UN chief asks South Africa to end xenophobia

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged South Africa to end xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals in the country.

Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the situation and strongly condemned criminal acts and incitement to violence against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province.

He reminded the international community that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was built on a foundation of global and African solidarity.

“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.

The UN chief noted that South Africa’s development has long been shaped by the contributions of people from across the continent.

Pay row: FG meets SSANU, NASU leadership Wednesday

The Federal Government has invited the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions to a meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in a bid to avert the looming strike by the two university-based unions.

The strike threat followed the ongoing row on the proposed 30 per cent pay rise for the unions, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

In a letter earlier addressed to the National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education and National Board for Technical Education, announced a 30 per cent pay rise in salaries of non-academics in Federal Government-controlled universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and the NASU demanded that the government withdraw the controversial letter allegedly approving the 30 per cent salary increase or risk a nationwide shutdown of public universities.

In a letter signed by the Secretary General of the JAC, Peters Adeyemi, and President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, on behalf of the unions, the workers described the development as shocking and unacceptable.

El-Rufai pleads not guilty to amended wiretapping charges

The Department of State Services on Thursday, arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security.

El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

At the resumed proceedings, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant to take his plea, adding that a further amended five-count charge was filed on April 13.

He urged the court to substitute the earlier three-count charge with the amended one.

Counsel to the defendant, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed he had been served with the amended charge and indicated that he was not opposing the substitution.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for hearing.

Senate begins screening of Tinubu’s ministerial nominee

The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, marking the latest step in the administration’s efforts to strengthen its cabinet.

The minister-designate was ushered into the chamber at exactly 12:32 pm, where he appeared before lawmakers in plenary for the constitutionally mandated exercise.

As of press time, senators had begun questioning the nominee on his qualifications, policy direction, and readiness to manage the critical housing portfolio.

The screening follows a formal request transmitted to the upper chamber by the President on Wednesday, seeking Darma’s confirmation as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from Tinubu during plenary, subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, directing that the panel report back as soon as practicable.

Cross River dismisses report of new COVID-19 cases

The Cross River Government has dismissed reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 symptomatic cases, describing the claim as misleading and inaccurate, while reaffirming that only one confirmed case exists in the state.

The rebuttal followed publications claiming the state had identified additional persons showing COVID-19 symptoms, raising concerns among residents about a possible resurgence of infections across communities.

Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, earlier confirmed a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state, who was currently receiving treatment and responding well.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases recorded.

He explained that the 10 individuals referenced in the report were contacts traced from the single confirmed case, noting that contact tracing remained a standard public health response to contain potential spread.

According to him, the individuals are not symptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected cases, adding that they are currently under home isolation and monitored daily by health officials.

Ayuk emphasised that the isolation measure was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state had not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

Tinubu ministers gripped by fear after cabinet sackings

President Bola Tinubu’s ministers appear gripped by fear following the recent sacking of some of their colleagues.

Recall that the President relieved the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, of their positions on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, complaints had earlier emerged in some quarters that some cabinet members add no value to the administration.

It was also alleged that some political appointees lack the pedigree to translate President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into reality across their ministries, departments, and agencies.

A minister, who visited the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, jokingly told journalists that there is an earthquake going on and everyone is in panic mode now.”

US mission reaffirms deep-rooted ties with Nigeria

The United States Mission has reaffirmed its strong partnership with Nigeria, highlighting deep cooperation across security, trade, health, education, and cultural exchange.

In a statement on the mission’s X handle on Monday, the mission said both countries continue to share enduring ties that support mutual prosperity and development.

The statement underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between both countries in addressing regional and global challenges, particularly in areas such as security cooperation and economic development.

It noted that the relationship between both nations extends beyond government-to-government engagement, reflecting strong links between citizens, institutions, and private sector actors.

The Mission added that these partnerships continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening stability, expanding economic opportunities, and improving social outcomes in both countries.

Breaking: Oba AbdulQuadri, Alaporu of Ilaporu joins his ancestors

A revered and esteemed monarch in Ijebu-North local government FG area of Ogun State, the Alaporu of Ilaporu, Oba Jimoh Adebamiro Quadri has joined his ancestors.

Row Radio, Japara can authoritatively report that the monarch, who was a strong supporter of community initiatives, passed this Saturday morning.

The monarch played a significant role in fostering development and maintaining cultural heritage of Ijebu-Igbo.

Row Radio has, however, commiserated with with Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, Ojuromi VI, the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo who is the acting Chairman of Ijebu Traditional Council and Chairman of Ijebu North Traditional Council, as well as the Abijaparako of Japara, Oba Aderemi Ogunye with whom he had a strong tie.

The Alaporu who was the father of Prince Taofeeq AbdulQuadri, would be sorely missed for the so many lives he touched and the peace and development he brought to the region, Ogun State and Nigeria.

Palace sources said the final home rites would be communicated soon.

More details on Row Radio…

Environmental Officials Visit Ogun School Over Suspected Chemical Leak

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, alongside the general manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Kehinde Bello, on Tuesday visited Our Lady of Apostle Primary School in Ijebu-Ode following a suspected chemical leak in the area.

Last week Wednesday, a strange chemical smell was perceived in the school premises, shortly after the assembly session making it difficult for many students and staff to breathe.

This resulted to the admission of 30 students and two teachers at the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered the immediate closure and full investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tuesday’s visit was part of the state government response to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents within the affected environment.

During the inspection, Kehinde Bello also visited a neighbouring school, Sacred Heart Catholic College, to evaluate the impact of the incident and reassure the school authorities of the government’s swift intervention.

Plateau Relaxes Curfew in Jos North

The Plateau Government has further relaxed the curfew it earlier imposed on Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs Joyce Ramnap, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

The state government had imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North LGA, following the attack by gunmen on the Angwan Rukuba community of the area.

The government later relaxed the curfew, allowing movement between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Ramnap said that following the improved security situation in the locality, the state government has further reviewed the curfew.

Effective Wednesday, April 8, 2026, curfew has relaxed in Jos North, and movement will be between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.