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ECOWAS Commends Nigeria’s Swift Military Intervention in Benin Republic

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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ECOWAS Commends Nigeria’s Swift Military Intervention in Benin Republic

The ECOWAS Commission has commended Nigeria for its quick military intervention in Benin Republic as it thwarted the military takeover in  the country.

The ECOWAS President, Dr. Aliu Omar Tourey stated this during the
opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council meeting
at the ECOWAS secretariat in Abuja, Nigeria.

Dr. Tourey said “we commend the rapid intervention of ECOWAS and
Nigerian leadership in Benin Republic.

“I think this is the ECOWAS our community is looking for an ECOWAS that is rapid,
flexible and responds to the needs of our people.”

The ECOWAS Commission’s President said; the rapid response provided by
Nigeria and the leadership of the ECOWAS Chairman of Heads of Government and Authorities and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio in consultation with the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, Ghana’s
President John Mahama, Ivory Coast President, Alassan Quatara and all
the leaders of the community need to be fully recognised.”

According to him, “the ECOWAS leaders are in consultation throughout the period of foiled coup in Benin Republic.”

“We must continue to defend democracy in the region”.

“The ECOWAS is rated today, I think we have moved a little bit up, we cannot respond rapidly in one situation and propose a different course of action in a similar situation, our credibility is on the line and we must make sure we maintain our credibility,” Dr. Tourey said.

The ECOWAS said it is committed to fostering regional peace and security,
stability and integration.

 

 

 

Adamawa: Army Intensifies Coordinated Effort to Restore Peace in Lamurde LGA

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Adamawa: Army Intensifies Coordinated Effort to Restore Peace in Lamurde LGA

‎The Nigerian Government and security agencies have continued coordinated efforts to restore peace in Adamawa’s Lamurde Local Government Area following communal clash between Bachama and Chobo communities on Monday.
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‎According to the 23 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, “combined troops of the Brigade Garrison, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services were mobilised, following intelligence reports of renewed hostilities linked to unresolved land disputes and longstanding ethnic grievances.”
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‎The early deployment was part of a broader government initiative to stabilise the area and prevent the crisis from escalating.
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‎Security operatives moved swiftly into the affected communities of Tingno, Rigange, Tito, Waduku, and Lamurde, where the first confrontation occurred.
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‎The well-coordinated security response led to a decisive engagement during which three armed men were neutralized, while others fled.
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‎An additional five neutralized suspects and a motorcycle were later discovered along their withdrawal route and the army secured the Lamurde Local Government Secretariat in another operation.
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‎Meanwhile, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai and 23 Brigade, said; “the misleading report alleging that the Commander’s escorts shot women protesters was an attempt to smear the reputation of the Brigade and undermine military efforts to stabilize the area.”
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‎He emphasised that the Brigade Commander was not present at the scene, as alleged by some media outlets, but was participating virtually in the Chief of Army Staff’s operational briefing at the time.
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‎ He urged the public to disregard what he described as a “malicious publication.”
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‎The Army expressed condolences to the families of the deceased women and appealed to the warring communities to embrace peace to avoid further casualties and property destruction.
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‎As calm gradually returns, the government and security agencies say they remain committed to restoring full stability and preventing future outbreaks of violence in Lamurde and surrounding areas.

 

 

Gov Fubara dumps PDP, joins APC

Ademola Adepoju
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Gov Fubara dumps PDP, joins APC

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He announced his decision on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, marking one of the most significant political realignments in the state this year.

Fubara’s move places him among a growing number of governors and prominent political figures who have joined the APC in recent months, bolstering the party’s influence ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Details later…

Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Requires Accountability, CITAD Warns

Lantana Nasir
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Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Requires Accountability, CITAD Warns

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), warning that Nigeria’s longstanding fight against corruption must urgently address a rapidly expanding digital dimension.

In a statement marking the day, themed “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace, and Security,” CITAD reaffirmed that corruption remains “one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s development and democratic stability.”

According to the Executive Director, Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the effects of corruption continue to cut deeply across the country’s political and social landscape.

“Corruption weakens public institutions, undermines service delivery, fuels insecurity, and erodes citizens’ trust in governance. Despite the efforts of government and civil society, the persistence of corruption demands stronger systemic reforms,” he said.

