AGP Executive Report

Politics & Activism: Omoyele Sowore says he’s running to win the 2027 presidency, insisting Nigeria needs “ideas” not recycled power. Human Stories & Memory: Gen. Yakubu Gowon reveals his life savings after the 1975 coup were just ₦41,000, with his family nearly homeless in London. Public Health: Lagos and RTSL wrap a three-day push to curb lead poisoning, strengthen surveillance, and cut exposure to toxic substances. Youth & Women Empowerment: MUSWEN seeks a strategic partnership with the Bank of Industry to fund youth and women in agriculture, ICT, education, and health. Climate Governance: SPP and the Federal Ministry of Environment set up a quality panel for Climate Governance Ranking 3.0, focusing on measurable state implementation. Security & Education: Oyo’s school abduction talks reportedly opened, but details and demands remain tightly guarded. Sports & Culture: Lagos LSSTF equips 1,020 public primary schools with sports kits, while Burna Boy and Shakira land the official 2026 World Cup song. Economy & Industry: Ogun reallocates resources to expand agro-industrial processing under SAPZ, and Nigeria’s solid minerals draw $2.6bn in mining investments.

Sports Funding Push: FCT FA boss Abba Mouktar Muhammed wants a Sports Tax Fund to bankroll grassroots development, arguing football’s national push is still starved of money. Ethics vs. Politics: ADC presidential aspirant Hayatu-Deen challenges Atiku and Amaechi to publicly endorse the party’s Orange Book ethics code, framing it as a fight against corruption and vote-buying. SME Credit Drive: CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso says new initiatives are nudging banks to lend more to SMEs, including tools to ease fraud bottlenecks and recover bad debts. Security Doubts: Nigerians keep questioning whether US-Nigeria military collaboration is changing life on the ground, even as DHQ points to operations against terrorists. Politics Under Pressure: ICPC blocks an ADC delegation from visiting detained ex-Kaduna governor El-Rufai; meanwhile, INEC warns Ekiti voters about thuggery and vote-buying. Education Reform: NCCE says the Dual Mandate Policy lets Colleges of Education award degrees, aiming to cut university admission pressure. Lagos Money Moves: Lagos reports ₦2.6trn revenue in 2025 with stable debt—fueling more talk about digital tax reforms.

Election Court Shock: A Federal High Court in Abuja set aside INEC’s revised timetable for 2027 primaries and candidate replacement, saying the deadline framework clashes with the Electoral Act—opening fresh room for parties and aggrieved aspirants. APC Primaries: APC’s gubernatorial primaries produced winners across states, with Hamzat, Adeola, Gubio, Gwamna, Chinda, Alli, Mbah and others taking tickets as the party pushes ahead with presidential primary procedures. Drug-Use Culture Pushback: NDLEA commissioned its Clean Beat 91.5FM and renewed its fight against “toxic pop culture” that glamorises illicit drug abuse, promising a counter-narrative through media. Digital Hubs Under Pressure: A new report warns Nigeria’s innovation hubs are struggling to survive as power costs and unstable internet squeeze operations. Housing Finance Plan: FG proposes a cooperative bank model to fund housing projects via cooperative ownership and digital transparency. Trade & Security: China pledged deeper police training and cybercrime cooperation with Nigeria, while ports reported disruption after a Maersk feeder collision in Bonny Channel.

NDLEA Anti-Drug Push: Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) launched Clean Beat 91.5FM in Abuja, urging Nigerians to fight “toxic pop culture” that glamorises drug abuse and to swap hype for sobriety stories and prevention. Education Under Pressure: ASUU Ibadan Zone demanded immediate implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU deal, warning non-implementation could spark another varsity crisis. School Security: Peace Corps Nigeria raised alarm over bandits’ repeated school invasions and wants Peace Corps safety officers deployed to help protect pupils and teachers. Politics & Identity: Rotimi Amaechi says he’ll abolish indigeneship and run on citizenship-only unity if elected in 2027. Admissions Leadership: Tinubu appointed Prof. Segun Aina as the next JAMB Registrar, succeeding Oloyede in July 2026. Health & Culture: CAPPA premiered “Sweet Poison,” linking sugary drinks to rising non-communicable diseases and environmental harm. Regional Tension: Ghana delayed evacuating 800 citizens from South Africa after xenophobia backlash and legal clearance hurdles.

