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Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval Of N1.15trn Domestic Loan

The Atlantic Bell
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Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval Of N1.15trn Domestic Loan

President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of Senate for a fresh N1.15 trillion loan from the domestic debt market to finance deficit in the 2025 budget.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary on Tuesday.

The request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate during plenary on Tuesday.

According to the letter, the proposed borrowing aims to bridge the funding gap and ensure the full implementation of government programmes and projects under the 2025 fiscal plan.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, instructing it to report back within one week for further legislative action.

According to the letter, the proposed borrowing is aimed at bridging the funding gap and ensuring the full implementation of government programs and projects under the 2025 fiscal plan.

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt for further legislative input.

The committee is expected to report back to plenary in one week.

How Chess Builds Children’s Minds For Academic Success —Expert

The Atlantic Bell
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How Chess Builds Children’s Minds For Academic Success —Expert

The Chief Executive Officer of Gracol Academy International Sportif, Mr Collins Chinedu-Rockson, has said that chess can serve as a powerful tool for developing children’s minds and promoting academic excellence.

Chinedu-Rockson, who is also a FIDE-licensed (International Chess Federation) Arbiter, said this in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos State.

He explained that his passion for youth development inspired him to organise inter-school chess competitions for over a decade as part of efforts to nurture young analytical and creative thinkers across Nigeria.

According to him, harnessing the intellectual potential of children through chess contributes positively to nation-building, as it enhances logical reasoning, concentration, and decision-making skills essential for academic and personal success.

“Playing chess improves children’s cognitive abilities, analytical reasoning, and intelligence quotient, enabling stronger mental performance and better academic productivity,” Chinedu-Rockson said, emphasising the game’s developmental value beyond recreation.

He announced that the 16th Edition of the Chess and Life International Schools Competition would hold on Nov. 8 at Bowine International Schools, Lekki, Lagos, with more schools expected to participate.

Chinedu-Rockson revealed that 22 schools and more than 200 students would compete in the fast-growing event, reflecting the increasing inclusion of chess in school curricula as an elective subject nationwide.

He stressed that more efforts were needed to promote chess as a national sport and fully harness its mental and educational benefits for young people and the wider Nigerian society.

“Private and government sponsorship is crucial to improve the visibility and development of chess in Nigeria,” Chinedu-Rockson added, calling for broader collaboration to advance the sport’s growth.

Court Threatens To Forclose Kanu If He Fails To Enter Defence

The Atlantic Bell
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Court Threatens To Forclose Kanu If He Fails To Enter Defence

The Federal High Court in Abuja again begged Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to enter his defence in the ongoing alleged terrorism offences.

Justice James Omotosho, who told Kanu the implication of his continuous refusal to open his defence on Tuesday, urged him to consult legal experts for appropriate guidance.

The development occurred following the IPOB ‘s insistence that there was no valid charge against him to enter defence.

Kanu restated that there is no law under which he is being trial in the ongoing alleged terrorism offences.

The defendant, who appeared for himself, told Justice Omotosho shortly when the case was called for him to open his defence.

The IPOB leader argued that the law, under which he is being tried, is a repealed law.

He said the Supreme Court’s directive, made through Justice Lawal Garba, had not been given effect in the instant case.

He said there was no part in the ruling of the court on his no-case submission that mentioned the repealed law of the terrorism act.

He said the apex court said that the criminal code, under which he is being tried, does not exist.

“My lord, the very charge upon which the entire ruling was based, does not exist.

“Even as I came to this court today, there is no charge against me,” he said.

The prosecution lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that on Friday, they were served with Kanu’s motion on notice, which the senior lawyer referred to as “a piece of paper.”

“My lord, on Friday, we were served with a piece of paper titled motion on notice and final address of the defendant.

“What I was served is a piece of paper that carries no stamp of this court, no signature of revenue collector, etc,” he said.

He said an unsigned document is a worthless paper that does not have any efficacy in law according to the Supreme Court.

He, however, told the court that the prosecution had answered all the 10 points earlier raised by Kanu, including issues of the repealed law, extra-ordinary rendition, etc, in their final written address.

