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Cross River: Fire Consumes N10bn Property in Six Months

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The Cross River Command of the Federal Fire Service on Friday said that property worth N10.38 billion were destroyed by fire in Cross River within six months.

The State Controller of the Fire Service, Mrs Olomola Olumayowa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, that the destruction was recorded in 13 incidents between January and June.

Olumayowa said the command responded swiftly to the fire incidents, adding that three persons died and two others sustained injury within the period.

The controller, however, stressed that the command’s committed in fighting fire outbreaks was being hampered by lack of fire equipment.

According to her, provision of mini firefighting equipment (water tenders) to navigate difficult terrain will greatly help the service because not all routes were accessible by fire appliances.

“We want provision of more fire stations in Calabar and its environs; as it stands now, we only have one fire engine in the state. These stations can be equipped with mini firefighting equipment.

“We are also in need of a tanker to move along side with the fire engine to reduce the number of times we go for refilling after exhausting our water on fire grounds,’’ she said.

Olumayowa appealed for more collaboration with security agencies in the state.

“Security agencies should continue to come to our rescue; our men were almost mobbed at the last fire scene at Bogobiri,” she stated.(NAN)

Metro

OPay Strengthens Commitment to Financial Inclusion, Customer-First Service, Launches New Office in Jos

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OPay has officially launched its new office in Jos, Plateau State, marking another milestone in its mission to bring fast, secure, and reliable financial services closer to Nigerians. The office launch event, held on March 25, 2026, brought together community and business leaders, local merchants, and members of OPay’s senior leadership team.

The new Jos office reflects OPay’s continued commitment to putting customers first and advancing financial inclusion across Nigeria.

By establishing a physical presence in Plateau State, OPay aims to serve individuals and businesses better, strengthen support for its agent and merchant network, enhance customer service delivery, and support business development.

The event highlighted OPay’s focus on building strong relationships within the communities it serves. Local merchants and partners engaged directly with the OPay team, sharing insights and experiences that will help shape better products and services tailored to their needs.

Speaking at the event, OPay’s Chief Operations and Technology Officer, Dotun Adekunle, commented:

“Our customers are at the center of everything we do. Opening this office in Jos allows us to stay closer to the people we serve, better understand their needs, and continue to provide fast, secure, and reliable financial services that improve everyday life. This new office is not just a building; it is a commitment to the people of Jos and Plateau State. It will help us support more businesses, improve service delivery, and drive financial inclusion by making digital payments more accessible to everyone, including underserved communities.”

The Jos office is expected to create a positive economic impact in the region by supporting local businesses, enabling easier access to financial tools, and creating job opportunities. It also strengthens OPay’s nationwide network, enabling more Nigerians to enjoy fast, secure, and reliable financial services.

As OPay continues to expand across Nigeria, the company remains focused on putting customers first, building trust, and making financial services accessible to all.

For more information about OPay’s services, initiatives, and community impact, please visit www.opayweb.com or connect with OPay on LinkedIn, @OPay_NG on X, and @opay.ng on Instagram.

About OPay

OPay was established in 2018 as a leading financial institution in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, card service, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customers; funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

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Agriculture

Kwara Partners Agri Firm to Tackle Post-harvest Losses

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The Kwara Government has partnered Olam Agri to curb post-harvest losses and boost farmers’ profitability across the state.

The development is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin by Ashaolu Omotola, Press Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.

The agreement was signed by Agriculture Commissioner, Dr Afees Alabi, and Olam Agri’s Vice President for Procurement, Noel Ferrao.

Alabi described post-harvest losses as a major constraint on farmers’ incomes and overall agricultural efficiency in the state.

He stressed the need for improved storage systems, describing them as practical tools to preserve produce and reduce avoidable waste.

The commissioner said activating storage facilities would improve preservation, support aggregation, and help farmers secure better market opportunities through flexible selling timelines.

Alabi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural support across the 16 local government areas, noting the initiative would directly benefit thousands of farmers.

“The engagement reflects the government’s focus on strengthening infrastructure, deepening private sector collaboration, and improving efficiency for long-term food security and rural development,” he said.

Ferrao said Olam Agri aimed to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Kwara government, development agencies, and financial institutions.

He noted the partnership would deliver sustainable maize and soyabean outgrower programmes, providing inputs, training on best practices, and timely market access.

According to him, Olam Agri already operates a similar soyabean partnership and plans to expand with another programme this farming season.

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Metro

Tinubu Turns 74,  Unveils Armed Forces Fund, Donates Salaries

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By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his 74th birthday with a mix of policy action, reflection, and quiet observance, announcing a new special fund for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces while drawing tributes and prayers from across the political and religious spectrum.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the President revealed that he had directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account to support wounded military personnel and families of fallen soldiers.

