Author: ekospotlightnews

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly lost to a fraudulent payroll scheme. ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, speaking on the findings, said the investigation began in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments. The probe revealed widespread payroll manipulation, with fictitious names allegedly added to government salary systems to divert public funds. According to Aliyu, some senior public officials allegedly placed relatives and associates on government payrolls for personal gain. In one case, a suspect reportedly…

Senate Expands Safe Schools Probe to TETFund, NELFUND, Extends InvestigationThe Senate has expanded the scope of its ongoing investigation into the Safe Schools Initiative to include the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). The decision, reached on Tuesday, also extends the lifespan of the Senate ad hoc committee handling the probe by three weeks. The move followed a motion by the committee chairman, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), who said…

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called for greater transparency, accountability and stronger oversight in the handling of Nigeria’s proposed 2026 federal budget amid growing controversy over alleged irregularities. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Frank said the ongoing debate surrounding the budget has intensified public scrutiny of government spending and highlighted the need for institutions responsible for managing public finances to uphold openness and accountability. He urged the Federal Government to strengthen accountability measures to restore public confidence and ensure prudent management of national resources. He described the allegations of inflated…

Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has clarified that he has never publicly endorsed any politician or political party, stressing that his advocacy has always focused on encouraging civic participation rather than supporting political candidates. Falz said his message has consistently been to encourage Nigerians to vote and exercise their democratic rights, noting that a stronger democracy depends on free, fair and credible elections, as well as increased voter turnout. He explained that he has chosen not to endorse politicians because he lacks confidence in the country’s political class, although he said he could change his…

The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has clarified that its proposed Retail Electricity Supply Code does not cancel existing electricity debts, dismissing reports suggesting customers’ outstanding bills would be wiped out. In a statement, the Commission explained that the 12-month billing and recovery rule is prospective, meaning it will only apply after the new Code comes into effect. It stressed that all electricity debts accumulated before the Code takes effect remain valid and must still be paid under existing laws and contractual agreements. LASERC said the provision is aimed at strengthening consumer protection by requiring electricity distribution companies (Discos)…

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has dismissed reports alleging irregularities in the administration of the N1 billion Disability Intervention Fund, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state. In a statement, LASODA acknowledged the media’s role in promoting accountability and sympathised with families featured in the reports, noting that their experiences highlight the importance of ensuring government support reaches those who need it most. Addressing allegations that some officials demanded kickbacks before processing intervention requests, the agency said it had received no formal complaint or documented allegation before the…

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed confidence in Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, describing him as the best person to continue the state’s leadership after his tenure. Speaking at the unveiling of Sanwo-Olu: Against All Odds, A Photo-Story of Resilience in the Face of Adversity, a visual documentary authored by his personal photographer, Ademola Olaniran, the governor praised Hamzat’s loyalty and leadership, noting that the deputy governor, now the ruling party’s 2027 Lagos governorship flag bearer, is well-positioned to carry forward the administration’s vision. Sanwo-Olu described the book as more than a personal story, saying it captures the…

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has called on governments, corporate organisations, development partners and non-governmental organisations to support the maiden African Children’s Film Festival (ACFF) 2026, describing it as a major step towards nurturing young African filmmakers and storytellers. Speaking at the festival’s unveiling in Abuja, AGN National President, Abubakar Yakubu, said the initiative aims to provide children with a platform to develop their creative talents while promoting African culture, values and identity. He appealed for sponsorships and partnerships to create a safe environment where children can explore filmmaking and receive proper mentorship to tell authentic African stories instead…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of 26 officials into 10 Federal Government agencies and commissions, with all appointments taking immediate effect. Among the key appointments, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, was named Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board, alongside board members Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta. Major General Junaid Bindawa was also appointed Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, with Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas serving as Secretary, alongside newly appointed commissioners representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna States, as well as four additional board members. Other appointments include Dr. Abdullahi Maikano…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course will begin nationwide on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and end on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the scheme said the three-week orientation programme will hold simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NYSC also disclosed that call-up numbers have been uploaded to the dashboards of prospective corps members, while call-up letters will be released in due course. The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier…