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Army Dismisses Mutiny Claims, Reaffirms Commitment to Troops Welfare

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The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading, reports alleging that soldiers are threatening mutiny over salaries and allowances, describing the claims as deliberate attempts to undermine public confidence and national security.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the report, published by an online platform, relied on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels and does not reflect the conduct or disposition of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

The Army stressed that at no time has there been any threat of mutiny within its ranks.

It noted that mutiny remains a grave offence under military law and is alien to the ethos, discipline and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel, who remain loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

In the statement, Colonel Anele explained that “grievances within the Army are addressed through established internal procedures, not public platforms, and cautioned against narratives that falsely portray the institution as unstable or lawless.”

Clarifying issues around remuneration, the Army stated that promotion increments represent only one component of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings. Military remuneration, it noted, includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary based on deployment, qualification and responsibility.

Colonel Anele further disclosed that the Army continues to implement structured welfare reforms in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities. These include periodic salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families.

Since assuming office, the Chief of Army Staff has initiated constructive engagements with appropriate authorities on troop welfare, engagements which are already yielding progressive outcomes,” the statement reads

The Army also reaffirmed that the Nigerian Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, particularly amid evolving security challenges.

Reiterating its position, the Nigerian Army described itself as a cohesive, disciplined and professional force focused on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.

It urged members of the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information concerning the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Army.

 

 

 

Nigerian Government Denies Lagos Gold Refinery Claims

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The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has dismissed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) alleging that the Nigerian Government sited a gold refinery in Lagos State in violation of the federal character principle.

In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Segun Tomori, the Ministry described the allegation contained in a statement signed by NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere as “false and misleading”.

“There is no federal government–owned gold refinery in Lagos State or anywhere else in the country,” the statement clarified.

According to the Ministry, the newly established gold refinery referenced by NEF is a private-sector initiative of Kian Smith, a 100 percent privately owned mining company.

The refinery was developed to support the growth of Nigeria’s local gold industry through innovation and value addition.

The Ministry clarified that “at no point did the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announce that the Federal Government had established or owned a gold refinery in Lagos. Rather, the Minister clearly stated that multiple gold refineries are being developed across the country by different private investors.”

The Federal Government congratulated the Founder and Managing Director of Kian Smith, Ms. Nere Emiko, for her resilience and leadership in delivering what it described as a dream project after years of perseverance and enterprise.

The Ministry further noted that the refinery is a direct outcome of the value-addition policy introduced by MSMD two years ago, which discourages the export of raw minerals and promotes local processing and manufacturing.

“This policy has stimulated the conversion of raw minerals export to processing factories across the country, generating massive inflow of foreign capital and provision of thousands of jobs to Nigerians. These include the $600 million lithium plant in Nasarawa State, the $400 million rare earth plant also in Nasarawa State and the $200 million ASBA lithium plant in Abuja.

“We are shocked at the debilitating degeneration in the quality of leadership of the NEF, an organisation that used to act as a think-tank of serious discourse decades ago, which, by its recent utterances has become a parody of its pioneers.

“How could the NEF expect the Federal Government to force a private company to locate its operations in a particular area of the federation when each company has its operational and marketing strategy to ensure its profitability?” Mr. Tomori emphasised.

According to the Ministry, its reforms over the past two years have “focused on creating an enabling environment for private investment to thrive in the mining sector, with the Lagos gold refinery and other processing plants serving as evidence of the success of these policies.”

Speaking further he said “How could the NEF fail to conduct basic due diligence and research before displaying such embarrassing ignorance while purporting to act on behalf of the North, a region that boasts of accomplished academics and professionals? This negligence could only have been the result of deliberate mischief, orchestration of mistrust and acceleration of irresponsible militancy.”

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging more mining companies to establish processing and manufacturing facilities across Nigeria.

It called on NEF to support the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in building a stronger, self-reliant economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Filmmaker Urges Nollywood To Prioritise Nation-Building Through Positive Storytelling

Award-winning Nigerian Canadian actor, Lucky Ejim has urged Nollywood filmmakers to use their craft in promoting positive national values, with a focus on nation-building.

Ejim spoke in an interview on the sidelines of the January edition of the monthly Reading and Writers Dialogue, held over the weekend in Abuja.

The dialogue, held at Mamman Vatsa’s Writers Village, is a flagship initiative of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), which assembles writers, literary enthusiasts and other creatives.

Ejim featured as the special guest for the January edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Power of the Theatre and Film in Shaping Human Progress.”

According to him, in an increasingly globalised world, films have become a pivotal instrument for nations to communicate their identity, making it crucial to understand their influence.

