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President Tinubu Confers National Honour On Ogoni Four

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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President Tinubu Confers National Honour On Ogoni Four

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on the late Ogoni leaders Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage, collectively known as the “Ogoni Four.”

The President announced on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving the report of the Ogoni Consultations Committee.

This recognition of the Ogoni Four by President Tinubu showcases his administration’s enduring legacy and commitment to the rights and welfare of the Ogoni people, according to the government.

The conferment was part of the acknowledgement of individuals who have contributed to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and history.

Speaking to the Ogoni delegates, President Tinubu urged the people of Ogoniland to embrace reconciliation and unity after decades of division.

“May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage and purpose among us. I urge the Ogoni people across classes, communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us and move forward as a united community with one voice,” President Tinubu said.

The President assured stakeholders that his administration would support Ogoniland’s journey to peace, environmental remediation, and economic revival, while also facilitating the return of oil exploration to the area.

“I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production. The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity,” Tinubu said.

The president recalled that in 2022, the previous administration handed over the operation of the Ogoni oil field to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners, stressing that his government would honour and build on that decision.

Also, President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately commence engagement between the Ogoni people, NNPCL, its partners, and all relevant stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting operations.

“A dead asset is not valuable to the community, the country or the people. The longer we procrastinate, the worse it is for everyone,” the President said, while also directing the Minister of Environment to integrate pollution remediation and environmental recovery into the broader framework of dialogue with the people.

President Tinubu further called on Ogoni indigenes to partner with the government in transforming wealth into more blessings for Nigeria

“Let us together turn pain into purpose, conflict into cooperation, and transform the wealth beneath Ogoni soil into a blessing for the people and for Nigeria.”

Presenting the report earlier, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the consultation exercise engaged all four Ogoni zones, with input from local communities, traditional leaders, and the diaspora.

The NSA added that stakeholders have equally agreed that the report should serve as a blueprint for implementation, with an inter-agency task force comprising NNPCL, relevant ministries, and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee to drive execution.

The NSA emphasised that the process was not just about submitting a report but about restoring hope and trust in Ogoniland after years of neglect and conflict.

Also, speaking at the Ogoni report presentation, Governor of Rivers State Sim Fubara affirmed that there are clear indications the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is genuinely committed to resolving age long issues in Ogoniland.

“Fubara said that the presented report on Ogoni Consultations is a sign that this government is serious about resolving these issues, and I think we need to give them all the necessary opportunity and time to ensure that this problem is resolved once and for all. 

“Let me thank the committee. I believe that the reason why I’m also speaking before the professor is because he has a better information, like I said, since I’ve been away for a while, to give us here, but so far, let me again thank the dialogue committee and assure everyone that would do everything humanly possible to make sure that we succeed on this national assignment.”

Inclusive Engagement

The Chairman of the Dialogue Committee, Professor Don Baridam, affirmed that the committee ensured inclusive engagement of all stakeholders throughout the consultation process.

He emphasised that the final report embodies the unified aspirations of the Ogoni people.

Baridom noted that the report comprehensively captures key demands from the community, including structured participation in oil production, a renewed commitment to environmental remediation, and the establishment of a sustainable development framework.

He added that collective mandate is to guide ongoing negotiations and policy formulation processes affecting Ogoni land.

Oil exploration in Ogoniland stopped in 1993 following sustained protests against environmental degradation and injustice, which culminated in the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists in 1995.

Recall that President Tinubu recognised the ogoni nine on June 12th, during Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations, he granted posthumous national honours to the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other eight members of the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995.

The President also exercised his presidential powers to grant them full pardons, commemorating their sacrifice in the struggle for environmental justice and human rights in Nigeria.

 

 

Gombe State Ranks Second Nationally in Fiscal Transparency

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Gombe State Ranks Second Nationally in Fiscal Transparency

BudgIT’s latest Subnational Transparency Assessment ranks Gombe State as a top-tier performer in fiscal transparency and accountability, placing it second nationwide with an impressive score of 99 out of 100.

