Author: New Daily Prime

Former Head of State and founding father of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has praised the enduring success of the scheme, despite the initial resistance it faced from Nigerian students at its inception over five decades ago. Gowon made the commendation during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja. According to a press statement released by Caroline Embu, the acting Director of Information and Public Relations for the NYSC, Gowon reflected on the history of the scheme, acknowledging the skepticism and opposition it…

Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s determination to restore the dignity of Abia residents by focusing on quality education and healthcare. During a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank on Sunday, March 23, Otti outlined the significant strides his government is making in these vital sectors, despite the challenges faced upon his assumption of office in 2023. The World Bank delegation, led by Lead Governance Specialist Ms. Deborah Isser, visited Abia State as part of the World Bank’s Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme. Otti welcomed the team, expressing gratitude for their interest in…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated the need for a fundamental re-engineering of Nigeria’s political system to ensure that citizens fully benefit from the country’s democratic process. At a coalition meeting in Yola on Tuesday, March 25, which brought together members from various political parties, Atiku stressed that Nigeria was no longer heading in the right direction and that urgent reforms were required to save the country from further decline. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, made his remarks shortly after arriving at Yola International Airport in his private…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the appointment of key officials for the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President confirmed the appointments of the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council members, and Principal Officers of the university, marking a significant step in the development of the institution. Senator Binta Garba, a seasoned politician, businesswoman, and administrator, has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council. Garba, who served as the representative for the Adamawa…

South Africa maintained their position at the top of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers with a solid 2-0 victory over Benin Republic in Abidjan on Tuesday, March 25. The win saw Hugo Broos’ side extend their lead in the race for an automatic World Cup ticket, though it came on the back of significant uncertainty regarding the eligibility of one of their players. Before kick-off, the South African team had been under the cloud of potential disciplinary action, with the threat of losing three points hanging over them after fielding an ineligible player in their…

Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has joined the chorus of critics following the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, March 25, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The result has left Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging in the balance. The match saw Victor Osimhen give Nigeria the lead in the 75th minute with a powerful header, but Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa stunned the Super Eagles with a last-minute equaliser in the 90th minute, leaving fans deflated and the team’s qualification prospects hanging by a…

Victor Osimhen’s 40th cap for Nigeria was marked with a goal, but his efforts were not enough to secure a crucial win as the Super Eagles conceded a heartbreaking last-minute equalizer in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo. Osimhen, ever the talisman for Nigeria, broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, capitalising on an Ola Aina cross to put the Super Eagles ahead. His clinical finish seemed to have set the stage for a much-needed victory, but Zimbabwe had other plans. Despite Nigeria’s attacking dominance, including several dangerous runs from Moses Simon, Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi…

By Alade Adisa Tongues have started wagging over the claim that 250,000 voters have signed a petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate. The main question raised is how 250,000 people managed to endorse the petition within just five days. Commenting on the development, political analyst Dr. Nnaemeka Onyeka Obiaraeri expressed doubt over the figure, questioning its feasibility. “This would translate to 50,000 people signing per day, which further breaks down to about 35 people signing per minute—assuming signatures were collected continuously over 24 hours with no breaks,” he said. He added that even the election that brought…

Amid escalating tensions in Rivers State, the appointment of a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), by President Bola Tinubu has sparked legal and constitutional debates. Recent reports claim that Ibas may be planning to appoint administrators across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state — a move that legal experts argue contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional provisions. A legal practitioner, Barrister Yusuf Temilola, has expressed strong opposition to these alleged plans, asserting that under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, only democratically elected officials have the right to head local governments.“No individual or state…

The Independent National Electoral Commission has faulted the recall petition of the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the electoral umpire, Sam Olumekun, admitted receiving the petition submitted yesterday by some individuals led by Charity Ijese and received by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. According to INEC, the petition which includes six bags of documents from than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district covers 902 polling units across 57 registration areas and represents voters from five local government areas—Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene. In a…