The Toronto-based filmmaker urged Nollywood filmmakers to emulate how Hollywood depicts American heroism and influence other nations through the screen.

He said that history holds both writers and filmmakers as torch bearers of change, daring to challenge the status quo and inspire actions for positive change.

“There is no doubt that Nigerian filmmakers have so many hurdles to go through in telling some thought-provoking stories.

“But as the voice of the society, as the voice of the voiceless, as the custodians of history, the filmmakers and other creatives owe it to the society to keep speaking.

“Because there are so many people that are powerless, and if the custodians of history do not help in getting their voices out there, they will drown,” he said.

The filmmaker noted that the Nigeria film industry ecosystem has evolved and engaged teeming youths and was now contributing significantly to the national economy.

He, consequently, called for increased investment and support to boost the industry’s potential through government policies, infrastructure development, and adequate funding.

“If you look at the amount of skit makers in Nigeria that have been produced, they are by-products of the Nigerian film industry.

“That’s what gave them the leverage to say that some of these things are possible, and  they are now using the tools available to take it to the next level.

“Nigeria produces close to 2,500 films a year, where 99 per cent of that is self-funded, and that is an incredible feat.

“Hopefully down the road, when we have a co-production treaty in place, there will be more funding access and also allow filmmakers to have more tools to tell better stories,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of ANA Abuja chapter, Chukwudi Eze, said that the dialogue was part of the association’s efforts towards championing narratives that will usher in a better country for all.

“This gathering is a meeting of minds convened under a timely and necessary theme; “The Power of the Theatre and Film in Shaping Human Progress.”

“The theme is not merely academic; it is indeed most appropriate for a time like this.

“In a world struggling with fractured identities, contested histories, and shifting moral landscapes, the arts remain one of humanity’s most faithful instruments for truth, empathy and transformation,” he said

He noted that in this session, Ejim joins an array of distinguished panelists to explore how theatre and film have shaped civilizations, from ancient communal storytelling to contemporary world cinema.

The event featured a discussion panel, spoken word and other activities by students, as well as the presentation of awards.

 

 

 

NAN/Foluke Ibitomi

Mozambique President Cancel Trip to Davos Over Flooding

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Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has cancelled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week due to severe floods that have damaged infrastructure and affected hundreds of thousands of people in the Southern African country.

Chapo wrote in a post on Facebook late on Sunday that Mozambique “is going through a tough time … (and) the absolute priority at this moment is to save lives.”

Heavy rains since mid-December have caused widespread floods in Mozambique’s Gaza, Maputo and Sofala provinces, with several river basins above alert levels, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report on Sunday.

The OCHA report said authorities estimated that more than 400,000 people had been affected, with numbers expected to rise as rains continue.

Neighbouring South Africa has deployed an air force helicopter to Mozambique to help with search-and-rescue efforts.

Heavy rains have also affected parts of South Africa, including the northeast, where its renowned Kruger National Park is located.

On Monday, Kruger reopened to day visitors after being closed for several days.

Flooding has become more frequent and severe in southeastern Africa as climate change makes storms in the adjacent Indian Ocean more powerful.

 

Reuters/Shakirat Sadiq

Uganda Partially Restores Internet After Museveni Wins 7th Term

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Ugandan authorities late on Saturday partially restored internet services after 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni won for a seventh term to extend his rule into a fifth decade with a landslide victory rejected by the opposition.

Users reported being able to reconnect to the internet around 11 p.m. local time (2000 GMT) on Saturday, and some internet service providers sent out a message to customers saying the regulator had ordered them to restore services excluding social media.

We have restored internet so that businesses that rely on the internet can resume work,” David Birungi, spokesperson for Airtel Uganda (AIRTEL.UG), one of the country’s biggest telecom companies said.

He added that the state communications regulator had ordered that social media remain shut down.

Read Also: Ugandan Museveni Leads in Tense Election

Uganda’s President Museveni Takes Lead in Election Results

State-run Uganda Communications Commission said it had cut off the internet to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks.” The opposition, however, criticised the move saying it was to cement control over the electoral process and guarantee a win for the incumbent.

The electoral body in the East African country on Saturday declared Museveni the winner of Thursday’s poll with 71.6% of the vote while his rival pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine was credited with 24% of the vote.

A joint report from an election observer team from the African Union and other regional blocs criticised the involvement of the military in the election and the authorities’ decision to cut off the internet.

“The internet shut down implemented two days before the elections limited access to information, freedom of association, curtailed economic activities…it also created suspicion and mistrust on the electoral process,” the team said in their report published on Saturday.

