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True Story Award 2026 seeks long-form journalism entries

Mustapha USMAN
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True Story Award 2026 seeks long-form journalism entries
THE organisers of the prestigious True Story Award have opened submissions for its 2026 edition, inviting outstanding reportage from across the world.
Entries must have been published between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, with a submission deadline of Friday, October 31, 2025, at 12 noon (UTC).

The competition celebrates in-depth, narrative journalism and accepts articles ranging from 3,000 to 17,000 words that meet rigorous reporting and ethical standards.

The winner of each category will receive a USD 20,000 cash prize.

The organisation noted that eligible works must appear in newspapers, magazines or online outlets. Books, manuscripts, essays, biographies, historical non-fiction, and visual or audiovisual pieces will not be accepted.

it further stated that journalists and editors could submit stories either in English or in their original language.

For non-English entries, a minimum 400-word English summary is required.

Selected pieces will be translated into English for the international jury’s review, and nominated works may later be published in English on the award’s website and in German in the annual festival publication, the organisers said.

Writers from every region, including Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, China & Taiwan, Europe, and the Americas, are also encouraged to apply.

The award honours reportage that documents “actually researched events” and exemplifies excellence in storytelling.

Applications can be submitted via truestoryaward.org before the October 31 deadline.

Fellowship application opens for feminist journalists to challenge global fascism

Mustapha USMAN
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Fellowship application opens for feminist journalists to challenge global fascism

APPLICATIONS are now open for the Feminist Journalist to participate in a six-month programme.

The fellowship is themed Journalism as Resistance for early- to mid-career journalists from the Global South.

The programme, which runs from October 2025 to March 2026, is designed to support reporters committed to feminist values and investigative storytelling that confronts fascism, fundamentalisms and anti-gender movements.

Applications opened on September 17 and close on October 5, 2025.

Successful fellows will receive a monthly stipend of USD 500 and work under the guidance of experienced feminist editors to develop three in-depth stories.

Selected pieces will be published on Noor’s platform and may also appear in partner outlets including Global Voices, Untold Mag and Jamhoor Media.

Participants will join thematic workshops on communications strategy led by the Design Action Collective, take part in Noor’s Popular Education School for political learning and networking, and attend the Block & Transform convening scheduled for February 26–28, 2026.

Eligibility is open to journalists based in the Global South with demonstrated experience in written journalism and a clear story pitch addressing issues of fascism, religious or political fundamentalisms, or anti-gender campaigns.

Applicants, according to the organisation, must show a strong commitment to feminist and social justice principles.

Interested journalists are encouraged to review the criteria, prepare a story proposal and submit applications before the October 5 deadline here. Questions can be directed to anasir@wearenoor.org.

UNGA 2025: FG woos investors with oil sector reforms

Harrison EDEH
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UNGA 2025: FG woos investors with oil sector reforms

THE Federal Government has called on global investors to embrace emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s oil sector, citing strong reforms, enhanced production capacity, and regional influence as key drivers of growth in the sector.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, made this call while delivering a keynote address at the United States–Nigeria Council’s session on oil sector collaboration, held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2025 in New York.

Lokpobiri, in a statement issued late Thursday, September 25, said that all inactive blocks during the period of no investments into Nigeria were up for grabs. He explained that there were new opportunities for new investors, both in the upstream and other sectors.

According to him, at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed energy agenda is a clear and deliberate policy direction to open up the oil sector to deeper, smarter, and more strategic partnerships.

“Recall that for over ten years, before the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria did not have any new investment in the oil sector, but with the reforms we have carried out, which have created an atmosphere that is globally competitive and attractive, we now have new investments running into billions of dollars.

All inactive blocks during the period of no investments are in the basket now and up for grabs. We have a longstanding relationship with the US and US companies. Beyond these relationships, there are new opportunities for new investors, both in the upstream sector and other sectors,” the minister said.

He noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s oil sector witnessed significant progress over the past two years, including increased production output and a more attractive investment climate.

Lokpobiri attributed this transformation to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which he described as a robust, investor-friendly legal framework driving growth and restoring investors’ confidence.

“Thanks to bold reforms and globally competitive fiscals, Nigeria has significantly ramped up production and repositioned itself as a dependable energy hub across West Africa and the continent,” he said.

He also emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to energy transition efforts, affirming that the country would continue to leverage its fossil fuel reserves to finance its energy mix, while adhering to international climate agreements.

