News
JUST IN: Yuletide: Governor Ododo Distributes Over 100 Trucks of Rice to Residents
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has distributed over 100 truck loads of rice to residents of the state as part of efforts to ensure a joyous Christmas and New Year celebration for families.
The gesture, aimed at alleviating the burden of rising costs during the festive period, was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday in Lokoja.
Fanwo noted that the initiative underscores the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people.
“I can confirm that the People’s Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has taken delivery of over 100 truckloads of rice, which are being distributed to the 21 Local Government Areas.
This is to ensure that families across the state enjoy their holidays,” he said. Fanwo added that the Governor, in addition to this gesture, ensured the timely payment of salaries to civil servants on December 14, 2024, while also making provisions for residents not directly on the government payroll.
“The Governor has once again demonstrated his unbending commitment to the welfare of the people, in line with his oath to defend and promote the interests of Kogi citizens.
His actions continue to reflect his determination to prioritize the needs of the masses,” Fanwo stated.
To ensure equitable distribution, the Governor directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to oversee the process and prevent political interference.
“The Governor has mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure that the materials reach those who need them most.
Measures have been put in place to prevent the distribution from being hijacked by politicians or other interest groups.
This administration is committed to fairness and transparency in every initiative,” Fanwo said. Reports from various Local Government Areas indicate that the distribution has sparked jubilation among residents, with many praising the Governor’s leadership and compassion.
A resident of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Mr. Andrew Abah, lauded the Governor’s efforts, describing him as a leader with an unwavering commitment to his people.
“This Governor has shown remarkable capacity and genuine love for his people. He is detribalized and inclusive, ensuring that the welfare of civil servants and ordinary citizens is prioritized.
He is making it difficult for anyone to dislike him,” Abah said. The distribution of rice is part of a broader strategy by Governor Ododo’s administration to cushion the effects of economic hardship on Kogi residents, particularly during the festive season.
This initiative has further solidified his reputation as a leader who is deeply attuned to the needs of his people.
News
LAAF Honors Sanwo-Olu, 41 Others for Advancing Men’s Mental Health
The Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) has honored Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and 41 other distinguished individuals for their significant contributions to men’s mental health advocacy, policy reform, and support for male survivors of abuse and trauma.

The awards were announced as part of LAAF’s Father’s Week appreciation initiative. The recognition celebrates 42 “fathers, leaders, and global allies” who have used their platforms to champion emotional well-being, healthy masculinity, family values, and social transformation.
LAAF, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free psychosocial support, counseling, and advocacy for boys and men affected by abuse and trauma, emphasized the honorees’ role in breaking the silence around male victimization.
“These men have shown up for our work in ways that go far beyond a title,” said Halima Layeni, Executive Director and Founder of LAAF. “Their belief in this mission, and their willingness to stand publicly for boys and men who have suffered in silence, is the reason we have been able to grow our reach and impact. We honor them not just as supporters, but as fathers in every sense of the word.”

Prominent Honorees
The list of honorees spans governance, mental health, media, law, faith, and international advocacy:
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State leads the Nigerian honorees.
- Other state figures include Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development) and Hon. Abiodun Orekoya (Lagos State House of Assembly).
- Faith and community leaders: Late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya (Founding Senior Pastor, The Fountain of Life Church) and Oba Sulaiman Owolabi (Olu of Iwaya).
- Health and media professionals: Dr. Chinonso Fidelis (Aproko Doctor), Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Prof. Fatai Adesina Badru, Joshua Morakinyo, Ohi Odiah, and Mayowa Adeniran.
- International allies: Mark Brooks OBE (UK Senior Policy Adviser on Men’s Health), Larry DeMarco (International Council for Men and Boys), Tony Nikolic (Australian civil rights solicitor), Sivam Valeutham (Malaysia), and Will Baptiste (USA).
Additional honorees include grassroots advocates, psychologists, family strategists, business leaders, and policy influencers such as Solomon Dalung, Taiwo Akinlami, Jide Ogunleye, and many others.
LAAF stressed that sustainable progress in abuse prevention and mental health requires collective action. The foundation noted that by stepping forward, these honorees demonstrate the importance of male participation in creating safer homes, resilient families, and healthier communities. They also reinforced the message that seeking help is a sign of strength.
The initiative aligns with LAAF’s broader mission to advance health equity, challenge stigma, and create safe spaces for men and boys to heal and thrive.
News
Tinubu Extends Tenure of Customs Boss Adeniyi by Six Months
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The extension, announced on Friday, comes as Adeniyi’s current tenure was set to expire. It allows the Customs chief to continue leading ongoing reforms, complete key modernization projects such as the National Single Window platform, and ensure a smooth transition for senior officers through promotions and retirements.
Adeniyi, who has helmed the NCS since his appointment in 2023, has been credited with significant revenue generation — including over N1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 — and strengthened anti-smuggling operations. The decision reflects the administration’s confidence in his leadership to sustain these gains.
This marks the latest in a series of tenure adjustments for the Customs boss, following a previous one-year extension approved in 2025.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement, emphasizing that the move will further strengthen the NCS in achieving its strategic mandates in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and national security.
News
IGP Disu Appoints CSP Anietie Iniedu As New Force PRO
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, as the new Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, strategic communication, intelligence analysis, and human rights-based policing.
Before his latest appointment, CSP Iniedu served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he coordinated public complaint management and spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
The new Force spokesperson has also served in several strategic positions.
The Inspector-General of Police expressed confidence in CSP Iniedu’s ability to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional competence will strengthen the Force’s strategic communication efforts, deepen public engagement, and support ongoing policing reforms.
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