NEWS
BREAKING: Group express shock over the seal of NDDC Headquarters by FIRS
….Says Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Plans To Scuttle NDDC and Niger Delta Development

A non-governmental and advocacy Organization, Citizen Quests for Truth Initiative, has expressed shock over the sealing of the gate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The group in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Francis Udoka Ndimkoha said, it appears there are undercurrents to ensure that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is incapacitated in the discharge of her statutory duties. If it is not the issue of threats from some segments of the youths, it is that of some stakeholders trying to hoodwink the populace into swallowing the bait that the Commission lacks good leadership. Just coming out from what seemed a furnace of trepidations, occasioned by threats of possible total breakdown of law and order in the region, the Commission is, yet again, encased in what observers may describe as a thorny tax issue with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).”
According to the National Secretary, “Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative was shocked to learn that Workers at the Headquarters of the Commission were today, locked out from gaining access into their offices as the FIRS sealed up the gates of the establishment allegedly over non-payment of arrears of tax.”
The statement reads: “It is common knowledge that before business premises are sealed by tax authorities, proper tax assessments are carried out after obtaining the financial records of the establishment. While no right thinking Nigerian would like to stand in the way of the FIRS in collecting what is the nation’s rightful taxes, it stands to reason that the Federal Inland Revenue Service, must operate in line with established procedure. The NDDC has neither been assessed nor given a demand notice to that effect.
“Accepted, without conceding, that there was an assessment, is it not shocking that the FIRS, by this action of sealing the Commission, is pretending not to know the challenges of the Commission for 20 years which led to the Forensic Audit as ordered by the President? The Forensic Auditors are expected to not only to identify the reasons for the poor performance of the Commission in 20 years, but to prepare a strategic framework and pathway for a more efficient running of the Commission.
“With the Audit winding up, expectedly at the end of July 2021, it smacks of total disregard for the President who is expectant of the report.
“The FIRS is also not unmindful of the Commission’s huge account domiciled in the EFCC by oil companies, due mainly to the unbridled corruption tales that trailed the NDDC before the present leadership came on board.
“Would it not have made more business sense and save the region this unwarranted hiccup, to wait for the outcome of the audit exercise and the recommendations therefrom? After all, the President has said the report will form part of the Terms of Reference for the new Board in chatting a way forward. Any action now, therefore, that will disrupt the activities of the Commission is not in the best interest of the Niger Delta people.
“We observe the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob in the actions of the FIRS.
“While we support the need for accountability, we also urge the FIRS to consider the backlash their action may have on the already fragile tension in the region.
“We advise the Management of the FIRS to approach the pending issues through other means that will avert unnecessary crisis and a downturn on the economy, should those seeking to frustrate the Audit and the appointment of a new Board decide to leverage on this avoidable face-off.”
NEWS
Africa Caught Off-guard as Idris Elba Stuns with FIFA World Cup Message
SuperSport viewers across Africa were left stunned when normal programming was suddenly interrupted by Hollywood star Idris Elba, who delivered a message saying “Everything else can wait.”Millions of DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa experienced the surprise interruption during prime-time viewing on 15 April 2026 at 7pm, including in the middle of live sport broadcast. Screens abruptly went black before a countdown appeared, followed by a familiar silhouette.It was Idris Elba.Ten Of Us NowThe award-winning actor addressed Africa directly with a message celebrating a historic football moment. Ten African nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most ever.“There are ten of us now,” Elba said in his unmistakable gravelly voice. “I honestly don’t care which one of us wins. I just want to see African football light up the world stage.”“My mum is from Ghana, my dad is from Sierra Leone. But my heart is African,” said Elba, a global superstar who remains deeply connected to the continent. “That’s why I’m watching. Every. Single. Game.”Africa’s Greatest World Cup?The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Mexico, Canada and the USA, will see Africa represented by Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo.It is a milestone tournament, and SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is positioning itself as the home of every kick, goal and celebration.“History doesn’t always tell you when it’s going to happen,” Elba continued. “But I’m here to tell you where it may happen. SuperSport. Only on DStv and GOtv. Everything else you thought you were going to be doing… it can wait.”Energetic Big Brother Mzansi star Smash Afrika and the ever-stylish host of Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, are also starring in the wider DStv and GOtv FIFA World Cup campaign.Every Match, Every ScreenAll 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be available live on SuperSport across DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream.Viewers can follow the tournament through satellite TV or stream on phones, laptops and smart TVs, depending on their preference and connectivity.Coverage will also include local language options, including pidgin, making the tournament more accessible to audiences across the continent.The World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening ceremony in Mexico City, live on SuperSport. From the opening match to the final, fans across Africa will be able to follow every moment.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Receives Nigerian Air Force Delegation in Gusau to Strengthen Security, Combat Terrorism
Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal P.hD, received a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit aimed at strengthening ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.
The visit featured a presentation and inspection of key military air assets, including a combat-equipped helicopter designed for rapid response and real-time operations.
The Governor, alongside top government officials and security chiefs, was briefed on the aircraft’s capabilities, operational features, and its role in tackling banditry and other security challenges.
During the session, Air Force personnel demonstrated key features of the aircraft, including weapon systems and surveillance technology, highlighting its effectiveness in reconnaissance and combat missions.
Governor Lawal expressed strong interest, inspecting the equipment and asking questions about deployment and coordination with ground forces.
He commended the Federal Government and Air Force leadership for their commitment to restoring peace in Zamfara and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting all security agencies through collaboration and strategic initiatives.
The visit marks a significant step toward enhancing aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities in Zamfara, reflecting renewed progress in addressing insecurity in the state.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 120-Day Rapid Intervention Plan to Revamp Zamfara’s Educational Sector
Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at addressing systemic failures in Zamfara State’s education sector.
The Governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, where key decisions were taken.
During deliberations at the 65th Council meeting, issues related to education, health, works, and other sectors were discussed and approved.
The Council endorsed a 120-day rapid intervention plan built on prior diagnostic activities conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality Assurance Agency (EQAA). The plan, presented by the overseeing Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, includes payroll audits, school mapping exercises, and infrastructure assessments. It proposes targeted, time-bound interventions across governance, infrastructure, digital transformation, teacher development, and student welfare.
The Council also approved the formation of a joint committee to immediately assess all illegal or unapproved structures built around schools in the state, with a view to relocating them and securing school environments. The committee will be led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST).
Additionally, the Council approved a single, unified Education Sector Bill (covering Early Childhood Care Development Education to Tertiary level), to be developed in consultation with stakeholders including agencies, institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and development partners. A draft bill will be presented to the State House of Assembly for enactment within the emergency timeframe.
The Governor further approved the transfer of non-teaching staff—such as messengers, labourers, gardeners, cooks, guards, drivers, health workers, and artisans—from the Ministry’s payroll to appropriate MDAs (CPG, MoH, Establishment) or private firms.
Among other important issues, the Council approved the composition of the Zamfara State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency on Education and authorised the Committee to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) and co-opt stakeholders including the NUT, UNICEF, UBEC, traditional and religious leaders, private school proprietors, and CSOs.
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