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Royalprince Media Services, publishers of Emporium Reporters, Emporium Magazine and Emporium Online TV, has announced the maiden edition of the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026, scheduled to hold on June 25, 2026, in Abuja.

The event, which coincides with the 10th anniversary celebration of Emporium Reporters, is designed to recognise outstanding leadership, institutional excellence and remarkable contributions to national development.

With the theme, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” the lecture will focus on the role of digital media in promoting credible information, responsible journalism, accountability and democratic growth in Nigeria.

The event will be chaired by Chief Sunday Akinlabi Dare, CON, FNIS, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, while Abdullahi O. Haruna Haruspice, Publisher of World Entourage Magazine, will deliver the keynote address.

The event will feature distinguished personalities including Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate, as Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu; the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu; Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR; Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

As part of the event, distinguished Nigerians and institutions who have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership will be honoured. The award recipients include ACC John Attah Onoja, National Commander, Mining Marshals, NSCDC; Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Adekunle Balogun, Director Media, Public Relations and Protocol, NIDCOM; CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service; Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, OFR, Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry; and Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman, NUJ FCT Council.

Also to be recognised are Fame Foundation for Gender Advocacy and Social Impact; Dr. Wisdom Enang, Energy Consultant; Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, former Member, House of Representatives; Dr. Innocent Odey, Founder, InnoBec Business School; Ambrose Omordion, Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Consulting Limited; and Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General, Voice of Nigeria.

Speaking on the event, the Publisher/Chief Executive Officer of Royalprince Media Services, Lukman Laleye Babalola, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to promoting credible journalism, responsible leadership and national development.

He stated that the 10th anniversary of Emporium Reporters is a milestone that celebrates a decade of impactful reporting, public engagement and dedication to informing society.

The event will also feature the unveiling of the Special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of Emporium Magazine, documenting the achievements of personalities and institutions making meaningful contributions across different sectors.

The Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026 is expected to attract government officials, media executives, corporate leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders committed to advancing credible communication and democratic values.

E-Signed

Lukman Laleye Babalola
Publisher/CEO
Royalprince Media Services

22nd June,2026

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A commission of inquiry set up by the Benue State Government to investigate the state’s income and expenditure between 2015 and 2023 has uncovered N139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds.

The Chairman of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, Justice Jubril Idrisu (retd), disclosed this on Friday while presenting the commission’s report to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House, Makurdi.

Idrisu said the commission’s findings showed that the state generated more than N826.5 billion in revenue during the period under review, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion.

According to him, the records revealed an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion, which the commission recommended should be recovered from persons found responsible.

“The commission’s findings, contained in two volumes, revealed significant concerns in the management of public finances during the period under review.

“Records showed that the state generated over N826.5 billion in revenue, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion, leaving an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion,” he said.

The retired jurist explained that the commission, inaugurated in June 2025, was mandated to examine the income and expenditure of the immediate past administration and the 23 local government councils between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023.

He said the panel also uncovered questionable loan transactions involving some financial institutions and local government councils, including repayments that far exceeded the original loan amounts without adequate documentation.

Idrisu further disclosed that investigators identified irregular transfers of public funds to certain financial institutions without sufficient records or proof of legitimacy, recommending appropriate recoveries where necessary.

He stressed the need for stronger financial controls, including proper authorisation of online transactions by designated officers and an end to the practice of issuing blank pre-signed mandates.

According to him, such practices undermine transparency and accountability in public financial management.

Receiving the report, Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reforms.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, Alia commended the panel for their courage and painstaking assignment undertaken in the public interest.

He said Justice Idrisu was selected to head the commission because of his reputation as a fearless jurist and a man of integrity.

Alia expressed confidence that implementation of the commission’s recommendations would strengthen institutions, curb the misuse of public resources and ensure accountability for those found culpable.

He acknowledged the challenges encountered by the commission, including difficulties in obtaining information and cooperation from some individuals and institutions, but commended members for their resilience and dedication.

He also apologised for logistical difficulties experienced by the commission, noting that the present administration inherited serious institutional and administrative challenges at the inception of its tenure.

He assured the panel that its work would serve as a critical reference point in the state’s efforts to rebuild public confidence and restore accountability in governance.

The governor added that future generations would look back at the report as evidence of the commission’s contribution to strengthening transparency and responsible management of public resources in Benue.

NAN

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At least two soldiers have been reportedly killed and several others injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly struck a military vehicle in Sokoto State’s Isa Local Government Area during a response operation to a bandit attack on Bargaja community.

The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2026, along the Isa–Bargaja road, as troops moved in after residents raised an alarm over an ongoing assault.

Residents told Daily Trust that armed bandits invaded Bargaja community between 12:30am and 3:00am, firing sporadically and forcing locals to seek urgent military intervention.

According to accounts from villagers, the attackers allegedly planted an explosive device along the route before the arrival of security forces.

“They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected,” a resident said on condition of anonymity, adding that one injured soldier later stumbled into the village seeking help after the blast.

The resident said the soldier sustained severe leg injuries, while confirming that two bodies believed to be soldiers were seen in the aftermath.

There are, however, differing accounts regarding the total number of casualties.

While some residents confirmed seeing two deceased soldiers, others claimed the death toll may be higher. One source alleged that up to three soldiers, including a driver, may have been killed in the incident, with additional personnel injured.

The remains of the deceased personnel were reportedly evacuated to Sokoto.

Another resident who visited a military base in Isa town said community members travelled to condole with troops following the incident.

“We hired two vehicles from our community and went to Isa to condole with the military over the loss of their personnel,” he said.

A separate source familiar with developments in the area claimed the troops may have been caught in a coordinated ambush while responding to the distress call.

According to the account, attackers allegedly allowed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to pass before targeting a following Hilux vehicle with gunfire and an explosive device.

“The APC was at the front and was allowed to pass. The attackers then opened fire and detonated an explosive device targeting the Hilux behind it,” the source said.

The source also claimed that one security operative fled into a nearby forest during the chaos, with efforts reportedly underway to locate him.

Residents described a night of sustained gunfire and confusion as security forces and attackers reportedly exchanged fire in the area.

“We never slept yesterday because of the sound of gunfire. I can’t confirm the exact number of the casualties,” another resident said, calling for official clarification.