportunity, he would have handled the entire situation differently.  He noted that, “Mistakes, oversights and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.” The events surrounding the June 12 election remain deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political history, with many Nigerians continuing to remember Abiola’s sacrifice for democracy, while also seeking accountability for the annulment.  Babangida’s confession marks a rare moment of admission by a key figure in one of Nigeria’s most contentious political chapters.

APC pulls out of Osun LG amid court ruling crisis

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has officially withdrawn from the upcoming local government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22.  The party’s decision follows a controversial Court of Appeal ruling earlier this month that reinstated its sacked chairmen and councillors. In a letter dated February 17, which was signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alao Kamorudeen, and addressed to the Secretary of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), the party announced its withdrawal from the electoral process, citing the implications of the February 10 judgment. The Court of Appeal’s ruling in Akure nullified a previous Federal High Court decision and reinstated APC’s local government officials who had been sacked after the 2022 elections. According to the APC, the judgment clarified that the positions of the affected chairmen and councillors were no longer vacant. The letter read in part: “Recall that the judgment of the Federal High Court in suit No. FHF/OS/CS/94/2022 was meritoriously nullified on February 10 by the Court of Appeal in Akure, in appeal No. CA/AK/270/2022 between APC and three others v. Peoples Democratic Party and others.” It continued: “By the judgment, the elected officers have resumed office as allowed by the Appeal Court. The implication of the Court of Appeal judgment, as cited above, is that the seats are no longer vacant. In view of the foregoing, we hereby state that the APC and all its candidates have, by this letter, informed the commission of our withdrawal from the local government election scheduled for February 22.” The APC further described the upcoming election as “unnecessary, superfluous, and unlawful” in light of the court’s decision. The political crisis between the APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated after the Court of Appeal ruling. The PDP, on one hand, argued that the judgment did not restore the sacked APC chairmen and councillors, while the APC insisted on their return to their positions in local government councils across the state. The situation reached a boiling point earlier this week when both parties claimed control over local government secretariats. The ongoing confrontation has led to significant unrest, with the police confirming that at least six individuals were killed and several others injured during the clashes. The political impasse has further deepened tensions in Osun State, with both the APC and PDP trading accusations over attempts to destabilise the local government structure. As the election approaches, the withdrawal of the APC from the process raises questions about the stability of the state’s local government system and the potential for further unrest in the coming days.

Libya repatriates 48 Nigerian females, two children

The Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya has successfully deported 48 Nigerian women and two children with support from Nigeria’s consular services and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The repatriation was carried out on Wednesday via Mitiga International Airport, ensuring the safe return of the migrants to Nigeria.  This effort forms part of broader initiatives aimed at assisting Nigerian nationals who are facing hardships abroad, especially in conflict-affected areas like Libya. Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed the operation in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “DCIM repatriated from Tripoli with 🇳🇬 consular and 🇺🇳 IOM support 48 #migrant females with 2 children of Nigerian nationality via Mitiga Int. Airport.” This latest repatriation is part of a continued effort by the Nigerian government to assist citizens in Libya, following similar operations that have brought home over 150 Nigerians in recent weeks.

FG denies report on imminent Lagos-Abuja bullet train launch

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has refuted reports circulating on online platforms regarding the imminent launch of a high-speed bullet train between Lagos and Abuja, which was claimed to reduce travel time between the two cities from 12 hours to just two to three hours. In a statement issued on Thursday, February 20, the Ministry described the claims as “fake and unfounded,” stressing that they were based on inaccurate information provided by Yinka Idris, the Director of Operations of Geofocus Consortium.  Idris had reportedly issued a statement suggesting that the feasibility studies for the project were complete, and that the necessary funding had been secured. The Ministry clarified that while Geofocus Consortium had proposed the idea for the bullet train under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in 2016, no concrete progress had been made on the project. The proposal, the Ministry explained, was initially submitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in 2024 for due diligence. However, the ICRC responded with a request for a support letter from the consortium’s financiers, a condition that has not yet been met. The Ministry also pointed out that the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the project had not been approved, particularly due to the lack of proof of funds, which is a crucial requirement for the project to move forward. The statement further clarified that it is only after meeting these requirements that a memo would be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval. “It should be noted that the claim that feasibility studies have been completed and proof of funds has been secured is purely speculative, as the company has yet to fulfil the necessary requirements,” the Ministry’s rejoinder read. The Ministry also called on Geofocus Consortium to issue an apology to the Ministry and the Nigerian public for disseminating false information. It urged Nigerians to disregard the fake news and cautioned media outlets to verify facts before publishing such claims. “For quality reportage, the online platforms and other media outlets that published the false story are advised to seek clarification before going to print to avoid the spread of misinformation,” the Ministry added. The statement concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the transportation sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, and appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders in ensuring the sector’s success. The Ministry, under the leadership of Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, continues to work towards fulfilling its mandate and delivering on critical infrastructure projects across the country.