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Olubadan Urges Tinubu to Fast-Track State Police as Insecurity Bites Hard

Oba Rasidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has ordered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s federal government to move quickly to establish state police.

Former Oyo State governor Ladoja stated that this was required to address the degree of insecurity in the nation.

The traditional ruler made these statements on Monday when welcoming students from the Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Bwari, Abuja’s Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 19, 2026.

The Olubadan Palace, which is situated in Oke Aremo in the Ibadan North local government region, served as the venue for the event.

In a statement provided to DAILY POST on behalf of the traditional ruler, Chief Solomon Ayoade, the Olubadan’s chief press secretary, clarified that the state police will support the work of other security agencies.

The traditional stated that insecurity is currently Nigeria’s biggest problem.

He then took use of the occasion to urge the federal government to stop wasting additional time on the creation of the state police.

“I call on the Federal Government to expedite action on the establishment of State Police to complement the efforts of other security agencies to ensure community policing,” he declared.

Despite the short notice for the visit, the team’s director of studies, Mrs. Ibahim Halimah Zanna, expressed gratitude for the cordial welcome they received from the traditional monarch.

They are in Oyo State for a week-long research tour, she disclosed.

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Entertainment News

Nollywood in Mourning: Veteran Actor Solomon Akiyesi Dies in His Sleep

Solomon Akiyesi, a seasoned Nollywood actor and producer, has away.

Abubakar Yakubu, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, announced his passing to The Cable Lifestyle on Monday.

According to Yakubu, the actor died on Sunday while sleeping, and his remains have been placed in an Abuja morgue.

“Yes, it is accurate. Yesterday, he passed away. went to sleep and didn’t wake up. We’re waiting on the family to provide more information. He stated, “His body is in the mortuary in Abuja where the tragic incident occurred.”

He claims that the guild is currently awaiting more details about the circumstances of the deceased’s passing from his family.

Originally from Ososo in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Akiyesi started his Nollywood career in the late 1990s and appeared in more than 100 movies.

Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Joy of Nakasha, Heart of a Saint, Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo the Fisher Girl, Pretty Liars, The End Is Near, and Desperate Ladies were among the films in which he was well-known.

Since then, tributes have begun to flood social media.

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LASTMA to Launch Short Code Hotline for Faster Traffic Emergency Reporting in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, or LASTMA, has revealed plans to introduce a special short code system that will make it simple for locals—especially drivers—to report traffic accidents and exchange real-time traffic data.

In an interview on Monday, LASTMA’s general manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, revealed this, pointing out that the program’s goal is to enhance public-agency accessibility and communication.

He clarified that in order to improve consumer comfort, a more straightforward, toll-free short code would soon take the place of the current long-digit contact line.

He stated, “The agency is working to ensure that we get a short code instead of the long digit that is currently running.”

He states that, pending final certification from telecom service providers, the system is anticipated to become operational in the next two to three weeks.

“Our call center will develop a free short code within the next two to three weeks. We’ve made all the required preparations and are just waiting for the network provider’s final permission,” he continued.

Bakare-Oki stated that in order to guarantee a seamless deployment upon approval, the installation of supporting infrastructure and equipment is currently underway.

He stated, “The agency is working to ensure that we get a short code instead of the long digit that is currently running.”
According to him, the website will allow Lagos residents to report a variety of problems, like as emergencies, traffic jams, reckless driving, operational feedback, and other road-related difficulties.

Additionally, he disclosed that the organization currently runs a digital call center with ten responders who handle complaints and questions in Yoruba, English, and regional dialects.

He claims that LASTMA works closely with important emergency response organizations, including the police, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Lagos State Ambulance Service.

Bakare-Oki disclosed that between January and March, the agency received close to 300 calls, though he noted a temporary drop due to system adjustments linked to the ongoing transition.

“The system has been experiencing downtime because of the integration,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the short code rollout would significantly improve response efficiency and public engagement once fully operational.

