Gunmen have reportedly abducted one Chiamaka Obi, a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member, along Niger-Onitsha expressway in Niger state.

Obi, who is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti, Orsu LGA of Imo state, was said to have been kidnapped on Monday while returning from Kebbi state after the completion of her youth service.

The corp member was said to have been abducted alongside a family of four, the bus driver and three other passengers.

Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Uche Agabige, a member of the Imo state house of assembly, said the abductors are demanding for a ”outrageous” ransom for her release.

Agabige expressed concern over Obi’s safety, while urging the Imo state government to launch an investigation into her abduction in order to apprehend the perpetrators.

The lawmaker also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.

“Miss Chiamaka Linda Obi is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti autonomous community in Orsu local government council area where I represent at the State Assembly. She was returning home on Monday after completing her NYSC when she was kidnapped,” Agabige said.

“The kidnappers have demanded an outrageous ransom for her release. So, I call on government to intervene and ensure the victim is freed without being harmed.”

Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson, was not available for comments on the incident as his phone numbers were unreachable as at the time of writing this report.

President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery”.

In a statement on Monday night, Bayo Onanuga said Sunday Dare, the special adviser on public communication and national orientation, is now the special adviser on media and public communications.

Onanuga added that Daniel Bwala, announced last week as a special adviser on media and public communication, will now function as the special adviser on policy communication.

“These appointments, along with the existing role of special adviser, information and strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the presidency,” the statement reads.

“Instead, all three special advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.

“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”

There had been some confusion as Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.

However, on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson.

“Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House). I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage on that even for more synergy,” he wrote on his X handle.

President Bola Tinubu has sacked Chioma Ejikeme, the executive secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

The development comes almost a week after retirees under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) staged a protest at the federal ministry of finance, Abuja, over unpaid benefits since March 2023.

In a statement on Monday, Olugbenga Ajayi, head of the corporate communications unit at PTAD, announced that Tolulope Odunaiya has been appointed as the new executive secretary of the organisation.

According to the statement, Odunaiya officially assumed office at the PTAD headquarters on November 18, succeeding Ejikeme, who served from August 2019 to November 2024.

Ejikeme was removed from office 13 months after she was reappointed for a second term by Tinubu in October 2023.

“We are delighted to inform our Publics especially PTAD pensioners and other stakeholders of the appointment of Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the substantive Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD),” the statement reads.

“Miss Odunaiya assumed office today, 18th November, 2024 at the PTAD Headquarters where Management and Staff of the Directorate welcomed her warmly. She is taking over from Dr. Chioma Nnenna Ejikeme who was the Executive Secretary from August 2019 to November 2024.”

In her address to the staff members, according to the statement, Odunaiya pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors.

She assured the team of a new chapter — one focused on collaboration, unity, and a common purpose — aimed at achieving significant results and lasting progress.

“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this Directorate. I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to bringing us to this point,” Odunaiya said.

“My vision is for a Directorate where every individual feels recognized, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions.

“I urge all of us to transcend personal interests and come together around our shared purpose: improving the lives of our pensioners, who have selflessly served this nation, often in challenging circumstances.”

‘PENSIONERS ARE BACKBONE OF NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT’

Odunaiya said pensioners are the backbone of the nation’s history and development, having dedicated their time, expertise, and efforts to shaping the Nigeria inherited today.

“It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure they receive the care, respect, and timely entitlements they deserve. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten, and through our collective efforts, we can reaffirm their value to the nation and make their retirement years fulfilling,” she added.

The executive secretary pledged to align with PTAD’s mission and vision in support of Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda for a prosperous Nigeria.

She said by prioritising efficiency, accountability, and compassion, the organisation will help create a nation where all citizens, particularly those who devoted their lives to public service, feel valued and supported.

According to the statement, Odinaiya toured the various departments and units within the directorate to get firsthand information on its administration and processes.