April 2, 2026 – Standard Focus News

ECOWAS Bank Approves $267m, XOF30bn for Projects Across West Africa

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a total of $266.7 million alongside XOF30 billion to finance key infrastructure and development projects in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire.The funding approvals were granted during the bank’s 95th Board of Directors meeting, reaffirming EBID’s commitment to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development across the sub-region.A major... Read more

2027: I’ve Not Endorsed Any Aspirant — Gov Alia Warns Against Name-Dropping

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

— Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has stated that he has not endorsed any aspirant for the 2027 elections, warning politicians against using his name to gain political advantage.In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described such claims as misleading and unauthorised, accusing those involved of attempting to deceive the public for personal political... Read more

APC Faults Mark, Aregbesola Over ADC Crisis, Backs INEC Decision

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The All Progressives Congress on Thursday criticised the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, describing the party as the “author of its own fate” amid deepening internal turmoil.The ruling party’s reaction follows the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of a faction of the ADC led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, while also... Read more

NNPP Blames ADC Crisis on Kwankwaso, Expresses Sympathy

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has attributed the ongoing leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the actions of its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.In a statement issued Thursday in Lagos by its National Secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, the party said it was “not surprised” by the internal challenges facing the ADC, while also expressing sympathy... Read more

Jos Visit: Tinubu Stayed at Airport, Victims Brought to Him — Atiku Alleges

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent visit to Jos, Plateau State, alleging that the president did not visit communities affected by the recent killings but remained at the airport.In a statement issued Thursday evening by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the visit as a “choreographed spectacle,”... Read more

Army Chief, Lt. Gen Shaibu leads Security Assessment Team to Plateau, Reaffirms Commitment to Lasting Peace

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, led heads of security agencies on an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in Jos, Plateau State. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to restore calm and entrench lasting peace across the state. Col Appolonia Anele, Director of Army Public Relations said, 'Upon arrival, the COAS was... Read more

ADC Crisis: Security Beefed Up at INEC Over Planned Protests

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

Security was heightened on Thursday around the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Maitama, Abuja, following threats of protests linked to the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).A joint team of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the State Security Service (SSS) cordoned off the... Read more

Easter: NSCDC Deploys 57,000 Personnel Nationwide

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilised over 57,000 personnel across the country to ensure a safe and peaceful Easter celebration.Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, approved the nationwide deployment, which spans all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of proactive measures to forestall security threats during the festive period.Confirming... Read more

Banditry: Sokoto governor meets IGP in Abuja

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

Banditry: Sokoto governor meets IGP in Abuja....pledges sustained support for security agenciesSokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against banditry, stressing that protecting lives and property must remain a collective responsibility.Aliyu gave the assurance on Wednesday during a visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at the Force... Read more

Shettima to launch Nigeria’s first varsity innovation pods at UNILAG— FG, UNDP target AI-driven innovation, digital talent development in universities

April 2, 2026 (updated April 2, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to formally launch Nigeria’s first University Innovation Pods (UNIPOD) at the University of Lagos on Tuesday, April 7, as part of efforts to transform tertiary institutions into hubs for innovation and enterprise.The initiative, driven by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Federal Government, is designed to reposition Nigerian universities as... Read more

Day: April 2, 2026