Good morning! Here is today’s summary of yesterday’s top stories, as reported by GoNews Nigeria, to keep you informed and ahead.
1. The Federal Government has continued its rollout of financial support to low-income households, with Akwa Ibom State emerging as a major beneficiary under the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Cash Transfer Programme (HOPE-CT). So far, more than N18.7 billion has been paid out to vulnerable families in the state across three disbursement phases.
2. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has officially unveiled its provisional timetable and activity schedule for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and communicated through a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ejimofor Opara. Alongside the timetable, the party also released details of the fees required for nomination forms across various elective positions.
3. The National Youth Service Corps has intensified its efforts to ensure the safety of corps members nationwide, as concerns over insecurity and welfare continue to grow. The Director-General of the scheme, Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, where he addressed issues ranging from kidnapping risks to general safety measures for corps members.
4. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has proposed a set of economic measures aimed at addressing rising transportation costs and strengthening Nigeria’s domestic refining sector. In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chief Executive Officer, Muda Yusuf, the organization called on the Federal Government to significantly reduce import duty on mass transit buses to five percent, alongside granting a full Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver.
5. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a series of major drug interceptions and arrests across Nigeria, including the seizure of cocaine concealed in food flasks at Lagos airport. In a statement issued on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, operatives revealed that 12 parcels of cocaine weighing 2.80 kilograms were uncovered at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.
6. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared force majeure on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line after a severe rainstorm caused significant damage. In a statement issued Sunday, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah said the line tripped during the storm on April 16 due to a fault traced to a section about 14.9 kilometres from the Ikeja West end.
7. The New Nigeria People’s Party has unveiled Bala Mohammed as its new National Chairman, following the resignation of Ajuji Ahmed, who has now joined the African Democratic Congress. The transition, which received approval from the party’s National Working Committee, comes at a time of heightened political realignments within opposition circles as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
8. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of additional results for candidates who participated in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The latest update covers candidates who sat for the examination on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18. In a statement shared on Sunday through its official X account, the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed that over one million results from those two days are now accessible.
9. The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at improving digital safety across businesses, public institutions, and among residents. The move is part of a broader strategy to position Lagos as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub, especially at a time when cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
10. The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has issued a strong spiritual declaration against bandits and those backing them, calling for divine judgment. Speaking during a Sunday service themed “Covenant Day of Vengeance” at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo said those responsible for violence and kidnappings across Nigeria would face consequences within days.