In power since 1986 and currently Africa’s third longest-ruling head of state, Museveni’s latest win means he will have been in power for nearly half a century when his new term ends in 2031.

 

Reuters/Shakirat Sadiq

NECABN Endorses President Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid

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A group known as the Network Capacity Building for Nigeria (NECABN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 Presidential election.

The group said it is set to mobilise grassroots support across the country, leveraging its over 72 million registered members to strengthen the President’s re-election bid.

At a briefing in Abuja, the President of NECABN, Dr. Hussena Otaru, described the groups endorsement as a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and ongoing reforms.

She noted that the organisation was committed to rallying Nigerians at the community level in support of his vision for national development and a more prosperous Nigeria.

Dr. Otaru explained that the group’s nationwide structure and extensive membership base would be fully deployed to promote voter engagement and consolidate support for the President as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.

Our team, the Network Capacity Building for Nigeria cuts across six geo political zones of the country and we control a total of 72million Nigerians under the group of NECBN where we have 419 registered other NGOs training and directly impacting the lives of Nigerians, we also supported the incumbent through Tinubu Network Capacity Building:we called it Renewal Hope for Nigeria, that was also through the broader platform of NECABN and this same numbers of people believe in our political alignments and interest,” she explained.

Dr Otaru recalled that NECABN which previously operated under the registered name Nigerian women and youth empowerment garnered 2,779,845 votes across each states of Nigeria, describing the group of NGOs as an integral contributor to the late Muhammadu Buhari’s 12million votes over the years.

NECABN had operated under our previous registered name of Nigerian women and youth empowerment and these network of people had been supportive of transformative and progressive democracy in Nigeria, since 1993, but when we registered NECABN in 2010 we saw the need to further support every worthy cause that deepens Nigeria’s democracy and I must say emphatically that the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu fits into our vision and expectations for Nigeria.”

This NGO under its former registered name mobilised grassroots support for the winner of the 1993 Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola and with this NGO we also supported the election of ex-president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, also the NGO supported the Presidency of late President Yaradua and Goodluck Jonathan as his Vice the we called Yaradua/Jonathan movement,” she added.

Describing President Tinubu as a reformer and a bold strategist, Dr Otaru said no known Nigeria stood for the defense of democracy like President Bola Tinubu , the NECABN President, praised the Leadership courage, and vision of President Tinubu for Nigeria.

She condemned what she described as vocal opposition whose interests are driven by vested interests and political bitterness.

The group President emphasised that recent coordinated security attacks were designed to derail the Tinubu led government that is making frantic effort to place Nigeria on the path of genuine national recovery.

Dr Otaru noted that four years was too small to change narratives about Nigeria, that “many opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar and the like of Peter Obi who are serial contenders struggling to lead Nigeria, what impact can they make ? in almost 3years that President Tinubu has been steering the ship of leadership of Nigeria, there is no way a serious minded successful reformer like Tinubu will leas Nigeria and we will expect him to spend just four years and fix the rot of several decades.

President Tinubu has been an ardent supporter of democracy in Nigeria and Africa hence his relationship with late MKO, he had also been a pillar behind the success of many political big wigs, Tinubu deployed his full capacity for late President Buhari to win on his 5th attempt at Presidency and several many others who now make noise in other political parties criticizing what he is re-building,” she explained.

EconomicChallenges

. Otaru noted the economic challenges Nigerians had faced during the first year of the Tinubu administration.

She commended Nigerians for the sacrifices made so far in the previous months but urged citizens to further trust the administration of President Bola Tinubu to consolidate with gains on the successes recorded in the past two years.

She said, “Tinubu is not a failure at governance and in achieving the strategies planned to attain the renewed hope developmental agenda, he has the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians at heart, it is important to always know that President Tinubu inherited an empty purse and almost a wrecked system before he assumed office in 2023,but because he is not a leader who condemns he believe in action more than talking like the oppositions do.

We must acknowledge the first year of administration was turbulent and you would agree with me that many reforms were introduced simultaneously and that affected a lot of things in the country, that was the time of pains but, I can assure you that Nigeria has entered into season of rest and gains, I must commend Nigerians for the sacrifices made in the past few months but Nigerians will have to trust President Tinubu again for another four years to be able to see the results of all the transformative policies introduced by the Tinubu led government.

The NECABN President listed improvements in investment inflows, regulatory transparency, energy alternatives, and educational support as major reforms of the Tinubu administration

Education Investment

Dr Otaru noted that the Tinubu led administration as invested over N150 billion on 788,000 students under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund initiative across Nigeria without ignoring any state.