Awomolo said they were ready to adopt their final written address in order for the court to adjourn for judgment.

However, Justice Omotosho said he was inclined to grant Kanu an adjournment to consult legal experts on his need to enter his defence.

The judge told the IPOB leader that if the Supreme Court did not want him to face trial, the apex court would not have sent his file back to the court for retrial.

He said he was still presumed innocent despite the order to open his defence.

Justice Omotosho, who described Kanu as a layman, said he was inclined to grant him another opportunity in the interest of fair hearing.

The judge, however, threatened to foreclose his defence if he failed to enter a defence.

He said should Kanu fail to open his defence on November 5, he would be deemed to have waived his right to do so.

The judge then adjourned the matter until November 5 for Kanu to open his defence.

The Atlantic Bell reports that Justice Omotosho had, on October 27, adjourned until November 4 for Kanu to either file his final written address or open his defence.

Opobo Marathon Seals Sponsorship Deal With Ailes Group

The Atlantic Bell
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Opobo Marathon Seals Sponsorship Deal With Ailes Group

The organizers of Opobo Marathon have announced a strategic partnership deal with Ailes Group as a key sponsor for the 8th edition of the race, scheduled to hold on January 5, 2026, in the historic coastal town of Opobo, Rivers State.

Ailes Group, a fast-rising conglomerate with interests spanning technology, energy, and integrated solutions, joins other corporate partners supporting Opobo Marathon as it continues to grow into one of Nigeria’s most recognized community-based first coastal road races.

Speaking on the partnership, Founder and Project Lead of Opobo Marathon, Henry Iyowuna Cookey, said the collaboration marks another milestone in the marathon’s journey of expansion, and purpose-driven impact.

“We are delighted to welcome Ailes Group as a valued partner for the 8th Opobo Marathon. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to innovation, wellness, and community development. Together, we’re not just running — we’re going further,” Cookey said.

Now, in its eighth year, the Opobo Marathon has become a prominent fixture on Nigeria’s sporting calendar, promoting tourism, youth engagement, and healthy living through distance running. The 2026 edition, themed ‘Gbamaso- Be Limitless,’ will build on previous successes, featuring a larger pool of athletes, increased community participation, and stronger institutional partnerships.

In a statement made available to The Atlantic Bell, Ailes Group noted that its decision to support the marathon aligns with its vision to back initiatives that foster social development and promote unity through sports.

According to the Chairman/Managing Director of Ailes Group, Chief (Dr.) Micheal Onuoha, “Opobo Marathon represents resilience, collaboration, and progress — values that resonate deeply with Ailes Group. We are proud to be part of this inspiring platform that continues to empower communities and promote excellence.”

Since its inception in 2019, Opobo Marathon has evolved into a rallying point for runners and visitors across Nigeria, showcasing the rich heritage and hospitality of Opobo Kingdom while driving socio-economic activity in the region.

The Atlantic Bell reports that with Ailes Group joining as sponsor, the 2026 edition will set new standards in organization, participation, and overall experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Anambra Guber Polls: INEC, Security Agencies Deploy Over 79,250 Personnel …As Amupitan Oversees Candidates Peace Accord Signing

The Atlantic Bell
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Anambra Guber Polls: INEC, Security Agencies Deploy Over 79,250 Personnel …As Amupitan Oversees Candidates Peace Accord Signing

No fewer than 79,250 personnel would be deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to carry out electoral and security duties on Saturday in Anambra State during the governorship poll.

While INEC would deploy 24,000 personnel to overssee the elections across 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and the State Collation Centre, the police would deploy 45,000 personnel and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps will deploy 10,250 officers, alongside other agencies.

The Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan statèd this while speaking after the signingof the peace accord by governorship candidates participating in the election on Saturday in the state.

The Commission called on all political parties and their candidates in the Saturday Anambra Governorship election to honour the spirit and letter of the Peace Accord they signed.

The signing of the peace accord was convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Amupitan urged the candidates to ensure that the message of non-violence and mutual respect cascades to their supporters at all levels.

