Prodigy Herald

Fidelity Bank to Proffer Solutions to Public Sector Revenue Challenges at highlevel Stakeholders’ Webinar By Jennifer Nwosu  Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to host a high-level virtual webinar focused on helping public institutions to strengthen revenue systems, improve fiscal transparency, and build smarter digital structures for collections, oversight, and accountability. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the session, themed Digital Fiscal Transparency: Unlocking Sub-national Opportunities for International Partners, will bring together a cross-section of public sector leaders, development institutions, heads of parastatals and agencies, as well as financial experts to explore practical solutions for stronger public finance management. “As public institutions seek ways to improve internally generated revenue and strengthen public trust, there has been a renewed focus on fiscal transparency. This is particularly important in the face of r...

DEMOCRACY NEEDS YOUR VOICE, BASHIR TELLS YOUNG LAGOSIANS By Jennifer Nwosu  Oluwadamilare Adebowale Bashir, has called on young Lagosians to take a more active role in shaping the state’s political and civic landscape, stressing that meaningful change depends on their participation. In a message directed at the youth, Bashir said democracy thrives when citizens are actively engaged, urging young people not to remain on the sidelines of governance. He encouraged them to contribute to civic discussions, policy debates and grassroots initiatives that influence decision-making at both local and national levels. Bashir said that political change requires participation, he emphasized that the future of Lagos and Nigeria rests significantly in the hands of its' younger population. According to him, disengagement among youths weakens democratic institutions, while active involvement strengthens accountability and fosters inclusive development. He noted that beyond voting during...

State Police in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges & Pathway for Implementation  By Okoro Chigozirim, Programme Manager, CLEEN Foundation Introduction The conversation around State Police in Nigeria has reached a fever pitch in 2026. While the centralized model—the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)—has long been criticized as "structurally exhausted," the transition to a decentralized system remains one of the most contentious constitutional debates in the country's history.   As of March 2026, the Senate has pledged to deliver the constitutional amendment required for state police by the end of the year.   ⚖️ Core Issues The push for state police is driven by the failure of the current "Abuja-command" system to handle localized threats.   Operational Delay: State governors currently serve as "Chief Security Officers" in name only. They lack the authority to give operational orders to Commissioners of Police without clearance from the Inspector Gener...

BASHIR URGES UNITY, BACKS TINUBU IN EID MESSAGE By Jennifer Nwosu  Oluwadamilare Adebowale Bashir, has called on Lagos residents to embrace peace, love and unity, urging them to set aside religious, political and ideological differences in the interest of national progress. Bashir made the appeal during Eid prayers, where he emphasized the importance of communal harmony and mutual responsibility among citizens. He encouraged Lagosians to act as their brothers’ keepers and to sustain the spirit of compassion and generosity demonstrated during the holy month of Ramadan. According to him, the values of love, tolerance and selflessness cultivated during Ramadan should extend beyond the festive period and become a consistent part of daily life. He noted that fostering such values is critical to strengthening social cohesion and promoting long-term national development. He further urged Lagosians to continue praying for the State and Nigeria at large for stability and growth,...

OGUN POLICE RAMP UP SECURITY AHEAD OF EID- EL- FITR CELEBRATIONS  By Jennifer Nwosu  The Ogun State Police Command has stepped up security operations across the state ahead of the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebration, assuring residents of a safe and peaceful festive period. In a press statement released by the State's Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, it said personnel and operational resources have already been deployed to key locations, including Eid prayer grounds, markets, highways and other public spaces. The early rollout is part of a broader strategy focused on crime prevention, visibility policing and rapid response to emergencies. By Jennifer Nwosu  The Ogun State Police Command has stepped up security operations across the state ahead of the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebration, assuring residents of a safe and peaceful festive period. In a press statement released by the State's Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babas...

NDLEA SCORES BIG WIN AS COURT CONVICTS FILIPINO CREW, VESSEL By Jennifer Nwosu  Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Filipino sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, for importing 20 kilograms of cocaine from Santos, Brazil, into Nigeria. The vessel and its crew were fined a total of $6 million and N1.1 million. The sailors were arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on November 16, 2025, at the Apapa seaport in Lagos. They pleaded guilty and entered a plea bargain agreement. NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, hailed the conviction as a “resounding victory for the rule of law” and a testament to the agency’s renewed vigour in fighting illicit drugs. He warned international drug cartels that Nigeria’s territorial waters are no longer a playground for their activities. The NDLEA commended the Apapa Strategic Command for their vigilance and the Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services for their diligence in prosecut...