Ekiti driver borrows N3.5m to campaign for Tinubu, lawmakers

1. Tinubu to launch 2027 campaign in Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu will officially begin his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, according to the APC Presidential Campaign Council's Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari. Yari announced this during a briefing with the President, revealing that Kaduna would be the first stop after Rivers and Borno states.

2. Nigeria postpones solar panel import ban

The Federal Government has decided to delay its plan to impose an immediate ban on solar panel imports. Officials stated that halting supply would only worsen the electricity situation and hinder Nigeria's clean energy transition. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, emphasized that local manufacturers need time to ramp up production before any restrictions can be put in place.

3. Churches cautioned on testimonies

Following the arrest of four church members in Abuja over an alleged plot to abduct a female cleric, Nigerian police have issued a warning to congregations. Authorities advised worshippers to refrain from openly sharing personal accomplishments during testimonies, as such disclosures could have inadvertently facilitated the plot. Deputy Commissioner of Police Adamu Muazu emphasized the need for improved security measures in churches, particularly during evening services.

4. Yoruba language preservation urged

Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has emphasized the importance of preserving Yoruba language and culture. Hamzat made the statement after participating in the cultural game show Masoyinbo, where he faced penalties for code-switching. His comments highlight the significance of safeguarding indigenous languages for future generations.

5. Mini-truck driver finances Tinubu's re-election bid

A mini-truck driver from Ado-Ekiti, Adeleye Adeniyi, has revealed that he borrowed N3.5 million to support the re-election campaigns of Tinubu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Ekiti Assembly member Steve Fatoba. Adeniyi displayed a cheque for N2 million earmarked for Tinubu, alongside N1 million for Bamidele and N500,000 for Fatoba.

6. Army graduates new Special Forces battalion

The Nigerian Army has successfully completed training for a new Special Forces battalion over the past six months. Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu announced the graduation ceremony, stating that the unit will enhance the Army's ability to counter terrorism, respond to challenging terrain, intercept drones, and neutralize improvised explosive devices.

7. Naval tribute to late weapons expert

The Nigerian Navy paid tribute to Commodore Bethel Adogu, a retired weapons expert who passed away at the age of 69. Vice Admiral Idi Abass and other senior naval officers honored Adogu's service as a naval engineer and weapons specialist with full military burial honors in his hometown of Anambra on October 16.