He noted that similar engagements had successfully been conducted in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi and Edo states, noting that encouragingly, parties and candidates largely honoured their commitments under the accord, contributing to peaceful outcomes in spite pre-election anxieties.

Amupitan reassured all political parties and candidates that INEC remains fully committed to discharging its duties in line with the law, global best practices, and the very principles enshrined in the peace accord.

“Let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions.

“Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.

“Therefore, as you append your signatures today, please ensure the message cascades to your supporters at all levels. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and labour of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections,” Amupitan said.

He said that by signing the peace accord, the stakeholders were not only affirming their dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all stakeholders, but also sending a strong message to our citizens that democracy thrives when peace prevails.

He noted that each of the stakeholders has a part to play in the electoral process and urged them to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals.

“Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.

“On our part, the commission has taken deliberate steps to address operational challenges and ensure a smooth, credible election across the state.

“We have extensively engaged our officials, transport providers and security agencies to fine-tune deployment arrangements for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and ultimately, the State Collation Centre in Awka,” he said.

Amupitan said that voters should expect a significant improvement on election day logistics, adding that enhanced result management processes will also be evident.

He disclosed that INEC had approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the election and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) extended to Sunday November 2.

He stated that any individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people would be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law.

“The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has instituted robust security measures for this election.

“The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, While the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is deploying 10,250 officers, alongside other Agencies,” he said.

Amupitan said that with the peace accord, the proactive efforts of security agencies and the valuable contributions of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, civil society, the media and other stakeholders, INEC was confident of peaceful and successful election in Anambra.

Anambra Elections: Vote your conscience, Obi of Onitsha Charges Electorate

The Atlantic Bell
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Anambra Elections: Vote your conscience, Obi of Onitsha Charges Electorate

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has urged the electorate to vote their conscience in the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday in the state.

Achebe made this call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Onitsha.

The traditional ruler also urged voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, emphasising the importance of free, fair, and credible election.

“There is a need for the people to vote according to their conscience, shun vote buying, and apathy.

“The future of Anambra depends on the decisions made at the polls.”

“I urge political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the rule of law before, during, and after the election,” he said.

Achebe also urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts in alleviating the suffering of the poor and reducing hunger in the country.

He expressed concern over the rising rate of insecurity across the country and urged the government to take urgent action to curb crime and restore peace.

Achebe called for unity, perseverance, and resilience among Nigerians.

He advised residents of the state to uphold the enduring moral values of Ndigbo for the continued progress and development of the state.

NMA Backs Resident Doctors Over Strike Action … Says Demands Justified

The Atlantic Bell
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NMA Backs Resident Doctors Over Strike Action … Says Demands Justified

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the demands of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The Chairman of NMA in Kwara, Prof. AbdulRahman Afolabi, made the appeal in a statement issued after an emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the association, in Ilorin on Monday.

Resident doctors commenced an indefinite strike on November 1, which has severely disrupted activities in hospitals across the country.

Afolabi affirmed that the association stood firmly with NARD, urging the government to act swiftly to resolve the lingering issues.

“The NMA, Kwara Branch, expresses profound concern over the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike embarked upon by NARD, which has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our colleagues in NARD, whose decision to embark on this industrial action arises from years of unmet commitments, unfulfilled promises, and disregard for the welfare and professional dignity of Nigerian doctors,” he said.

The NMA chairman described NARD’s demands as just, reasonable, and consistent with the association’s long-standing advocacy for a reformed, adequately funded, and sustainable healthcare system in Nigeria.

According to him, the demands reflect both immediate welfare concerns and long-term structural reforms critical to sustaining the nation’s medical workforce.

Afolabi listed NARD’s key demands to include the implementation of the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and prompt payment of all arrears arising from the 25–35 per cent upward adjustment.

He added that other demands included the immediate release and disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors, as well as the settlement of unpaid accoutrement, hazard, and specialist allowances, including arrears of consequential salary adjustments.

“These demands are not excessive; they are rooted in equity, fairness, and the pursuit of a functional health system.

“No nation can achieve effective healthcare delivery without first safeguarding the dignity and well-being of its doctors.

