Today’s evening news recap begins with a rather sad event that has rocked the nation since yesterday.

At the top of the list is the recent NAF ATR-42 aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, had a total of 25 persons onboard — five crew members and 20 passengers.

The incident has drawn condolence messages from President Bola Tinubu, opposition political parties, top politicians, and even the international community.

Next up is a claim made by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, who said staff of the commission are the least paid workers in the country.

Furthermore, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof Segun Aina, has explained why a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre will be established in Canada.

The evening recap in full:

1. FULL LIST: NAF names 25 victims of Ondo aircraft crash

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of all 25 people on board an NAF ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

The NAF, in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.

Read more about this here.

2. 2027: INEC lists states with highest registered voters

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said staff of the commission are the least paid workers in the country.

Amupitan disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections at a World Press Conference.

He said the commission had taken steps to improve the welfare of its personnel, noting that better remuneration was necessary to make staff accountable for their responsibilities.

“INEC staff are the least paid in Nigeria. So, we felt if we want to demand and hold our staff responsible, we should give them a living wage,” Amupitan said.

Read more about this here.

3. Why JAMB took UTME to Canada – Registrar

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Segun Aina, has explained the decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding access to education rather than generating revenue.

Aina said the proposed centre in Ottawa would serve Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America who wish to sit the examination for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The registrar gave the explanation in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, following public questions about the planned centre, which is expected to begin operations for the 2027 UTME.

He said JAMB currently conducts the examination in about 10 foreign countries as a service to candidates, adding that the number of applicants was not the primary consideration for establishing such centres.

Read more about this here.

4. FIFA knew Congo fielded ineligible player against Nigeria in 2026 W’Cup qualifier — Report

The apex world soccer governing body, FIFA, knew that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded an ineligible player in the 2026 World Cup qualifier game played against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, The New York Times has learnt.

The match, which was held in November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, was the final of the CAF play-offs for a spot in the intercontinental tournament.

DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1.

According to the report published on Tuesday, FIFA’s own legal officials had privately determined that Congo had breached player eligibility rules after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi failed to complete the required documentation to switch his international affiliation from France, where he had represented the youth teams.

Read more about this here.