As a personal gesture, Tinubu pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative.

Describing the move as a duty rather than charity, Tinubu said the fund was aimed at recognising the sacrifices of servicemen and women who risk their lives for national security.

He called on governors, lawmakers, private sector players, and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the fund once operational details are finalised.

The President chose to mark his birthday in a subdued manner, citing the prevailing national challenges and economic pressures facing citizens. In his message, he acknowledged the hardships Nigerians have endured under ongoing reforms but expressed optimism that the country is on a path to recovery, noting what he described as “a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.”

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu added a personal touch to the occasion, declaring, “I love you and I am so proud of you,” in a heartfelt tribute that underscored the significance of the day despite its low-key tone.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also praised the administration’s reform agenda, stating that the Renewed Hope programme is laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and national development. He reaffirmed confidence in the administration’s direction and commended Tinubu’s leadership.

The day’s events included a solemn prayer session at the National Mosque Abuja, where top government officials, religious leaders, and political stakeholders gathered to offer prayers for the President and the nation. Among those present were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and over ten state governors, including Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Islamic scholars at the event emphasised the need for unity, justice, and accountable leadership, urging those in authority to remain committed to national development and the welfare of citizens. Prayers focused on wisdom and resilience for the President as he continues to steer the country through economic and political reforms.

The convergence of policy announcement, personal sacrifice, and national prayers reflected a birthday marked less by celebration and more by a call to service, unity, and shared responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Similarly, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 74th birthday, reaffirming support for his administration and ongoing reform agenda.

Chairman of the forum and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, in a Sunday statement, described Tinubu’s leadership as “courageous, purposeful and nationally impactful”.

The statement released in Gombe by Yahaya’s media aide Ismaila Uba-Misilli praised reforms aimed at repositioning the economy and strengthening key national institutions.

Yahaya said Tinubu had shown “uncommon resolve” in implementing far-reaching policies to address economic challenges and improve governance structures.

He acknowledged reforms required sacrifices from citizens, but said they were necessary steps toward long-term stability, prosperity and improved living standards.

Yahaya noted the Renewed Hope Agenda had continued to inspire confidence nationwide, providing a pathway for inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic development.

He added northern governors remained committed to supporting the president’s vision, ensuring effective implementation of policies delivering tangible benefits across states.

Yahaya reiterated the forum’s unwavering support for Tinubu’s transformative agenda and appreciated his inclusive governance and backing for subnational governments.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on state governors to clear all pension arrears owed to pensioners in the states.

The union said its call became necessary as many pensioners at the subnational level were yet to benefit from ongoing reforms, even as federal interventions continue to bring relief to retirees.

National President of the union, Elder Godwin Abumisi, made the appeal while congratulating the President on his 74th birthday.

“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) heartily congratulates His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the auspicious occasion of his 74th birthday. This milestone is not only a celebration of age but of purposeful leadership, courage, and steadfast commitment to repositioning Nigeria at a critical time in its history,” the statement read.

The union noted that while pensioners across the country were celebrating the President in recognition of policies that have improved the welfare and dignity of retirees, the same could not be said in states.

Highlighting key achievements at the federal level, the NUP pointed to the approval of a ₦32,000 monthly pension increase for pensioners, describing it as a major relief amid prevailing economic challenges.

It said the increase was “a bold and compassionate decision that has brought much-needed relief to retirees grappling with rising living costs,” adding that it has rekindled hope among pensioners nationwide.

The union also commended the Federal Government’s approval of about ₦700 billion to clear outstanding liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and ₦57 billion for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), noting that the intervention is addressing long-standing arrears.

“This landmark intervention is addressing the backlog of accrued rights owed to CPS retirees, many of whom had endured years of uncertainty and hardship after meritorious service to the nation,” it stated.

The NUP further acknowledged efforts to settle arrears owed to pensioners, particularly those in government parastatals under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the move has helped restore confidence in government’s commitment to its obligations.

It also praised the sustained prompt payment of monthly pensions and the Federal Government’s responsiveness in addressing delays.

“We further commend the sustained prompt payment of monthly pensions, as well as your timely intervention in resolving delays, which demonstrated responsive and people-centered leadership.”

While commending these efforts, the NUP stressed that many state pensioners were yet to benefit from similar reforms, hence the need for presidential intervention.

“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to use your good offices to prevail on State Governors to fully implement all approved pension increases for state pensioners, so that retirees at the subnational level can equally benefit from these reforms,” the statement said.

The union also reiterated the importance of fast-tracking the proposed health insurance scheme for pensioners.

“We also reiterate that the proposed Health Insurance Scheme for Pensioners remains a critical expectation. We are hopeful that its approval and the release of funds for implementation will be expedited in no distant time,” it added.

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