Security Alarm: NCAMKI says Nigeria’s security architecture is failing as kidnappings and mass killings worsen, pointing to the Ogbomosho school abduction and the beheading of a teacher while victims remain in captivity. Campus Fallout: UNILAG medical lecturers begin an indefinite strike over CONMESS salary implementation gaps, threatening lectures and clinical training. Health Policy Push: SCIAN calls for a National Rehabilitation Policy after WHO findings exposed deep neglect for spinal cord injury survivors. Women & Money: PalmPay says it has empowered 2,000+ women in Kano and is expanding smarter banking access. Trade Tech: Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria are set to pilot AfCFTA’s digital trade system (ADAPT) to speed cross-border data, payments and identity. Markets: NGX rebounds as banking and cement stocks lift sentiment. Drugs Crackdown: NDLEA dismantles a major Nigerian-Mexican meth lab in Ogun, seizing drugs worth N480bn and arresting suspects. Culture & Heritage: Iwopin partners with DTML to digitise and promote the Okosi Festival globally. Education Relief: FG starts paying delayed 2025 BEA scholarship allowances to students abroad.

Ekiti Election Crackdown: INEC boss Prof. Joash Amupitan warns security agents: don’t spare anyone caught vote buying or trading as Ekiti’s June 20 governorship election nears. Terror War Update: Nigeria and the US say a joint operation in the northeast killed at least 175 IS militants, including senior commanders, with no troops harmed. Paperless Push: Tinubu orders all MDAs to fully digitise workflows and end manual inefficiency, citing 38 ministries already paperless. Education Money Finally Moving: FG begins paying 2025 BEA scholarship allowances abroad, starting with 50% via embassies. Oyo School Attack Fallout: Celebrities including Toyin Abraham and Ruth Kadiri react to the Oriire/Ogbomoso kidnapping reports and the killing of teacher Michael Oyedokun, demanding stronger protection for schools. Drug Bust: NDLEA dismantles a Nigerian–Mexican meth lab in Ogun, seizing drugs and chemicals worth N480bn and arresting three Mexicans. Migration Shock: Sierra Leone receives deportees expelled from the US under Trump’s crackdown, including Nigerians.

Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US say joint airstrikes in the North-East have killed 175 ISIS fighters, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, with DHQ adding that checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and financial networks were hit. Security on the Ground: As Oyo school abductions trigger fresh panic, police say they’ve intensified rescue efforts and made contact with abductors, while DHQ also denies claims of permanent terrorist bases in the South-West. Politics & Youth: Gowon warns against “do-or-die” politicking and intra-party unfairness as 2027 primaries gather pace, while Nigeria’s “Not Too Young to Run” promise is being questioned for turning into a financial barrier. Economy & Governance: Nigeria’s tax reforms are already biting—Q1 tax collections missed targets by N2.24tn—while calls grow for accountability as key economic data and budget reports stay opaque. Culture & Community: Globacom marks 21 years sponsoring Ojude Oba, and Iwopin’s Okosi Festival gets a digital push to boost global tourism.

Public Service Push: Africa’s public administration leaders met in Windhoek to map how to build a more responsive, accountable state—aiming to tackle unemployment, insecurity, climate shocks and the digital gap. Security & Schools Under Siege: Fresh outrage follows the latest Oyo school abduction and killings, with Tinubu again promising rescue and arrests—while opposition voices say the pattern is “promises, not protection.” Election Tech Trouble: FIJ reports some 2023 IReV election results links are missing or redirect to unrelated sites, raising fresh questions about access and transparency. Health Awareness: Abuja civil servants praised a free hypertension and blood sugar screening drive, marking World Hypertension Day. Youth & Skills: JA Africa and ExxonMobil launch STEM Africa 2.0 with AI learning for 14–17-year-olds. Media & Money: Nigeria’s tax watchdog flags VAT and withholding remittance leakages by some states; meanwhile, the advertising industry backs a 45-day media debt directive. Culture & Identity: A new debate flares over “money spraying” at Igbo events, with critics calling it disrespectful and damaging.