CITAD expressed growing alarm over what it described as a new wave of corruption emerging within Nigeria’s digital systems. These risks include opaque data governance practices, misuse of surveillance tools, political manipulation of cybercrime laws, and poor oversight of public digital infrastructure.

“As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, embedding accountability in the digital ecosystem is no longer optional; it is essential,” Ya’u warned. He stressed that anti-corruption efforts must now cover both offline and online spaces where weak regulation enables new forms of abuse.

The organisation also condemned what it described as the increasing misuse of state power to intimidate citizens expressing governance-related concerns through digital platforms.

“Digital channels remain the most affordable platforms for citizens to express themselves,” CITAD said, urging authorities to protect online civic spaces rather than suppress them.

Lafia LG Acting Chairman Suspended in Nasarawa State

Lateefat Ibrahim
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Lafia LG Acting Chairman Suspended in Nasarawa State

The legislative arm of Lafia Local Government Council, Nasarawa State, has suspended its acting chairman, Uba Arikya, over allegations of lying under oath and abusing his office.

The Acting Speaker, Shuaibu Abba stated this while briefing journalists in Lafia, the state capital.

He said; “the suspension follows allegations that the acting chairman has accused the suspended substantive local government chairman of financing the suspension of the Speaker of the legislative arm.”

He explained that the legislative council reconvened an emergency meeting after adjourning its earlier sitting and resolved to suspend the acting chairman, citing the allegations as untrue and a case of misconduct.

Shortly after adjournment of legislative activities at 10:30 am today on issues of suspension of the Speaker based on allegations bordering on Lafia legislative council members as internal affairs of misconduct/misunderstanding from the speaker’s side.”

We received an allegation against legislative members of the Lafia local government council that the executive chairman financed the suspension of the Speaker, which is not true, by the deputy chairman/acting chairman of the Lafia local government council.”

It was reported that the chairman of Lafia Local Government Council, Hon. Mohammed Haliru Arabo, was suspended by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for three months over his alleged involvement in the impeachment of the council’s speaker.

The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau announced this after Musa Ibrahim Abubakar, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, moved a motion under matters of public importance to that effect during the House proceedings in Lafia today.

Speaker Jatau said that the suspension of the Chairman of Lafia Local Government will pave the way for a neutral investigation into the matter and bring peace and harmony to the Local Government and the State at large.

Jatau directed the Deputy Chairman of Lafia Local Government, Hon. Uba Arikiya, to take over the affairs of the Local Government pending the conclusion of the investigation into the matter.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

President Tinubu Celebrates Senate President at 63

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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President Tinubu Celebrates Senate President at 63

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his transformational leadership and lasting contributions to national development, as the former Akwa Ibom Governor celebrates his 63rd birthday.
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In a goodwill message written by the President to the Senate President on Monday, President Tinubu described Akpabio as a patriot and devoted public servant whose commitment to building a better Nigeria has remained steadfast over the decades.
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The Nigerian leader highlighted Akpabio’s service as Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, where he prioritised the development of the region, and commended his current efforts in promoting executive and legislative cooperation as head of the 10th National Assembly.
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As President of the Senate, he continues to foster executive-legislative harmony, promoting initiatives that deepen national development, peace, and security.
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As co-labourers in the service of our nation, I have always admired his strength of character and ability to remain undaunted even in the face of challenges. I salute his unwavering belief in Nigeria and commitment to its progress.
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I celebrate this special day with Senator Akpabio and pray to God to grant him many years of good health, strength, and continuous leadership impact.”
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READ ALSO: President Tinubu Hails General T.Y. Danjuma At 88

The President added that Senator Akpabio’s tenure as governor remains a defining period in the history of Akwa Ibom State, noting that he “led a remarkable transformation” that repositioned the state as a strong competitor in the national economy.
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President Tinubu recalled the extensive infrastructure development undertaken during Akpabio’s administration as Akwa Ibom State Governor, including the construction of one of Nigeria’s most iconic stadia, which he said “remains one of our best today.
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I join family, friends, associates, and members of the National Assembly to celebrate him and his decades of exceptional leadership.
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As the uncommon governor of Akwa Ibom State, as his people fondly called him, he led a remarkable transformation of the state. He made Akwa Ibom a top competitor in the national economy, providing infrastructure and building one of the most iconic stadia in the country, which remains one of our best today.
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From the government house of Akwa Ibom, he was elected into the Senate. As a minister of the Niger Delta, Senator Akpabio made the development of the region a priority,” President Tinubu added.
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He prayed to God to grant the Senate President many more years of good health, strength and impactful leadership.
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Ebonyi Government Distributes Relief Materials To Building Collapse Victim