The ranking, which evaluated fiscal transparency across the 36 states and the FCT in the second quarter of 2025, placed Gombe among the “Progressive Performers,” second only to Ekiti State, which led with a single point higher.

The report attributed this remarkable performance to the “strong commitment to openness and accountability of Gombe in the implementation of projects and policies under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.”

It added that Gombe State excelled particularly in the timely publication of critical fiscal documents, including its Approved Budget, Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Citizens’ Budget, and Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports (BIRs).

Also Read: January 2026: Nigerian Government To Implement New Fiscal Tax Laws

“The state also stood out for maintaining an updated e-procurement portal and a functional website with fiscal data, ensuring easy public access to financial information,” the report noted.

This unprecedented achievement reflects the sustained efforts of Governor Yahaya, who has made open governance and transparency in policy and project implementation a cornerstone of his leadership.

The Governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability is instilling fiscal discipline and giving citizens clear insight into how their resources are being managed and spent.

In a country where fiscal secrecy often hinders progress, Gombe State’s strides have positioned it as a model of transparency and smart resource management. Its commitment to good governance is winning the trust of citizens, attracting investors, and drawing in support from development partners.

With Gombe already excelling in most of the indices, the state is on course to maintain its leadership in fiscal transparency and continue to serve as a benchmark for governance reforms across Nigeria.

IGP Warns Against Attacks on Police Officers

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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IGP Warns Against Attacks on Police Officers

The Nigerian Police says it will no longer tolerate unprovoked attacks on police officers.

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, gave the warning during a conference with senior police officers in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

IGP Egbetokun lamented recent attacks on 11 Police personnel on September 19 and 22 by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre, Katsina Ala.

The IGP clarified, ” I have issued warnings against attacks on police officers carrying out their lawful duties.

“Attacks on our personnel are unacceptable. We do not condone any form of assault on police officers performing their legitimate functions.

“Repeatedly, I have appealed to the public: if you disagree with the conduct of any police officer, kindly report the matter to the appropriate authorities.”

The Police Chief emphasised that “every state has a Commissioner of Police, every division has a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and every area has an Area Commander.”

Egbetokun added that the Police Force also has a Complaint Response Unit in all police formations across the Federation, and their contact details have been publicised several times for the public.

He lamented that “If you disagree with the behaviour of any police officer, do not attack them, report their conduct to their superior. Be assured that such reports will not be ignored.

“All necessary disciplinary actions will be taken against the offending officer.”

He stated that disciplinary measures taken against erring officers were made public to encourage citizens to report misconduct.

According to him, the Force takes reports of misconduct by men and officers seriously and never hesitate to discipline those found culpable.

The Police Chief also emphasised that the authorities would not shut the door on criminals who wished to embrace peace.

The IGP, who responded to questions on the ongoing negotiations with notorious bandit leaders in Katsina State, added that if they were willing to surrender, they would be welcomed.

 

Engineering Professionals Urged to Utilise AI, Big Data

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Engineering Professionals Urged to Utilise AI, Big Data

Nigerian civil engineers have been called upon to take advantage of artificial intelligence and Big Data to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure that responds to the needs of growing populations.

The Engineers have also been advised not to just be consumers of technology but to contribute to it.

The African Continental Representative of World Council of Civil Engineers, WCCE, Dr Aishatu Aliyu Umar, made the call at the 20th General Assembly of the WCCE holding in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Speaking on the theme of the Assembly “Artificial Intelligence, Data and Design: Reimagining Civil Engineering for a Connected World,” she pointed out the different ways artificial intelligence is reshaping the engineering landscape.

“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is here, shaping how we model bridges, monitor structural integrity, manage urban traffic, predict environmental hazards, and even optimise construction costs in real-time. Combined with big data analytics and cutting-edge design tools, we now have the potential to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructures.”

