Metro
Police Affairs Minister Performs Groundbreaking Ceremony for Mpape Police Hqrs
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Divisional Police Headquarters and six Rank and File Quarters by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) to directly enhance the security of the Mpape environment in the Bwari area council of the Federal Capital City.
The Minister, according a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations Unit, Mr. Bolaji O. Kazeem, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), performed the groundbreaking ceremony at Mpape, Kamtape under Bwari Area Council in Abuja, in the presence of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Mohammed Sheidu, and the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police CP Olatunji Disu.
The Minister, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yusuf Abubakar Argungu commended the effort of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) in addressing the challenges of security in Bwari Area Council thereby providing a conducive environment for both citizens and their businesses
In his words, “The presence of this divisional headquarters of the police in this location will protect citizens commuting daily for their daily activities from the danger of kidnapping, one chance, and robbery as well as other related crimes affecting people in the city.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force, a leading internal security agency in the country, to continue to promote synergy with citizens in the location and other security agencies in the city to uphold the responsibility of enforcing laws and prosecuting offenders in the federal capital city.
Gaidam reiterated that the Federal Government is poised for the emergence of a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based and that is alive to its constitutional responsibilities and commitment to implementing the ongoing comprehensive police reform to revolutionize the policing landscape by fostering inclusivity, community engagement, intelligence-driven operations, and technological integration.
The Minister stressed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ to prioritize initiatives aimed at promoting community policing, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding as well as strengthening the bond between the police and the community.
The District Head of Mpape, Alhaji Adamu Diga thanked the Ministry, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, and Nigeria Police Force for accepting their request to upgrade the existing Mpape Police Post to the Divisional Headquarters to enhance the efficiency and service delivery to the people of the district.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Mohammed Sheidu appreciated the Honourable Minister and the Inspector General of Police for their commitment, guidance, and collaboration have been instrumental in guiding the police modern infrastructure and the improvement of the welfare of the police officers.
According to him “This is a historic day for the Nigeria Police force and the nation as a whole in the groundbreaking ceremony to take a major step toward construction of modern smart divisional police headquarters and rank and file quarters here in Mpape in Abuja which would be replicated in the six geo-political zones. This facility is more than just bricks and mortar, it represents our collective resolve to provide our police force offices with modern instruction that enhances their operational capacity and improves well-being.”
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.
Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.
The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.
Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.
“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”
Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.
“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”
Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.
Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