“We are fully aligned with the Paris Agreement, and remain committed to cleaner, more sustainable exploration,” he said, adding that “Our doors are open, our laws are clear, and our environment is conducive — now is the time for US and global investors to become part of Nigeria’s energy success story.”

Earlier in the month, the Federal Government renewed its call on major engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies to return to Nigeria, assuring them that previous concerns in the sector had been addressed through bold reforms and investor-focused incentives.

JICA withdraws Africa Hometown Initiative after protests

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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JICA withdraws Africa Hometown Initiative after protests

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced the withdrawal of its recently announced “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative, citing public misunderstanding and the heavy burden it placed on its country’s local governments.

The organisation announced the withdrawal in a statement on its website on Thursday, September 25.

The initiative, unveiled during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in August, was designed to pair four Japanese municipalities with four African countries to foster exchanges through cultural, educational, and community programmes. 

“Originally, under this initiative, it was envisioned that exchange programmes would be coordinated and implemented among the Japanese local governments, relevant African countries, and JICA. The specific details were to be determined later.

“However, JICA believes that the very nature of this initiative—namely, the term ‘hometown’ and the fact that JICA would ‘designate’ Japanese local Governments as ‘hometowns’ – led to misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities. JICA sincerely apologies to the municipalities involved for causing such situation.

“JICA takes this situation seriously. After consulting with all parties involved, JICA has decided to withdraw the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative, part of the statement read.

The organisation said it envisioned the effort as a way to strengthen grassroots international cooperation and deepen ties between Japan and Africa but the concept quickly sparked confusion within Japan, especially the use of ‘hometown’ and the agency’s role in ‘designating’ municipalities, which led to misinterpretations, adding that the local governments reportedly felt overwhelmed by the expectations attached to the designation.

Despite scrapping the programme, JICA stressed that international exchange remained central to its mission. .

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting collaborative efforts between Japanese communities and African nations while distancing itself from speculation about immigration.

“JICA remains committed to providing thorough explanations to the public regarding its activities. Regarding the foreign nationals’ entry and stay in Japan associated with JICA programmes, JICA will continue to maintain its meticulous management system as before,” the statement added.

Senior police officers charged for age falsification, absent in court

Bankole ABE
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Senior police officers charged for age falsification, absent in court

THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has charged some senior police officers in court for age falsification.

The matter came up at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Thursday, September 25, before a judge, Yusuf Halilu, of Court 13.

When the judge called the matter, the defendants which include, Idowu Owohunwa, a retired assistant inspector general; Benneth Igwe, a retired commissioner of police and former FCT commissioner of police; Ukachi Opara, a retired commissioner of police; Obo Ukam Obo, a retired deputy commissioner of police; and Simon Lough, a retired assistant commissioner of police were absent in court.

The defendants’ absence led to a hot exchange of word between the police lawyer, Riman Ezekiel, an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) and counsel to the defendants, TJ Aondo, a senior advocate.

According to the prosecuting counsel, the matter has been heard three times without the defendants appearing in court despite been served the charges.

He insisted that the court should issue a bench warrant to produce the defendants in court since it was a criminal case.

Responding, the defence counsel insisted that the accused had not been served with the court papers.

“My learned friend cannot speak for me. Up till now, the defendants have not been served,” Aondo stated.

He also informed the court that he had deposited an application for preliminary objection on the matter before the court.

In his intervention, the judge faulted the police for not producing the defendants in court since they were until recently, member of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

He also said he would not take the preliminary objection submitted by Aondo until the defendants are produced in court.

“No matter the preliminary objection, I cannot take it in the absence of the defendants. Let them come to court. Let them take their plea ” the judge said.

He thereafter adjourned the case to November 17, 2025, for further hearing.

Also present in the court was human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who told journalists he came to ensure fair hearing for some of the officers who had violated the rights of protesters in the past.

The ICIR reported on Wednesday that the IGP would arraign some senior police officers over alleged age falsification.

The police officers were accused of falsifying age records to unlawfully extend their years of service.

Egbetokun filed a 14-count charge against the former police chiefs.

According to the prosecution, Owohunwa, in December 2024, allegedly altered his age declaration to reflect July 20, 1970, as his date of birth instead of his actual birth year.