She maintained that for Nigeria under President Tinubu, the year 2025 was a bumper year for targeted and catalytic policymaking and implementation, particularly for young Nigerians.

“Our President has worked hard enough to expand Foreign Direct Investment into the country, and he has repositioned the image of Nigeria in the committee of nations,” she noted.

The NECABN President further identified President Tinubu’s commitment to enforcing the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.

She noted that with the efforts, citizens would acknowledge President Tinubu’s readiness to strengthen governance at the grassroots level which included broader plans to tackle and end the menace of banditry in Nigeria.

Improving Tax

Dr. Otaru noted and applauded the efforts of President Tinubu at improving tax-to-GDP ratio from about 10% to over 13.5%.

She highlighted that this demonstrated better tax collection and increased government revenue without burdening the poor.

As it is, the new tax regime will usher in a more progressive personal income tax scheme, higher exemption ceilings for small businesses, and a new development levy.

No VAT on basics like food, school fees, medical services, pharmaceuticals, or electricity the government is keeping its hands off stuff people actually need to survive.

The results are evident. Nigeria’s economy posted a 4.6% GDP growth in Q4 2024, and the 2025 projection stands at around 3.6%. The fiscal deficit has narrowed significantly, dropping from 5.4% in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. Most impressively, the debt service-to-revenue ratio once nearly 100% — has been brought down to below 40%, signaling responsible fiscal management.”

Ahead of the 2027 Presidential polls, Dr Otaru emphasised that a second term for President Tinubu transcends politics, but it is more about continuity, stability, and development.

We need to allow President Bola Tinubu complete what he started. Achieving all round prosperity is never easy, but with resolute leadership as President Tinubu has since consistently demonstrated this becomes realizable and as we all can see President Tinubu has shown that he is up to the task and capable of effecting the change we look forward to see in Nigeria” Dr. Otaru added.

 

CAF Condemns Unacceptable Behaviour During AFCON Final

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CAF have condemned the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat last night.

Africa’s football governing body strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.

Senegal Coach Thiaw Leaves Press Conference After Jeers

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Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was roundly jeered and then walked out of his scheduled post-match press conference, as the drama of Sunday’s contentious Africa Cup of Nations final continued well after the final whistle.

Thiaw ordered his players off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before they returned to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time and win the trophy.

The penalty was awarded following a VAR check by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after Brahim Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back El Hadji Malick Diouf while defending a corner five minutes into stoppage time.

But Senegal reacted angrily to the decision and walked off, some players going down the tunnel and into their changing room. It took 14 minutes before they returned and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Diaz’s poorly taken Panenka-style chipped spot kick.

Thiaw had been expected to explain his decision at the post-match press conference but when he entered the room the coach was jeered by Moroccan journalists while their Senegalese counterparts clapped.

Failure by officials to quieten a rowdy room then saw Thiaw leave.

The Senegal coach was central to the scenes that clouded the final and could face heavy sanction from the Confederation of African Football.

President Tinubu Celebrates Customs CG Adeniyi At 60

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, on his 60th birthday, describing him as a committed public servant whose reforms have strengthened the nation’s trade and revenue architecture.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President rejoiced with Adeniyi on the milestone.

He noted that his years of dedicated service, hard work and pursuit of excellence have repositioned the Customs Service for more efficient service delivery.

President Tinubu said under Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has recorded landmark reforms, improved community relations, boosted revenue generation and enhanced Nigeria’s trade engagements with other countries.

The President also highlighted Adeniyi’s role in transforming the Service into a globally competitive institution, an effort that culminated in his election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in June 2025.

President Tinubu also commended the Customs Comptroller-General for continually positively projecting Nigeria and Africa on the global stage through inclusive, practical and charismatic leadership at the WCO.

As Adeniyi marks his 60th birthday on January 19, President Tinubu prayed for renewed strength, good health and wisdom for him to continue serving the nation.

 

VP Shettima Arrives in Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the alpine town of Davos, Switzerland, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23, 2026.

The Vice President arrived on Sunday evening from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Saturday.

He was received on arrival by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Yussuf Tuggar, and Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland.

The 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of “Nigeria House Davos.”

For the first time, the Federal Government has established a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.

This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will serve as a permanent hub for high-level ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week.

Vice President Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to the world’s most influential political and business leaders, as he participates in key plenary sessions focusing on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology.

Throughout the week, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, top executives from multinational corporations, and leaders of international development finance institutions to deepen partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In an interview with journalists shortly after the VP’s arrival, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said Nigeria would make a robust presentation of investment opportunities in the country at the launch of the Nigeria House in Davos which will focus on President Tinubu’s efforts in revamping the economy.