“We assure residents that within the next two to three weeks, we will be fully back online with stronger capacity and improved service delivery,” he added.

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Peter Obi Meets Goodluck Jonathan in High-Stakes Talks on Nigeria’s Future”

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, said that his private meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday was fruitful and that the discussions centered on Nigeria’s future.

Leading a group of well-known South-East leaders to Jonathan’s home, Obi stated that the meeting was a component of his continuing discussions with important parties in advance of the general elections in 2027.

“Our discussions were frank, thoughtful, and anchored on the urgent need to reposition Nigeria on the path of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance,” Obi wrote on X following the meeting.

He pointed out that leaders must collaborate beyond regional boundaries due to the nation’s present problems.

“It has become essential that leaders across regions come together to reflect, consult, and act in the overall interest of the Nigerian people at a time when our nation continues to struggle with economic hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening social divisions,” he stated.

Obi emphasized that Nigeria needs leadership that puts service and merit ahead of self-interest.

“Today, Nigeria needs leadership that is driven by competence, character, capacity, and compassion rather than personal ambition. He stated, “Governance is about creating what is needed, not about sharing what is left.”

He also emphasized the necessity of changing the nation’s economic paradigm, promoting a transition from consumption to production by making the most of Nigeria’s natural and human resources in order to advance society as a whole.

Obi called the 2027 elections a turning point for the nation, looking ahead to the upcoming general elections.

“The 2027 elections must be viewed as a crucial chance to change the course of our nation, not merely as another political exercise.

He stated, “It must be about the Nigerian child who deserves a good education, the struggling entrepreneur who needs a favorable environment to thrive, and the millions of citizens who simply want a safe and functional nation.”

Igbo elders, South-East African Democratic Congress senators, and other political acquaintances followed Obi to the conference.

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I Built My Wealth Myself – Aisha Achimugu Speaks Out Amid EFCC Case and $13M Forfeiture Controversy

The founder of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd., Aisha Achimugu, has insisted that she has been an entrepreneur since 2001 and denied that her riches was based on her connection to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Amidst the current legal dispute with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ballooning issue surrounding her finances, Achimugu made the denial in an interview with Channels Television on Monday.

“In 2001, I launched my company. I come from a respectable household. The MD of PPMCC was my late husband. During the work, I got to know him. In fact, I met him while conducting business at NNPC,” she remarked.

She said, “Not at all,” when asked explicitly if Sanwo-Olu or any of her powerful friends provided the money.

When the businesswoman threw a seven-day 50th birthday celebration on the Caribbean island of Grenada in January 2024, she gained widespread recognition.

Prominent members of Nigeria’s political and entertainment elite attended the extravagant celebration, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, which raised questions about the source of her riches.

Over a year later, on April 29, 2025, she was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after the EFCC declared her wanted on charges of money laundering.

A federal high court in Abuja issued a final forfeiture order for $13 million purportedly connected to her company in March 2026.

The EFCC has demonstrated that the money was the proceeds of fraud, according to presiding judge Emeka Nwite. Since then, Achimugu’s company has filed an appeal against the ruling.

Achimugu firmly disassociated herself from the story that the money was discovered in her possession, but she refused to provide details on the seized assets, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.

“My home was broken into. In my home and personal stuff, only $50,000 and N13 million that belonged to my mother were discovered,” she stated.

“I have no idea how Nigeria came to believe that I have $13 million in my home. I’m not a financial institution. I refuse to retain $13 million in my home.

Achimugu stated that the oil block owned by Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd. was given to

In response to Sanwo-Olu’s attendance at her birthday, which demonstrated her well-established access to political power, Achimugu contended that her connections were a result of her success rather than its source.

“Power and governance have always been available to me. I’m a well-known Nigerian. I’ve done well, and I have friends. She declared, “I haven’t done anything to make people avoid me.”

“I own a business and am an entrepreneur. It is really crucial to me to know who will expand my portfolio. It has nothing to do with Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The governor of Lagos was just one of the guests already present at the celebration site, she continued.