Similarly, Igwe was accused of tampering with his record to show October 7, 1968, whereas investigators claimed he was born in 1964.

His enlistment documents also reportedly carried conflicting entry dates of 1988 and 1996.

The charge further alleged that Lough falsified his records in July 2022 by changing his birth year from 1967 to 1969 in breach of the Public Service Rules.

The offences, according to the police, contravene sections 97, 161, 366 and 158 of the Penal Code.

The accused officers have denied the allegations, describing them as baseless.

They insisted the charges arose from a petition by a civil society group, Integrity Youth Alliance, led by Kelvin Adegbenga, which accused them of manipulating their records to prolong their stay in service.

Following the petition, the IGP issued queries of serious misconduct to them on January 7, 2025.

In his response dated January 16, 2025, Owohunwa admitted there was a mix-up in his APER Form for Senior Police Officers, which mistakenly reflected 1970 as his year of birth, but maintained that his official appointment date of August 15, 1996, had never been altered.

Igwe and Lough also rejected the allegations, explaining that the petitioner confused their details with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria scheme, which permits qualified officers to be upgraded. They argued that under the scheme, officers were deemed to have resigned from previous appointments upon conversion to senior ranks.

Despite their defence, the police maintained that the discrepancies in their records were serious enough to warrant criminal prosecution.

FBI offers $10,000 reward for Nigerian fugitive wanted in bank fraud case

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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FBI offers $10,000 reward for Nigerian fugitive wanted in bank fraud case

THE Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered a $10,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of Nigerian national, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who is wanted in the United States on multiple fraud charges.

The FBI revealed this on its website on Wednesday noting that Adediran was facing charges of bank fraud, identity document fraud, and credit card fraud linked to alleged offences committed in Illinois, dating back to 2001.

“Olumide Adebiyi Adediran is wanted for Violation of Conditions of Release.  In August of 2001, Adediran allegedly entered a bank in Champaign, Illinois, and attempted to retrieve funds from a deposited fraudulent check,” said the FBI.

The FBI stated that the 56-year-old, who uses several aliases such as Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward N. Anderson, was accused of attempting to cash fake checks and exploiting stolen identities of US citizens to open bank and credit accounts.

“He also allegedly used stolen information of United States citizens to open bank and charge accounts.  Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois at the end of December 2001, shortly before his trial in the Central District of Illinois was set to begin on federal charges of bank fraud, identification document fraud, and credit card fraud,” the statement said. 

On January 2, 2002, a federal arrest warrant was issued against him for violating the terms of his release.

The FBI added that Adediran had connections to South Florida and remained on its wanted list. He was described as being five feet 11 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

“The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran,” the agency stated.

It called on anyone with information about his whereabouts to reach out to its US offices or the nearest American embassy or consulate.

“If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate,” it wrote.

Nigeria seeks permanent UN Security Council seat, debt relief, digital inclusion at UNGA80

Mustapha USMAN
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Nigeria seeks permanent UN Security Council seat, debt relief, digital inclusion at UNGA80

THE Nigeria government has demanded for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, warning that the credibility of the world body depends on its ability to reflect current global realities rather than the post-Second World War order.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who delivered President Bola Tinubu’s address at the 80th UN General Assembly on Tuesday, September 25, urged member states to embrace sweeping reforms that would give Africa’s most populous country a stronger voice in international decision-making.

The vice-president warned that the slow pace of progress on key global issues had allowed scepticism about multilateralism to grow. 

He argued that the UN must demonstrate that its structures were not fixed and could adapt to today’s challenges, from climate change and migration to technological disruption, and the proliferation of small arms.

“The United Nations will recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was. Nigeria’s journey tells this story with clarity: when the UN was founded, we were a colony of 20 million people, absent from the tables where decisions about our fate were taken. Today, we are a sovereign nation of over 236 million, projected to be the third most populous country in the world, with one of the youngest and most dynamic populations on earth. 

“A stabilising force in regional security and a consistent partner in global peacekeeping, our case for permanent seat at the Security Council is a demand for fairness, for representation, and for reform that restores credibility to the very institution upon which the hope of multilateralism rests,” Shettima said.

The vice-president noted Nigeria’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency controls, as difficult but necessary steps to attract investment and create jobs. 

He called for climate funds to be channelled into education, resilient housing and technology to help vulnerable communities adapt to environmental changes that threaten global security.