Lateefat Ibrahim
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Ebonyi Government Distributes Relief Materials To Building Collapse Victim

The Ebonyi State Government, under the mantra of ‘people’s charter of needs’, has provided relief materials to over 150 students who were victims of the Pentagon hostel, which collapsed at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo.

The Pentagon hostel was said to be a private hostel which collapsed earlier this July.

The State Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Mrs Ann Aligwe, performed the distribution at A-EFUNAI Senate Chambers in the Ikwo Local Government Area of the State.

Mrs Aligwe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Henry Nworie, said the essence of the relief materials was to cushion the effects of the hardship created by the building collapse.

“We have brought 150 mattresses, 150 cartons of noodles, 150 bags of rice, soaps and other toiletries. His Excellency the Governor had earlier approved the money to purchase those relief materials, which were done immediately, but when we asked, we were told that the students were on holiday, which was why it was delayed to this period,” he said.

He called on the students to always be law-abiding and peaceful so that they can attract more things from the Ebonyi State Government.

The Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Student Affairs, Comrade Joshua Nwafor, thanked the Governor for providing the items.

He said the Ebonyi State Government had earlier relocated the students affected to hostels inside the school.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Charles Okolie, while receiving the items, thanked the Governor for his kindness towards the students and the school at large.

The Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Student Mobilisation, Comrade Angel Odono, urged the students to reciprocate the gesture by obtaining their voter’s cards and supporting the Governor’s re-election bid

The Student Union Government President, Comrade Nwankwo Ibere Kelvin, and one of the beneficiaries, Ojiego Chimamand, thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for coming to rescue the students in their hard time.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal Defence Pact To Boost Military Capacity

Lateefat Ibrahim
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Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal Defence Pact To Boost Military Capacity

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a defence Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture and enhancing the capacity of the nation’s armed forces through deeper military and security cooperation.

The agreement, which has been under consideration for some time, is expected to open new pathways for training, operational collaboration, and intelligence sharing between both countries at a time when Nigeria continues to confront complex internal security threats.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the MoU was signed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was represented by the Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Dr Khaled Al-Biyari.

“The signing of this MoU is a significant milestone. It has been on the drawing board for some time, and its conclusion will strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and enhance the capacity of our armed forces,” Dr Matawalle said.

Under the agreement, the MoU will remain in force for an initial period of five years and may be reviewed and renewed for a similar term by mutual consent. Either party, however, may terminate the agreement by giving a minimum of three months’ written notice through diplomatic channels.

The framework establishes broad cooperation across defence and military domains, including training, joint military exercises, technical assistance, intelligence exchange, logistics support and other mutually agreed activities designed to improve coordination and effectiveness.

The Ministry of Defence noted that the partnership is expected to deliver tangible benefits to Nigeria, particularly in professional military education, specialist training and personnel exchanges, which are critical to improving skills, doctrine and leadership across the armed forces.

In operational terms, joint exercises and shared experience are expected to enhance interoperability and readiness, while expanded cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and intelligence sharing will support ongoing efforts to address violent extremism, organised crime and internal security challenges.

The ministry described the MoU as a practical and strategic instrument that aligns with Nigeria’s long-term security priorities and defence modernisation objectives, reinforcing bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia while strengthening national and regional stability.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Relief in Sokoto as Army Neutralises 13 Suspected Bandits

Lateefat Ibrahim
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Relief in Sokoto as Army Neutralises 13 Suspected Bandits

The Nigerian Army has neutralised 13 suspected bandits and recovered several weapons during operations in the Tarah and Karawa communities in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to reports, soldiers stationed in Kurawa, near Kwanan Kimbo, engaged the terrorists in a gun battle that lasted for several hours on Monday.

A community source, who pleaded anonymity, said the troops initially ambushed the suspects and later pursued them to their enclave.

“The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits retreated and fled towards their hideout across the stream.