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News

Nigeria Has Been Transformed’ — Bola Ahmed Tinubu Aides Unveil Bold Claims Ahead of Nationwide Project Tour”

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu has done a remarkable job of transforming Nigeria and giving Nigerians something to be proud of.

In order to confirm what the administration has documented thus far, Onanuga briefed journalists prior to a scheduled tour of project locations. He noted that the projects span all of the federation’s states and encompass crucial areas such as infrastructure, human capital, and economic development.

“The purpose of this tour is to showcase in full what the administration has been able to do so far in order to show its seriousness and commitment to the transformation of the whole country,” Onanuga stated, accompanied by other presidential media aides. These projects cut across all sectors of the economy and are in all the states of the federation.

“By the time these projects are presented to Nigerians, it will be evident to everyone that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transformed Nigeria and has, in fact, given Nigerians new hope.”

In a same vein, Mr. Tunde Rahman, the SSA on Media to the President, stated that the media will soon start keeping an eye on the initiatives carried out by the Tinubu government throughout Nigeria in an effort to revitalize the nation and provide value to its citizens.

Top officials from the ministries of health, transportation, and information presented the administration’s accomplishments thus far at the briefing, noting that the nation has been reoriented to meet Nigerians’ needs in those areas.

Speaking about the health sector’s accomplishments, Nasiru Mohammed emphasized the Presidential Initiative for unlocking the sector, which had led to local manufacturers producing drugs at lower costs. He also mentioned that more multinational manufacturers were on their way to invest in the sector as a result of the Executive Order signed by Mr. President.

Rabiu Musa, an Information Ministry official, cited the establishment of the National Education Loans Fund, or NELFUND, which has made money accessible to Nigerian students so they may easily pursue their academic goals.

and praised the presidential initiative as a first in Nigerian history.

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News

“Naira vs Dollar: Calm at ₦1,360… But Black Market Surge Signals Brewing Storm

As the market opened for trading today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Nigerian Naira remained stable but cautious in relation to the US dollar. Localized variations in liquidity are being seen by financial analysts in both the parallel market segments and the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

Activity in the Official Market (NFEM)

The Naira demonstrated strength in the early trading hours of the official session, trading at about 1,360.19 NGN per USD. As the FMDQ Securities Exchange tracks continuing transactions by institutional buyers and sellers, there has been a trend of small modifications.

Since the market started, the rate has fluctuated somewhat, going from its starting price of 1,359.23 NGN to its present level as supply and demand forces work to reach a daily balance.

The Central Bank of Nigeria continues to monitor the official window closely, ensuring that the transparency of the “willing buyer, willing seller” model supports price discovery while mitigating drastic shocks to the local currency.

Concurrent Market Trends

Due to the immediate retail demand for the US dollar, the unofficial parallel market is still operating at a premium. Currency dealers are putting the dollar between 1,480 and 1,495 NGN in key cities including Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt.

Economic watchers continue to focus on the difference between the NFEM and the parallel market since it frequently reveals the degree of unmet demand in the official sectors. The main forces behind the current activity in the informal sector this morning, according to traders in the parallel market, are individual travelers and small-scale imports.

Factors Influencing the Current Rate

A number of important macroeconomic issues are influencing the performance of the market today. Global oil prices continue to be a major factor, supplying the foreign cash reserves required to sustain the Naira. Seasonal demand for overseas payments and the clearing of corporate foreign exchange backlogs also influence internal market liquidity.

Unless there is a major intervention or a change in the mindset of the global market, participants anticipate that the market will stay within the present range as the day goes on. In order to determine the Naira’s final performance for the midweek trading period, stakeholders are urged to monitor the closing rates later today.

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Sport News

‘One More Year’ – Casemiro Sparks Emotional Scenes as Manchester United Fans Beg Him to Stay

On Monday night, Manchester United supporters pleaded for Casemiro to stay with the team this summer.