She advocated for engineers to contribute to data and technology that would advance the profession by mainstreaming data-driven policy in our public works, ensuring the curricula in universities reflect the new digital reality, pushing for collaboration across borders, sharing knowledge and resources so no region is left behind.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume, said the challenges of climate change, rapid urbanisation and population expansion have raised the need for engineers to be innovative in building resilient infrastructure that would push development.

“This year’s theme is both timely and inspiring. It underscores the urgent need to harness emerging technologies to transform infrastructural planning, improve construction processes and optimise resources.

“The integration of artificial intelligence and data-driven design will open new frontiers for productivity, sustainability and connectivity across the nation”, Akume said.

The SGF, who was represented by his senior technical adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said the General Assembly is timely as it is taking place at a time when the Nigerian President has prioritised infrastructure in his development agenda and is carrying out this agenda through several flagship infrastructural projects.

The President of the WCCE, Mr Oscar Alberto Sánchez Zúñiga, pointed out that climate change, natural disasters and lack of sustainable infrastructure underscore the role of engineers even in providing solutions.

He emphasised the importance of Engineers viewing their profession as a service to humanity.

“Let us renew our commitment to excellence, responsibility, sustainability and ethics. Let us never forget that we are builders of trust, leaving a piece of ourselves in every project and planting seeds for a better tomorrow,” Zuniga said.

 

 

Malawi’s President Concedes Election to Predecessor

Shakirat Sadiq
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Malawi’s President Concedes Election to Predecessor

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has conceded defeat in this month’s presidential election to his rival and predecessor, Peter Mutharika, in the largely poor Southern African nation, battered by soaring costs and severe fuel shortages.

“It is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution.

“It was clear that my rival, Peter Mutharika, had an insurmountable lead over me.

“In the days that remain, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power,” Chakwera said.

While the Electoral Commission was due to release the results of the vote at a briefing later on Wednesday, official results released so far show that ex-president Mutharika has gained a strong lead over Chakwera.

Last week, citizens took to the polls to vote on the country’s next leader, in a vote that analysts predicted would be one of the most tightly contested elections in the country in recent history between Mutharika and Chakwera, the candidates of the two biggest parties in Malawi’s parliament.

 

Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

chidi igwe
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Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion of England’s safe hands Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, in Paris.

Nnadozie, who has been Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years, was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for this summer’s Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where she played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th triumph.

“We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said.

Sanusi also gave kudos to Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu, who also finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

“Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory at the WAFCON in Morocco. We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.”

Nnadozie finished fourth behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton, who took home the Trophée Yachine (named after former Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin), Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll.

She however finished above Arsenal FC’s Daphne van Domselaar in the Top Five.

Madugu was fourth in a race won by Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title, and which also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.

Nigerian Equities Extend Losses as Index Falls by 0.40%

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Nigerian Equities Extend Losses as Index Falls by 0.40%
Toyin Ajadi

For the second consecutive day this week, losses persisted on the Nigerian equities market on Tuesday, with key indicators declining by 0.40%.

The All-Share Index shed 568.62 basis points, or 0.40%, to close at 140,929.60 points, compared to 142,498.22 points recorded on Monday. Market capitalisation also depreciated by ₦326 billion to settle at ₦89.198 trillion.

Market sentiment remained negative, with 16 gainers against 35 losers at the close of trading.

Leading the gainers’ list were Thomas Wyatt Nigeria, Chellarams, and RT Briscoe, which recorded price increases of 9.8%, 9.59%, and 9.5% respectively, closing at ₦2.80, ₦16.00, and ₦3.92.

Also Read: NGX Equities Maintain Negative Close

Conversely, Dangote Sugar Refinery topped the losers’ chart with a 10% drop to close at ₦54.00. It was followed by Wema Bank, which fell by 8.27% to ₦18.85, while Secure Electronic Technology declined by 6.25% to ₦0.75.

Consolidated Hallmark Holdings recorded the highest trading volume with 170 million shares, followed by Zenith Bank with 104 million shares.

A total of 759,058,546 shares, valued at ₦25.72 billion, were traded in 23,639 deals on Tuesday.