“We call on the Federal Government to honour its commitments, restore industrial harmony, and prioritise the health workforce as the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system,” Afolabi said.

NSCDC Intercepts Truck Load Of Vandalised NNPC Pipelines In Adamawa

The Atlantic Bell
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NSCDC Intercepts Truck Load Of Vandalised NNPC Pipelines In Adamawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Adamawa has intercepted a truck loaded with more than 200 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in the state.

Mr Idris Bande, the State Commandant of the Corps, disclosed this at a press briefing on Monday in Yola.

He said the interception, which took place at Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of the state, followed credible intelligence received from an informant in a village in Taraba.

“The informant reported suspicious movement of a truck conveying pipeline materials from Jalingo, Taraba State, toward Adamawa.

“Based on the information, we obtained pictures of the truck and its contents. I immediately directed our personnel to mount surveillance along the Jalingo–Yola road, particularly around the Mayo-Belwa area,” Bande said.

He explained that the truck was eventually intercepted at the Operation Farauta checkpoint in Mayo-Belwa, where the driver and one other occupant were arrested.

According to him, efforts to reach the purported owners of the consignment failed, as none of them came forward.

Bande said armed personnel were deployed to secure the truck, which was later fixed and towed to the command’s headquarters in Yola for further investigation.

He said preliminary investigations confirmed that the intercepted items were NNPC pipelines vandalised from a border community between Taraba and Adamawa states.

The commandant noted that similar operations had been successfully executed by the command in the past, reaffirming the NSCDC’s commitment to curbing vandalism of critical national infrastructure.

Bande said the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of investigations, while the recovered items would be handed over to the NNPC as directed by the court.

He reiterated the Corps’ resolve to safeguard public assets and warned individuals involved in pipeline vandalism to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

One of the suspects and driver of the truck, claimed he was hired to convey the goods from Taraba to Gombe State.

“I am a truck driver. I was contacted to drive the vehicle to Gombe.

“When I saw the pipelines covered with bags of food produce, I became suspicious, but they assured me that they had all necessary documents and approvals,” he said.

He further alleged that they were escorted by men in Army and Civil Defence uniforms during the loading of the items before departing Taraba State.

Responders Avert Tragedy In Lagos As Gas-laden Tanker Overturns

The Atlantic Bell
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Responders Avert Tragedy In Lagos As Gas-laden Tanker Overturns

A gas-laden tanker overturned on a Lagos road on Monday after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.

The General Manager (GM), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos, said that timely response of traffic officials, however, averted an explosion at the scene.

He said that the incident occurred along the main carriageway at Chisco, before the traffic light inward Victoria Island area of Lagos.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred when the driver of the truck, fully loaded with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn on the busy expressway.

“Given the highly volatile nature of the product, the situation posed an immediate and severe threat to human life and property, necessitating urgent technical intervention, “ he said.

The GM said that LASTMA personnel swiftly cordoned off the affected area upon arriving at the scene, securing both the overturned vehicle and the CNG tanks.

According to him, this was done to prevent any leakage or ignition that could have triggered an explosive conflagration.

Bakare-Oki said that the LASTMA Rescue and Emergency Unit immediately activated a multi-agency emergency protocol, summoning key responders.

“The responders are the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

“Through this rapid inter-agency collaboration, the imminent threat was expertly contained, and normalcy was swiftly restored, “ he said.

Bakare-Oki, who was physically present at the scene, lauded the prompt and disciplined conduct of his officers and partner agencies.

He disclosed that the upturned gas tanker was professionally recovered, using state-of-the-art heavy-duty cranes and recovery equipment mobilised to the site.

“Their immediate action in securing the environment prevented what could have been an unspeakable tragedy.

“We ensured that the recovery process was conducted under the highest safety protocols to eliminate any residual risk,” he said.

He further revealed that additional LASTMA personnel were deployed to the area to manage the resultant traffic congestion.

He added that the team guaranteed the safety of commuters navigating through the Victoria Island corridor.

“While the main carriageway was closed temporarily from Chisco inward Victoria Island, motorists were immediately diverted through the new coastal road and reconnected via Bar Beach.