They have asked the midfield player to play for another season.

According to the DAILY POST, Man United supporters sang “One more year, one more year, Casemiro” as the midfielder celebrated a goal and gestured to the team’s emblem during their 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford at Old Trafford.

The sentimental image has gained popularity on social media, showcasing the fans’ desire to see the veteran midfielder extend his stay beyond the expiration of his contract in June 2026.

“One more year, Casemiro,” his teammate Matheus Cunha posted on Instagram following the match.

Earlier this season, 34-year-old Casemiro declared he will quit United for a new challenge at the end of the current campaign.

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News

Nigeria’s gambling market is estimated at ₦5.6 trillion

Nigeria’s gambling market is booming, reaching an estimated ₦5.6 trillion. The main growth driver has been the online segment, fuelled by the widespread adoption of smartphones, digital payment services, and mobile apps. A special role is played by young audiences, for whom betting and online casinos have become both a form of entertainment and a way to try to earn money amid a challenging economic situation.

How Nigeria’s market compares with global leaders

The scale of Nigerian gambling is increasingly being ranked alongside the world’s largest markets. Analysts compare Nigeria with the U.S., the UK, South Africa, and Canada across several parameters: market size and dynamics, popular betting formats, technological growth factors, and regulatory maturity.

Such a comparison makes it possible to see not only the impressive potential of Nigeria’s market, but also its vulnerabilities, primarily in regulation and the transparency of financial flows.

Comparison of Nigeria with other African countries in the gambling sector

Nigeria rightly ranks first in Africa by the scale of its gambling market, followed by South Africa in second place and Kenya in third. At the same time, many note Rwanda’s potential, which for now still lags far behind the leaders across all metrics. However, regulatory changes have led to the online casino segment and betting in Rwanda receiving a boost. The country is now seen as a small, tightly regulated market, which also has its advantages.

Kenya is considered the leader in mobile betting in Africa, while South Africa is the most developed and regulated market. Nigeria has for some time maintained its lead in mass participation, which is what drives high profitability figures.

What is driving Nigeria’s market into the trillions

The ₦5.6 trillion market estimate primarily reflects the dominance of the online format. Mobile access has become the key channel: a significant share of bets is placed via smartphones rather than in brick-and-mortar betting shops.

Young Nigerians, who make up the core audience, are actively adopting betting apps and digital payments. It is this demographic group that drives the main demand, and the broad penetration of mobile internet only accelerates the process.

The U.S. market: casino records and an iGaming surge

Data from the American Gaming Association for January 2026 paint an impressive picture:

  • Total GGR (gross gaming revenue) amounted to $6.74 billion, up 3.4% from a year earlier
  • Traditional casinos generated $4.03 billion (+0.9%), setting an all-time record
  • The iGaming segment reached $1 billion, showing explosive growth of +21%
  • Sports betting showed a slight decline of 0.1%, to $1.61 billion

Accessibility and a variety of formats are pushing American players, especially younger ones, online. Slots, poker, and sports betting form the core of preferences. The outlook is positive: the expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the online segment is estimated at 9.8% for 2025–2030, and online casinos may grow even faster, up to 10.5% per year.

The UK: maturity and a culture of cautious betting

The British market is the complete opposite of Nigeria’s “breakneck” one. Strict regulation and high competition among operators make growth more moderate, noticeably lagging behind U.S. and Nigerian rates. At the same time, sports betting remains the undisputed leader, as in Nigeria.

British players’ preferences form a characteristic set: slots, blackjack, roulette, live-dealer games, poker, and bingo; interest in esports betting is growing. Notably, players tend to prefer low stakes and minimal risk, favouring extended play sessions with frequent small wins. Nigerian players show similar patterns, although classic, animal-themed, and Asian-themed slots are especially in demand among them.