He further called for the creation of a binding international mechanism to manage sovereign debt, describing it as “a sort of International Court of Justice for money.” 

Such a system, he explained, would enable emerging economies to break free from the cycle of borrowing and dependency and would support growth that benefits all nations, not just the wealthy. 

He stressed that debt relief should be viewed as a path to shared prosperity rather than an act of charity.

“It has been over four decades since the Lagos Action Plan outlined a route away from debt and dependence that highlighted opportunities. That today should still be explored for local added value for processing and manufacturing in everything from agriculture to solid minerals and petrochemicals. The African Continental Free Trade Area is a remarkable achievement of co-operation. We remain fully committed to the achievement of SDGs – and are convinced this can be best delivered by focusing principally on our primary mission of growth and prosperity,” Shettima added.

On technology, the vice-president pressed for global action to bridge the digital divide, cautioning that a generation growing up in a world of misinformation and distrust could become increasingly cynical unless access to innovation and digital opportunities is expanded.

“As technology shakes up public administration, law, finance, conflict and so much of the human condition, I am calling for a new dialogue, to ensure we promote the best of the opportunities that are arising – and promote the level of access that allows emerging economies more quickly, to close a wealth and knowledge gap that is in no one’s interest,” the vice president added.

Ex-Rivers administrator Ibas visits Villa amid growing calls for his probe

Mustapha USMAN
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Ex-Rivers administrator Ibas visits Villa amid growing calls for his probe

FORMER Rivers State sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday amid rising pressure that he account for his stewardship.

According to a Channel TV report, Ibas arrived at the State House around 5:50 p.m. carrying a stack of files. 

He was later joined by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, was reported to be present at the Villa.

The visit followed President Bola Tinubu’s September 17 decision to lift emergency rule in the oil-rich state, and reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly members. 

Ibas appearance also came just days after the Rivers State House of Assembly voted to investigate how state funds were spent between March and September, when the state of emergency lasted in the state.

Details of the visit had yet to be made public as of the time of publishing this report.

At its first sitting after resuming, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced it would probe how state funds were spent under Ibas’s watch.

Part of the House’s resolutions read, “To explore the process of knowing what transpired during the emergency rule with regard to spending from the consolidated revenue fund for the award of contracts and other expenditure.”

This was as civil society organisations, including Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability  Project (SERAP) called for the probe into the financial dealings of the former sole administrator in the state.

The organisation demanded clarity on how he managed over N254.37 billion received from the Federation Account between March and August 2025.

In a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, SERAP further asked Ibas to account for allocations, including a reported N22 billion allegedly budgeted for installing CCTV at the State House. 

However, Ibas, through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubu, dismissed the Assembly’s planned probe as a “fool’s errand,” arguing that lawmakers neither appointed him nor oversaw his mandate, which came directly from the President and was supervised by the National Assembly.

“When you say they were going to probe the tenure of the administrator, was it the Assembly that appointed the administrator?

“You see, the point to note is that commentary is free. You can’t stop people from running commentary. The House of Assembly has been on break for a very long time, and you will appreciate that they have not been able to discharge their functions for such a long time,” Punch quoted him to have said.

FCT Chief Judge frees 35 inmates in Nasarawa

Bankole ABE
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FCT Chief Judge frees 35 inmates in Nasarawa
THE Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Husseini Baba-Yusuf, has ordered the release of 35 inmates from custodial centres in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The decision was taken during his visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, on Tuesday, September 24, as part of efforts to decongest facilities and address cases of prolonged pre-trial detention.

The freed inmates comprised 33 men and two women. Among them was Mohammed Abdullahi, who had been in custody for one year without appearing before any court in Nigeria.

Punch reported that Baba-Yusuf explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring that people who should not be in custody regain their freedom.

“Today, we have been able to set free 35 people who have no business being here, and that is a huge boost,” he said.

He added that the exercise would become a routine practice to prevent citizens from languishing in custody unnecessarily.

“Some of those released are unwell, some have stayed here for too long without trial, and others have not been cited for any genuine offence,” the Chief Judge noted.

Baba-Yusuf also directed magistrates under the FCT judiciary to strengthen case management and ensure speedy trials. According to him, court delays worsen congestion in custodial facilities and violate the rights of inmates.

The initiative was supported by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), a non-governmental organisation that paid fines totalling N1.5 million to facilitate some of the releases.