“This ensured the continuity of vehicular movement till the recovery operation was safely concluded and the road reopened to normal traffic,” he said.

The GM emphasised that the incident underscored the critical importance of adherence to road safety regulations, especially among truck drivers and operators of articulated vehicles transporting flammable and hazardous materials.

He admonished such operators to strictly observe prescribed speed limits, maintain their vehicles in sound mechanical condition, and exercise heightened vigilance, particularly under wet weather conditions.

$32.8m Data Privacy Fine: Meta, NDPC Reach Out-of-court Settlement

The Atlantic Bell
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$32.8m Data Privacy Fine: Meta, NDPC Reach Out-of-court Settlement

Meta Platforms, Inc., on Monday, reconciled its differences with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in the suit it filed to challenge NDPC ‘s $32.8 million fine imposed against it.

The NDPC had, on Feb. 18, imposed both a remedial fee of 32,800,000 million US dollars and eight corrective orders against Meta Inc.

The company was alleged to have violated the fundamental privacy rights of its Nigerian users with respect to behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

Justice James Omotosho, who gave the judgment after the parties adopted the terms of settlement, said the court encouraged alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Earlier when the case was called, Fred Onuobia, SAN, who appeared for Meta, said he was happy to announce that the parties had reached a settlement.

Onuobia said their terms of settlement, dated Oct. 30, was filed Oct. 31.

“We adopt the terms of settlement and urge my lord to enter the terms as judgment in this case,” he said.

Responding, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, who represented NDPC, did not oppose Onuobia’s application.

Justice James Omotosho consequently entered the judgement as agreed by the parties.

“The terms of settlement reached by parties in suit number; FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025, dated 30th day of October, 2025, and filed on 31st day October, 2025, having been agreed by all parties, is here entered as the judgment in this suit,” the judge ruled.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onuobia, on Oct. 3, had informed the court of Meta’s plan to reconcile with NDPC in the suit the American multinational technology company filed seeking to quash the regulatory agency’s sanction.

The lawyer had told the court after Justice Omotosho had prepared to deliver a ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection against the suit filed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Onuobia had begged the court to defer the ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection and the ruling on the motion on notice to amend their suit.

He told the court that the parties had reached an advanced stage on settlement in the case.

He said the parties “are afraid” that the ruling might affect discussions on settlement.

And after Adedipe confirmed Onuobia’s submission, the judge fixed the matter for adoption of terms of settlement.

Meta Platform Inc. had filed the suit following the 32,800,000 million US dollars and eight corrective orders imposed against it by the regulatory body.

Dissatisfied with the action, Meta, in a motion ex-parte, dated and filed on Feb. 26, dragged NDPC to court as sole respondent.

In the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025 and moved by Onuofia on March 4, Justice Omotosho granted one of the two orders sought.

The judge had granted leave to Meta to commence proceedings by way of judicial-review seeking, inter alia, an order of certiorari quashing the compliance and enforcement orders dated February 18 issued by NDPC against the company.

The judge, however, refused to grant Meta’s relief seeking a stay of the proceedings of all matters relating to the “Final Orders” issued by NDPC against it, pending the hearing and determination of the judicial review proceedings.

Instead, the judge made an order of accelerated hearing of the suit.

But NDPC, in a preliminary objection filed by its lawyer and the head, ALPHA & ROHI Law Firm, Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the suit was incompetent and the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain same.

The regulatory agency, in its objection dated April 10 and filed April 11, urged the court to either strike out or dismiss the case.

Adedipe, in two grounds of argument, submitted that the originating summons filed by the company is incompetent for non-compliance with the mandatory provision of Order 34 Rule 6(1) of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Quoting the provision, the lawyer said: “No ground shall be relied upon or any relief sought at the hearing, except the grounds and reliefs sought in the statement.”

He also argued that the suit, as presently constituted, is grossly incompetent and academic, the reliefs sought therein, not being capable of activating the jurisdiction of the court.

“The suit is liable to be struck out/dismissed, in limine,” Adedipe had argued.

The fine against Meta came as one of the measures by the NDPC to protect Nigerians’ data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

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