Nigeria, UAE Firm Sign Landmark Deal on Cargo Security

Lantana Nasir
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Nigeria, UAE Firm Sign Landmark Deal on Cargo Security

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DALIL Engineering Company of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the deployment of Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems across Nigerian airports.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, described the agreement as a bold step towards repositioning Nigeria as a leading aviation and logistics hub in Africa.

Keyamo said implementation of the MoU will begin with feasibility studies in October 2025, followed by a nationwide rollout in the third quarter of 2026.

He stressed that the adoption of ACI systems will be a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation and cargo operations.

According to him, ACI will strengthen aviation security through early detection of high-risk cargo, reduce clearance bottlenecks, streamline cargo processing and improve efficiency.

He added that it would also enhance government revenue assurance via real-time data capture, facilitate international trade, and boost Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics hub.

He further explained that the system aligns with global best practices and ensures compliance with ICAO and WCO standards.

Keyamo also stated that the partnership with DALIL UAE, a globally recognised provider of aviation security and cargo solutions, goes beyond technology transfer, as it seeks to entrench resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in the aviation sector.

“This MoU is not just about technology transfer; it is about building resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Nigeria is now set to leverage cutting-edge innovation to drive security, trade facilitation, and revenue growth,” he stated.

He assured that the Federal Government will continue to provide the enabling policy environment necessary for the smooth implementation and sustainability of the project.

The agreement was sealed during a high-level mission to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

EU Backs Nigeria’s Strategy To Strengthen National Security

Lantana Nasir
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EU Backs Nigeria’s Strategy To Strengthen National Security

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to stand with Nigeria in tackling insurgency by supporting the country’s updated Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violence.

This was disclosed at the validation workshop, convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, which brought together ministries, security agencies, civil society, academics, faith leaders, and international partners.

According to the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, the revised framework marks a critical step in tackling the drivers of violence while safeguarding citizens’ rights.

The envoy underlined the importance of implementing the strategy at the state and community levels, ensuring rural areas are not left behind, and prioritising youth empowerment programmes to undercut extremist recruitment. 

“To conquer the hearts and minds of the population, protecting and respecting fundamental rights is key,” Mignot warned.

Welcoming participants on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, said the review was more than a technical process; it was the endorsement of a shared vision. 

“This is not just about a document. It is about anchoring prevention and resilience as central pillars of Nigeria’s national strategy,” he declared.

He highlighted that since the first framework was launched in 2017, Nigeria has expanded non-kinetic approaches, from early-warning systems and counter-narratives to community engagement and youth empowerment. The updated plan now integrates gender and youth perspectives, human rights, and climate-related risks.

With the EU’s STRIVE Global programme and Hedayah providing technical support, Nigeria’s PCVE framework is expected to serve as a blueprint for coordinating government, civil society, and international responses to extremist threats.

NHIA Launches Neonatal Health Services in Kano

Kamila Bello
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NHIA Launches Neonatal Health Services in Kano

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched the neonatal component of its Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) Programme in Kano State, aimed at expanding quality healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

The initiative was formally inaugurated with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NHIA and the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), under the supervision of the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf.

The Director General of NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, represented by Dr Sikiru Salaudeen, Director of Informal Sector Department, disclosed that the pilot phase of the neonatal programme is already running in four Lagos facilities, while four hospitals in Kano, including AKTH, will also administer the scheme.

Dr Salaudeen explained that over 200 facilities nationwide are already implementing the maternal component of the programme, treating more than 14,000 women, 40 per cent of them from Kano.

He emphasised that, “The neonatal component builds on the successes of the maternal arm, targeting conditions such as birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice, and acute surgical emergencies.

“To ensure transparency, independent external verifiers have been engaged to provide oversight.”

Speaking on behalf of AKTH, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Abdurahman Suwaid, revealed that 972 women had already benefited from the maternal component at the hospital, making it the largest NHIA beneficiary-holding facility in Nigeria.

The MoU also covers three other Kano-based facilities: Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, and Khalifah Shiek Isiyaka Rabiu Paediatric Hospital.

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