School Kidnappings Shock: Bandits struck Oyo again, with reports of 46 people—mostly children—abducted from three schools, after a teacher was later beheaded in a viral video; Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde says the state is ready to listen to kidnappers’ demands but insists victims must be released. Security & Terror Updates: In the wider fight against jihadists, US and Nigerian forces carried out fresh airstrikes in Borno, while the killing of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki remains a major talking point. Debt & Borrowing Row: Opposition figures and church leaders are intensifying pressure on the FG to make foreign-loan spending verifiable, as Peter Obi warns debt servicing is becoming a long-term burden. Universities Under Fire: ASUU threatens fresh action, saying the 2025 FG/ASUU agreement is not fully implemented. Sports Momentum: Nigeria’s weightlifting team ends the African Senior Championships with a record 29 medals, and the Flying Eagles get a new U-20 coach, Abdul Maikaba. Digital Switch Over: Nigeria’s DSO is back on track, with a nationwide launch slated for 17 June 2026.

School Abductions, Security Push: President Tinubu vowed to rescue victims after terrorists killed an abducted teacher in Oyo, while calling on the National Assembly to let states set up their own police—amid reports of 46 children kidnapped in school raids across Oyo. Counterterrorism: Nigeria and the US carried out fresh airstrikes in Borno, killing at least 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters, as kidnappings and attacks keep widening the security crisis. Anti-Drug Drive: NDLEA warned of a mutating drug threat and unveiled a 2026–2030 master plan, with EU/UN/ECOWAS backing stronger cooperation. UK Court Watch: In London, the jury began deliberations in Diezani Alison-Madueke’s bribery trial after months of “luxury lifestyle” allegations. Diplomacy & Trade: Nigeria’s envoy-designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, pushed deeper ties in agriculture, tech transfer, and industry. Education Policy Tensions: NUT in Taraba rejected waiving JAMB for colleges of education, while FG links education spending to new data-driven allocation. Premium Payments: FirstBank and Visa launched Visa Signature and a Naira Visa debit card to boost cashless spending.

School Insecurity Hits Again: Fresh militant attacks have left 80+ children missing after kidnappings in Borno and Oyo, with families and officials still waiting on rescue as outrage grows and lawmakers demand action. Education Policy Under Pressure: Pro-chancellors are pushing AI and digital governance committees in universities, while Nigeria’s education reforms lean on better data systems to tackle out-of-school crises. Faith & Rights Clash: A hijab dispute in faith-based schooling spotlights a legal gap on religious freedom in schools. Money, Cards, and Cashless Push: FirstBank and Visa unveiled multi-currency premium cards and a Naira Visa debit card to speed up digital payments. Security-Plus Diplomacy: The US and Nigeria say they killed an ISIS leader, but rights groups warn it won’t end abductions without sustained strategy. Flood Preparedness: HEDA and NIHSA kick off a nationwide 2026 flood sensitisation drive. Politics & Inclusion: NDC cuts nomination fees for women, youths and PWDs as civil society flags women’s exclusion in primaries.

School Kidnappings Escalate: Fresh captivity footage from Oyo shows abductors holding teachers and pupils inside a forest, as families beg the federal government, Oyo State and CAN for rescue and safe release. Borno Attack: In the northeast, armed men stormed schools in Askira-Uba, kidnapping dozens of children after opening fire, with numbers still unclear. Terror War Update: Defence HQ says the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki involved no foreign boots on the ground—US support was intelligence and surveillance—while Gen. Usman calls it a major counter-terrorism turning point. Politics & Power: APC primaries dealt shocks, with several incumbents losing return tickets, including a high-profile House Majority Leader defeat. Boy Child Warning: Peter Obi links neglect of boys to insecurity, hunger and collapsing education/health access. Rights & Speech: Omoyele Sowore blasts Nigeria’s police/courts after a social media user was jailed over a false celebrity post, arguing free speech is applied unevenly. Culture & Soft Power: Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria expands ties via the K-Heritage Festival in Abuja. Sports: Tobi Amusan takes third in the Diamond League opener; Nigeria also racks up medals in weightlifting.

