Index to Nigerian Newspapers

During the National Children’s Day celebrations, President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, joined state governors and prominent leaders to advocate for the safety and protection of Nigerian children, focusing on the theme of building a bullying-free generation. President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern over high rates of physical and psychological aggression among school-age children, asserting that violence and neglect have no place in the nation. He emphasized the government's commitment to child protection through the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children and noted that all thirty-six states have domesticated the Child Rights Act. Supporting this vision, Oluremi Tinubu called on stakeholders to actively protect children from the lasting emotional and academic wounds caused by bullying.Across various states, leadership echoed these sentiments while outlining localized development agendas. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa both urged parents and teachers to decisively combat child abuse, exploitation, and intimidation. In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo warned families against the dangers of cultism, while Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq highlighted his administration’s legislative actions against violence alongside advancements in basic healthcare and education. Additionally, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara validated the dreams of the state's youth, Senator Sharafadeen Alli advocated for stronger educational rights, and Nasarawa State Speaker Danladi Jatau called for an end to child labor and street begging. Political chieftain Segun Showunmi, alongside religious and foundational leaders Akinpelumi Ojo and Esther Balogun, further inspired the children to remain focused, reject despair, and stay vigilant against abuse.

Following escalating tensions, shooting incidents, and clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party during the first week of the Edo State governorship election petition tribunal in Benin City, the Edo State Police Command has deployed additional officers to secure the High Court Complex venue. The tribunal was petitioned by the Peoples Democratic Party and six other parties to nullify the victory of All Progressives Congress candidate Monday Okpebholo from the September election, alleging fraud and irregularities, while the All Progressives Congress has defended the outcome and accused the opposition of instigating the recent security breaches. Both major political parties have traded blame over the unrest, with the Peoples Democratic Party citing safety concerns for bringing private security personnel and the ruling party criticizing the move as a breach of protocol. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has appealed for caution and warned that treating the legal proceedings like a war threatens the growth of democracy, prompting police authorities to vow strict investigation into the violence and enforce a rule-abiding environment for all parties involved.