Programme Officer of PPDC, Cynthia Onyeka, said the organisation’s involvement was part of efforts to promote access to justice and reduce the high rate of pre-trial detentions in Nigeria.

“This activity presents an opportunity for the Chief Judge to come to the custodial centres in an effort to decongest the system,” she said.

The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja Branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, commended the judiciary and civil society organisations for assisting inmates, especially women, who are often unable to pay fines or meet bail conditions.

At the Keffi custodial centre, which currently houses 667 inmates, the Officer in Charge, Sumaila Bulus, described the release as a relief but appealed for logistics support. He said inadequate vehicles for transporting inmates to courts remained a major challenge.

Asked why the FCT Chief Judge should free inmates in Nasarawa State, lawyers told to The ICIR that some inmates from the FCT are sent to custodial centres in Nasarawa State due to congestion at the Kuje Custodial Centre. According to therm, it is only such inmates linked to FCT cases that the Chief Judge of the FCT can discharge in Nasarawa.

The release of the inmates comes weeks after a jailbreak at the same facility on August 12, 2025, when 16 inmates escaped after overpowering security personnel. Seven of them have since been recaptured, while nine remain at large, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Police arrest 12 power plant guards over N4.8bn metal theft

Mustapha USMAN
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Police arrest 12 power plant guards over N4.8bn metal theft

THE Niger State Police Command said it had arrested 12 security staff of the Kainji Power Plant for allegedly stealing navigation lock metals and beams worth more than N4.8 billion.

Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed on Wednesday, September 24, that an August inspection of the plant’s navigation lock yard revealed the large-scale vandalism.

The statement noted that police traced the theft to a group of security supervisors led by Shaibu Abu Sufyan, 35, and Ibrahim Musa, 31, both of New-Bussa.

It also alleged that the guards worked with scrap dealers, identified as Musa Khalid, Abah Khalid and Abdullahi, to cut and haul away the metal using acetylene gas and cranes, mostly on weekend nights between 2023 and 2025. 

According to the statement, bank records show more than N24 million in transactions between the suspects and the dealers, who remain at large as investigations continue.

“These items (metals) were taken to Musa Khalid’s shop in Nasarawa village, for weighing to ascertain the value before payment and proceeds get shared. Musa Khalid has numerous agents through which these items are sold to different companies in Lagos, Kwara and Osun States. It was discovered that the plant’s store and other manhole covers were also tampered with, as heavy equipment was carted away from the store. 

“Over N12.5 million transactions were discovered between Abu Sufyan and Musa Khalid, and over N1.5 million transactions were also discovered between Ibrahim Musa and Musa Khalid and others. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing to arrest others such as the scrap dealers and other collaborators. Further development will definitely be made public as the investigation progresses,” the statement read.

In a separate case, the Niger police said its operatives foiled a staged kidnapping in Minna, involving two men, Ahmed Alhaji Bura, 21, of Bauchi, and Shafiu Ibrahim, 22, of Makujeri, who allegedly conspired to disappear after a car-drifting show on September 2 and demanded a ₦7 million ransom from their friends. 

The police said the duo were arrested on September 17.

Earlier raids linked the group to fraudulent online schemes using 21 SIM cards under the guise of “Quest Int’l Company.” 

The command also said it arrested Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi, 32, and Abdulnafiu Usman, 18, for the July abduction and killing of 10-year-old Yaseer Mustapha in Kwana-Mariga. 

The suspects allegedly demanded a N3.5 million ransom, later killed the boy and buried him in an uncompleted building. 

“The two suspects confessed to the crime, unfortunately killed the boy, and buried him in an uncompleted building in the neighbourhood. The Police operatives were led to the scene and the decomposed body was recovered. The body was released to the family for burial rites, while the suspects were charged to court for prosecution,” the police added.

Similarly, the statement noted that the patrol officers in Kontagora on September 23 arrested three men, Jibril Musa, 24; Ahmed Tiamiyu; and Elijah Ochoba, 20, for allegedly stealing and dismantling a Bajaj motorcycle to sell its parts.

“During interrogation, they confessed to having stolen the Bajaj motorcycle within the town and dismantled it for ease of movement for sale. 

They also mentioned one Elijah Ochoba, 20 years old, took part in dismantling the motorcycle. The three suspects were arrested and they are in custody under further investigation,” the statement read.

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