Regional Security Push: President Tinubu told the Africa CEO Summit in Kigali that Nigeria can’t tackle insecurity alone and is leaning on “pragmatic collaboration” with neighbours, even as the country battles terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. ISIS Strike, Then the Fallout: The US and Nigeria jointly killed ISIS’s alleged global “second-in-command,” Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, with Trump and Tinubu praising the operation—while DHQ and the Presidency spar over earlier claims that the same man was declared dead in 2024, raising fresh questions about names and messaging. Kidnapping Crisis: Amnesty warns abductions of schoolchildren are spreading again, including dozens taken in Borno and Oyo. Policy Moves: Nigeria plans to unveil a cotton-textile-garment framework by July, and the CBN eases its 2024 cashless PTA/BTA rule with a 25% cash-dollar option from June 1. Governance Trust: A new debate flares over Nigeria’s debt numbers, with critics saying naira devaluation and hidden liabilities distort the headline. Culture & Society: Big Brother Naija registration opens, while Nollywood wealth myths get challenged and youth mentorship efforts target drug abuse and indiscipline.

Counterterror Update: Nigeria and the US say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint strike around the Lake Chad Basin, with Trump calling it a “meticulously planned” mission and Tinubu confirming al-Minuki died “along with several lieutenants.” School Security Crisis: Fresh outrage follows reports of school kidnappings in Borno and Oyo, with Peter Obi warning children are being used in a “ransom economy,” while authorities also investigate a suspected gas exposure incident at schools in Ogun. Financial Scams: Another Ponzi scheme, “XM Future Music Group,” has reportedly shut down in Lagos, leaving investors stranded as the SEC renews warnings about unverified social-media investments. Local Governance & Faith: Cross River Governor Otu resumes tertiary bursaries and adds medical grants; meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria calls a three-day nationwide fast over insecurity and the 2027 election climate. Culture & Sports: Super Falcons set June friendlies vs Senegal; Team Nigeria keeps winning at athletics in Accra.

U-20 Women’s World Cup Draw: Falconets now know their fate: Nigeria face Spain, China and New Caledonia in Group F after the official draw in Łódź, Poland—setting up a tough run when the tournament kicks off September 5. Super Falcons Spotlight: Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is nominated for England’s “save of the season,” after a standout stop against Liverpool. Sports Momentum: Nigeria’s women’s 4x100 relay quartet broke the African Championships record to defend gold in Accra, while the men’s team took silver. Justice & Governance: Lagos State governor Sanwo-Olu urged the church to stay firm on justice and fairness at the Synod, while UI’s VC, Femi Adesina and others pushed ethical journalism. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: EFCC arraigned Blessing CEO over alleged ₦36m fraud. Public Health Alerts: NAFDAC warned of counterfeit Augmentin 625mg tablets in circulation. Diplomacy & Mobility: Nigeria begins 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, and Tinubu reassured Nigerians in Rwanda. Local Tension: Benue council workers shut down local governments over unpaid salaries, starting a two-week strike.

U-20 Women’s World Cup Draw: Nigeria’s Falconets landed in Group F with Spain, China and New Caledonia after FIFA’s draw in Poland, with matches across four host cities from Sept 5–27, 2026. Election Inclusion: NDC says women, youths and PWDs will get discounts on nomination and expression-of-interest forms ahead of 2027, pushing for more representation. Courtroom Crackdown: EFCC arraigned “Blessing CEO” (Okoro Blessing Nkiruka) in Lagos over alleged ₦36m fraud; she pleaded not guilty after claiming part refund. Economy & Governance: Tinubu defended taxation at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, while the World Bank restricted Instagram comments over backlash to a fresh $1.25bn loan; inflation also climbed to 15.69% in April. Security & Health: UNICEF donated infection-prevention supplies to 200+ Borno health facilities; NEMA launched a 2026 disaster preparedness push as flooding risk remains high. Sports & Culture: Ayra Starr tied her childhood struggles to Nigeria’s electricity problems, and PTA part-time teachers in Federal Unity Colleges began coordinated withdrawals over welfare delays.