We counted nine bodies in our area, and another four were found in the nearby bush along the stream. Soldiers also recovered several weapons and took them back to Kurawa,” the source said.

A reliable military source confirmed the encounter, describing it as a fierce exchange in which gallant troops neutralised several terrorists without casualties on the side of the army. Eight AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition were reportedly recovered.

Another source, though not authorised to speak, added that the terrorists suffered heavy losses and that the operation was executed by troops of Operation Fanasan Yamma.

The source further revealed that early on Friday morning, bandits attacked the Gatawa community but were overpowered by local vigilantes and a military team.

Residents of Kurawa and neighbouring communities were said to have celebrated the military successes and appealed for sustained operations to protect them from further attacks.

Confirming the incident, the member representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Boza, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the terrorists had been sighted. He added that further searches were ongoing.

Sabon Birni and the surrounding communities have suffered repeated attacks from bandits in recent years.

President Tinubu Unveils New Digital Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Lateefat Ibrahim
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President Tinubu Unveils New Digital Youth Empowerment Initiatives

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that youth empowerment remains both a personal and strategic national priority.

To this end, he unveiled a coordinated suite of initiatives in digital skills, enterprise, and innovation. These programs aim to equip young Nigerians for transformative leadership and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the launch of the second edition of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA) Startup Grants and the unveiling of the NiYA Gig digital-work platform at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, President Tinubu affirmed that youth empowerment stands at the heart of Nigeria’s future and remains a defining pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said; “From the earliest days of this administration, I made a firm decision that Nigeria’s youth will not stand on the margins of our national development. This commitment is not political; it is personal.”

President Tinubu highlighted reforms designed to expand opportunities for youth-led enterprises, including easing tax compliance for small businesses, incentivising digital and creative-economy founders, and building a pipeline of young global service providers through NiYA Academy, NiYA Startup, NiYA Jobs, and the newly launched NiYA Gigs.

He also appraised the Ministry of Youth Development for expanding NiYA’s reach following the success of its debut edition, which selected beneficiaries from more than 14,000 applicants nationwide.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun said the government is preparing young Nigerians to compete globally by investing in digital infrastructure, skills development, and creating a level playing field for innovation.

He said; “Nigeria’s youth are our demographic advantage. With proper preparation, young Africans will make up 25 percent of the world’s workforce by 2050,” he said, noting that expanded broadband, digital-skills training, and sector automation will allow youth to provide exportable services without leaving the country.”

Also, Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite Udoka said that the Tinubu-led administration is accelerating financial-sector reforms to ease access to credit, expand concessional loans, strengthen tax incentives, and scale digital infrastructure to support youth-led MSMEs.

“These initiatives are deliberately designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and deepen the creativity that defines the Nigerian spirit,” she said, explaining that strengthened financial-inclusion tools, e-commerce access, and accountability systems ensure resources reach their intended beneficiaries.

In a goodwill message, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described Nigeria’s youthful, digitally fluent population as “the nation’s greatest asset and the engine of a diversified economy.”

“Our human capital, our talent, is our new oil,” he said, noting that over 70 percent of Nigeria’s 230 million citizens are under 18,” he said.

Abdullahi pledged NITDA’s continued support for the Ministry of Youth Development, highlighting longstanding collaboration on the National Digital Ecosystem Academy and talent-development platforms.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman emphasised that achieving President Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy hinges on unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s youth.

Usman said ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are designed to convert the scheme into a capacity-building launchpad for future-ready careers, and commended NASENI and NITDA for supporting innovation-driven development.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said the administration is building a comprehensive youth-empowerment ecosystem, from skills acquisition to enterprise creation and income generation.

Olawande announced grants of N1 million each for 200 youth-led startups and N500,000 each for 100 beneficiaries in the informal sector, describing the funds as “not loans, but fuel for your journey.”

Olawande also launched NiYA Gig, a national digital-work platform connecting young Nigerians to paid opportunities locally and globally, and highlighted the success of youth-support initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Help Desk and the WhatsApp AI Chatbot, which has engaged over one million young Nigerians.

Speakers at the launch agreed that Nigeria’s economic future rests on the skills, creativity, and enterprise of its young population, noting that the administration is building a national empowerment framework designed to help the youths rise and thrive.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

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