South Africa: an unexpected heavyweight

South Africa’s online market is growing at a pace that surprises even seasoned analysts:

  • The revenue forecast for 2030 is 2,663.1 million
  • The CAGR for 2025–2030 is estimated at 10.8%, which exceeds the U.S. figure
  • Total market turnover in recent financial years exceeded ZAR 1 trillion

Sports betting is the largest and fastest-growing segment. Slots hold the position of the most popular gaming vertical, and players are increasingly interested in more immersive formats: live-dealer games and esports. Mobile betting and smartphone penetration remain the main technological drivers of growth.

Structured growth under provincial oversight—echoing the Kenyan model

Canada’s market stands out for its maturity and orderliness. Provincial oversight sets the rules in each region, and certain territories, such as Ontario, have opened licensing to private operators, which has stimulated competition and innovation.

Unlike Nigeria, where growth has been largely organic and unstructured, Canada’s momentum is built on consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. Canadian users show a balanced interest in sports betting and online casinos, including slots, table games, and live dealer. A characteristic feature of the audience is close attention to bonus terms and return to player (RTP) metrics, which indicates a high level of awareness.

Economics vs. entertainment

Player motivation differs noticeably by country. In Nigeria and South Africa, economic reasons come to the fore: betting is seen as a potential source of income. In the U.S. and the UK, the entertainment component dominates.

This difference in motivation directly shapes product choice. Where betting is viewed as “earning,” sports betting, low amounts, and formats with frequent wins that let players extend their sessions and feel a streak of victories are more popular.

Three-quarters of sports bets in Nigeria are on football

One figure says more about Nigeria’s market than any analytical reports: almost 75% of all sports bets are on football. A cultural obsession with the sport, combined with the accessibility of mobile betting, creates a funnel effect, channeling a colossal flow of money into a single segment.

Where Nigeria still has gaps

The UK and the U.S. show what an effective regulatory environment can look like. The UK Gambling Commission regularly publishes market statistics, applies uniform standards to all operators, and oversees their enforcement. The U.S. state-by-state, multi-layered system covers licensing, taxation, and reporting at the level of each state, ensuring a transparent path for revenues into the budget.

In Nigeria, the picture is different: oversight is uneven across regions, enforcement has significant gaps, and the flow of money from players into the public treasury remains opaque.

What Nigeria can learn from mature markets

Other countries’ experience suggests several specific directions:

  • Strengthening and coordinating regulation at the federal level
  • Introducing transparent reporting and systematic revenue collection
  • Expanding consumer protection mechanisms
  • Bringing order to the online-operator market with clear licensing requirements

In the UK, regular monitoring and public reporting make it possible to track the industry’s health in real time. The U.S. state model ensures formal revenue capture, making every dollar of gambling turnover visible to tax authorities. Given the scale of participation that Nigeria’s market demonstrates, the absence of such mechanisms means the loss of significant budget revenues and increased risks for players.

Nigeria’s gambling market is expanding rapidly thanks to mobile online gambling and a large youth audience, but the key risk remains uncoordinated regulation and non-transparent revenue collection. The next critical step for the country will be to tighten and harmonise rules, reporting, and player-protection mechanisms.

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Sport News

Ex-Super Eagles Striker Michael Eneramo Dies After Collapsing During Match

Michael Eneramo, a former striker for the Super Eagles, has passed away.

Eneramo allegedly slumped and passed away during a football game in Kaduna State, according to a story published on Friday by SCORENigeria.

At the time of the event, the 40-year-old was reportedly playing at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in Kaduna’s Television neighborhood.

The former international collapsed without making contact after entering the game as a replacement in the second half.

“He slumped and died right on the spot,” a source told the site. Attempts to bring him back to life failed.

“The hospital declared him dead.”

Eneramo had previously played for a number of teams, including the Turkish Besiktas, the Tunisian Esperance, and the Nigerian Lobi Stars. He had retired from professional football.

He was reportedly in charge of a football academy before to his passing.

On Friday, the official Super Eagles X account posted a photo of the former striker along with the message, “Rest in peace, Michael.”

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