News
Sahara Reporters in trouble over ‘malicious’ report against HCSoF
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on Friday night gave Sahara Reporters 24 hours to retract a ”false, damaging and libellous report” against “ the person of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan” or face legal action.
This was contained in a letter signed by M. A. Ahmed, Director, Communications,
Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and addressed to the Editor-in-Chief of Sahara Reporters.
The letter titled Re: How Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Extorted N23million From 92 Applicants vying for post of Permanent Secretaries, Planned to Manipulate Posting to Ministries reads:
“The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has been drawn to a frivolous allegation labeled against the person of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, by your medium via an online news story published on 20th October, 2023 with the above misleading heading.
“The unfounded report alleged that the HoCSF compelled ninety-two (92) applicants participating in the ongoing selection process for the appointment of Federal Permanent Secretaries to pay the sum of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) each for a one-week training programme commencing from 23rd to 28th October, 2023 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN).
“It is imperative to state here that the course fee was not determined by the OHCSF nor is it paid into the Office‘s account. Training and retraining of Civil Servants is the core mandate of PSIN and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and as such, monies for such are paid directly into the aforementioned training institutions’ NUBAN account, linked to the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).
“It may also interest Sahara Reporters to know that the said training is the fifth in the series since its inception and, most importantly, it is optional. As such, it is the prerogative of the prospective candidate to pay and participate or not. It is aimed at refreshening, as well as sharpening their skills and competencies. There is no penalty for non-participation.
“For the avoidance of doubt and the records, the process for the selection of Federal Permanent Secretaries is segmented, rigorous and transparent. The medium is advised to come for tutelage on the process and posting of Permanent Secretaries rather than relying on allegations and misinformation. This is highly unethical, to say the least.
“It is rather unfortunate that due diligence was not done by Sahara Reporters before this publication. It was written with the sole aim of misinforming the general public for reasons best known to them.
“In view of the above stated facts, you are requested to retract the said false, damaging and libellous report, put the records in proper perspective, as well as apologise within 24 hours to avoid legal action, please.”
News
Nigeria’s Pride Awards winner Abubakar Yakubu beats Regina Daniels’ mother to emerge AGN President
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Veteran actor and administrator, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, has been elected as National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN. He defeated his rival, Rita Daniel to emerge as winner.
On September 30th 2025, Yakubu was honoured with Nigeria’s Pride Award for Examplery Leadership in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of Nigeria”s entertainment sector and overall performance as a mentor to young people.
In the election that was held in Benin, Edo State, Yakubu, secured majority of the lawful votes cast, and was declared winner ahead of his major opponent, Mrs. Rita Daniels, who is the mother of Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels.
Results of the election were announced Saturday night.
With the victory, Yakubu, fondly called AbuKing, became the first actor from the northern past of country, to head the AGN since its inception.
He will be taking over from Mr. Emeka Ejezie (Emeka Rollas), MON, whose relection for a second term in 2022 meant he could no longer, in line with the AGN Constitution, vie for the position again.
AGN, which is the umbrella body for screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, was initially called the Nigeria Actors Guild, NAG.
Though the industry started taking form prior to 1994, however, it was not until 1998 that it was officially registered.
Past Presidents of the Guild are: Larry Williams (1st National President), Emma Oguguah; Zack Orji; Ejike Asiegbu; Segun Arinze; Ibinabo Fiberesima (Only Female President); and Emeka Rollas- all of whom are from the Southern part of the country.
The Guild has over one million registered members that are spread across Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Prior to his emergence as the first northerner to be elected for the Guild’s top job, Yakubu served as the National Vice President between 1994 and 1995, when the association was known as NAG.
He also served as National Treasurer of AGN (2000 – 2001), Public Relations Officer, AGN (2009-2011), and the National Secretary, a position he held from 2019 till date.
A graduate of Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, with about 25 years in film/television and stage acting, all eyes are now on AbuKing to see how he would navigate the wheel of leadership in the AGN for the next three year.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, charged the newly commissioned officers to place national interest above all else and uphold absolute loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria..
He gave the charge while presiding over the Passing Out Parade (POP) of Executive Commission Course 2/2025 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji,
General Shaibu said the commissioning of this new set of officers form a critical component of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed drive to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture as contained in the declaration of a State of Emergency on Security.
He also said that the commissioning is part of the fulfilment of the President’s directive to expand manpower, strengthen frontline deployments and accelerate security stabilisation efforts nationwide.
The Army Chief expressed confidence in the quality of training received by the officers, noting that their exceptional display of parade and weapon handling reflects the Army’s rising standards at a time when the nation demands heightened operational vigilance.
He urged them to remain uncompromisingly apolitical, disciplined and subordinate to civil authority, stressing that professionalism and constitutional loyalty remain the bedrock of military service.
A Nigerian Air Force jet has ccrashed near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
This was disclosed by a Niger State-based online digital television network, Lapai TV, in a post on its official Facebook page on Saturday evening.
“Two Nigerian Air Force Pilots Reportedly Survive Alpha Jet Crash Close to Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State,” the post stated
The incident was said to have occurred Saturday evening.
At the time of filing this report, the military has yet to make any official communication about the incident.
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