NNN

Nigeria’s news on March 9, 2026 is dominated by police reforms, political disputes, and International Women’s Day celebrations, alongside economic updates and sports fixtures. The day reflected both domestic challenges and Nigeria’s global positioning.

Headlines

• IGP Disu appoints DCP Anthony Placid as new Force PRO, replacing ACP Benjamin Hundeyin.
• Police begin physical screening for 50,000 recruits nationwide.
• Peter Obi vows to challenge the new Electoral Act 2026 in court.
• APC accuses Governor Makinde and PDP of fueling political violence in Oyo.
• Federal Government celebrates International Women’s Day, pledging stronger action on women’s rights.
• US lawmaker raises alarm over attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

News

• Police reforms: Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu announced the appointment of DCP Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer, signaling a reshuffle aimed at strengthening communication and public trust.
• Recruitment drive: The Nigeria Police Force commenced physical and credential screening for 50,000 constable applicants across all states, a major step in addressing manpower shortages.
• Security concerns: Reports of attacks on Christian communities, including the burning of a church in Wukari, drew international attention, with US Representative Riley Moore urging Nigeria to act decisively.

Business

• Analysts highlighted economic uncertainty as inflation and foreign exchange pressures continue to weigh on businesses.
• The police recruitment exercise was also noted for its economic impact, creating employment opportunities and boosting local economies through logistics and services.
• Corporate leaders urged government to accelerate reforms to attract foreign investment amid global market volatility.

Entertainment

• International Women’s Day events featured concerts, exhibitions, and film screenings celebrating Nigerian women in arts and culture.
• Afrobeats stars continued to dominate international charts, with new releases gaining traction in Europe and the US.
• Nollywood producers announced upcoming projects with streaming platforms, expanding Nigeria’s global film footprint.

Politics

• Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, revealed plans to challenge the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026 in court, arguing it undermines democratic processes.
• The APC in Oyo State accused Governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP of instigating fresh political violence, raising concerns about stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
• Women’s groups used International Women’s Day to call for greater representation in governance and policy-making.

Sports

• Nigerian football league matches continued, with clubs battling for top positions as mid-season approaches.
• Preparations intensified for Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers, with the national team expected to announce its squad soon.
• Women’s sports federations marked International Women’s Day with events promoting female participation in athletics.

World

• Nigeria’s internal security challenges drew international concern, particularly from US lawmakers highlighting attacks on Christian communities.
• ECOWAS leaders urged restraint amid Gulf tensions, warning of potential global fallout that could affect Nigeria’s economy and security.
• Nigerian diaspora groups welcomed ongoing reforms, hoping for stronger diplomatic and economic ties with host countries.

My people, big news dey drop from Benue side! Na so the state government don kick off resettlement for victims wey dem attack for Yelewata back in June 2025. Mrs. Deborah Aber, wey be the Secretary to the State Government, don yan this for press conference wey happen for Makurdi dey shine light on wetin dey go down.

Aber, wey also dey run the Technical Committee for the Donations for IDPs, talk say dem don gather about N1.275 billion as donations from four generous benefactors. Na big money o! She mention some of dem be like Sen. Oluremi Tinubu wey drop N1 billion, Nassarawa State Government wey contribute N150 million, United Bank for Africa wey give N100 million, and DSS Director General wey add N25 million. All these money no dey go just Yelewata victims alone, e dey aim to support all victims across the state.

As the Governor, Hyacinth Alia, don establish the committee, dem suppose make sure say the funds go meet the exact needs of the people. Aber go further yarn about how dem don break down the money for different areas wey dey need am: N56 million for cash transfer, N224 million for food and nutrition, N125 million for WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), N277 million for resettlement and many more…

Aber explain say with their international partners, dem don create model wey dey acceptable globally for resettlement. Dis one wey dey involve settling victims close to dem original places, so dem fit return go their farmland and life go fit return to normal. Dem don earmark land and plan to build 60 houses for those wey suffer the attacks, although she admit say the 60 houses no fit contain all the IDPs wey dey there.

As we dey talk, 38 of those houses wey get two bedrooms don dey roofing stage, with three don don complete. The aim na to ensure say these displaced people fit dey live better life dey close to their homes. Aber talk say dem also don do mapping of who fit benefit from the scheme to make sure say help go reach the people wey really need am.

On top healthcare matter, she announce say 5,883 IDPs don enroll for Benue State Health Insurance. Each of dem don get N10,000 premium paid to make sure say dem fit access medical care whenever dem need am. Wetin sweet pass be say dem don still provide clean water for some communities wey dey affected by the attack.

For education matter, the money wey dem allocate don build four classrooms for Yelwata and dem don supply textbooks plus bags for the children wey go school. Aber even thank their partners, talk say UNHCR dey construct world-class clinic for Yelewata, na big step in the right direction.