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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has advocated the combination of military action, political negotiation and strong justice system to end insecurity in the country.

Speaking yesterday at the inauguration of Officers’ Accommodation at Niger Barracks Extension and Link Road, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, Abbas said the complex security challenges facing the country had evolved rapidly, ‘testing our institutions and stretching our resources.’

He said, ‘Yet, Nigeria’s story is not merely about threats – it is also about resilience, adaptation, and reform.

‘Looking ahead, Nigeria’s security requires cooperation between government and society. Military action alone cannot solve every challenge. It must be complemented by political negotiations, community participation, economic empowerment, and justice.’

The Speaker said the House of Representatives and the Senate have supported appropriations for critical platforms, munitions, communications systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as force protection assets – while ensuring accountability, value for money, and timely delivery.

According to him, the House, through effective oversight, has promoted better inter-agency collaboration, clarified procurement processes, and drawn lessons from past experiences.

‘We have approved funding for barracks rehabilitation, family housing, healthcare, mental health support, and post-service transition programs,’ he said.

‘In addition, we are advancing legislative proposals to deepen professionalism and accountability within the security sector. These include strengthening the legal framework for joint operations, improving the welfare and pension systems for serving personnel and veterans, supporting local defence industries under the *Made-in-Nigeria* initiative, and developing more agile logistics and maintenance structures.’

This, Abbas said, was aimed at building a military that is well-led, well-equipped, properly supported, and transparently governed – a military worthy of the great nation it serves.

He urged the military, security and intelligence agencies to work in synergy by sharing intelligence, deploy technology responsibly, and ensure troops have the resources needed to succeed.

‘The National Assembly stands ready to continue working with the Executive, the Armed Forces, traditional institutions, and international partners to achieve our shared objectives of peace and stability,’ the Speaker said.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the link road and newly constructed buildings are designed not just for convenience, but as essential infrastructure that supports efficiency, safety and comfort of officers.

He noted that the Niger Barracks Extension Block, which will accommodate policy makers in the Defence Headquarters, would provide a conducive atmosphere where they can have the peace of mind to articulate valuable and forward-thinking policies.

These policies, according to him, would continue to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain effective, professional and successful in all operations.

The CDS said the project was inline with his leadership philosophy, which is ‘To nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, collaborative and capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment.’

‘In particular, the second pillar of this philosophy emphasises prioritising troops’ welfare.

‘Consequently, the provision of these quality facilities reflects our deep understanding that operational success begins with the welfare and morale of our people. By improving their quality of life, we are investing directly in the strength, efficiency and unity of our forces,’ the CDS said.

Gen. Musa acknowledged the support of the National Assembly, through timely budgetary approvals. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment to the welfare, training and operational needs of troops has been remarkable.

‘It is this support that continues to boost morale and motivation, leading to the visible reduction of insecurity across the nation,’ he said.

The economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration have unexpectedly shifted the balance of wealth in Nigeria. For the first time in a long while, the states and local governments appear richer than ever before. The same economy that once left them struggling to pay salaries has now made them financial giants.

Today, contractors who work with state governments are smiling to the bank more than their counterparts at the federal level. Some federal contractors even lament that there are fewer projects at the centre, while state contractors are getting paid faster and in larger sums.

What President Tinubu has effectively done is take resources long controlled by the elite and push them downward, toward the grassroots.

When he removed the fuel subsidy, he simultaneously tripled the allocations to local governments and increased the funding available to state governments. As a result, most states have cleared long-standing debts, revived abandoned projects, and initiated new ones with unprecedented confidence.

Those close to the corridors of power at the state level can confirm that governors now command more liquidity and can approve contracts and make instant payments, something that was once rare.

Gone are the days when state allocations were delayed, when governors had to borrow to pay salaries, or when the federal government took loans just to meet its monthly obligations.

The tables have turned. Governors and local government chairmen are now the new ‘money bags’ the big spenders of the Nigerian economy. It’s no surprise that many people now prefer working with state governments, where money truly circulates.

This, in many ways, is what one might call leadership by sophistication. When a leader governs with strategic insight, people naturally gravitate toward him.

Some may believe that politicians shifting allegiance to the ruling party are being coerced or manipulated by anti-graft agencies, but in truth, it’s often the law of attraction at work. They are aligning with a system that demonstrates stability, confidence, and control.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State captured it well when he said that Tinubu’s policies have revived and enriched the states more than at any time since independence. With improved allocations and increased tax inflows, subnational governments are finally breathing again.

At the local government level, the change is even more visible. With greater autonomy and tripled allocations, council chairmen can now fund projects that were once beyond their reach, building schools, constructing rural roads, upgrading hospitals, purchasing essential equipment, and even expanding waste management services.

Through bold reforms like removing fuel subsidies, floating the naira, and dismantling foreign exchange bottlenecks, President Tinubu has decentralized financial power. Money that was once trapped at the centre now circulates through the states and local governments, touching more lives at the grassroots.

Even banks are feeling the ripple effects. Many financial institutions have lost their most reliable borrowers, state governments, because the states are now cash-rich.

Some banks are reportedly returning excess liquidity to the Central Bank, an unthinkable scenario just a few years ago. Much of this is credited to the steady hand of the new CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso.

Critics often argue that the naira’s appreciation means little because it first fell drastically under this same administration, from ?400 to nearly ?2000 per dollar, before stabilizing. But they forget the heavy burden the government once bore: over $1.5 billion was being spent monthly to defend the naira and maintain fuel subsidies.

By removing those distortions, the nation is now saving money, strengthening its reserves, and redistributing wealth to the people.

Nigeria is gradually finding its balance again, not by magic, but by deliberate and sometimes painful reforms. For the first time in a long while, the wealth of the nation is trickling down, and the subnational governments are no longer beggars at the federal table.

This is the new Nigeria.

The Senior Advisor to the United States of America President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Mr. Massad Boulos, has dismissed recent claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

He said the American government is aware that terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians in the country.

US Senator Ted Cruz had in an X (formerly Twitter) post penultimate Tuesday accused the Federal Government of encouraging the massacre of Christians.

Senator Cruz alleged that no fewer than 50,000 Christians had been killed since 2009, with 2,000 schools and 18,000 churches destroyed by what he called the Islamist armed groups.

He therefore introduced a bill to sanction Nigerian officials whom he accused of ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians.

But Mr. Boulos, who spoke with journalists in Rome after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday, described any loss of life as ‘unfortunate’, stressing that terrorism in Nigeria is indiscriminate and affects people of all faiths and ethnicities.

‘Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.

‘People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts.

‘We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than Christians.

This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other,’ Boulos said.

He added that the United States recognises the efforts of President Tinubu’s administration in tackling insecurity and addressing the farmer-herder crisis in the North-Central region.

‘The Nigerian government and President Tinubu’s administration have recently taken additional measures and put more resources in those areas, and we’ve seen some improvements in recent weeks.

‘We appreciate those measures, and we definitely look forward to more of those, and we look forward to ending these sorts of acts, wherever they come from,’ he noted.

Boulos emphasised that Nigeria remains a model of religious coexistence, describing it as a ‘melting pot’ where Christians and Muslims have lived together in harmony for centuries.

‘Nigeria’s population is split almost 50/50 between Christians and Muslims.

‘This has never been a serious religious issue, and should not be.

‘We appreciate what President Tinubu has done, and we shall continue to work together to make sure it’s taken care of,’ he said.

He reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in resolving conflicts and strengthening national unity, urging continued collaboration to eradicate terrorism and foster peace across all regions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to obey court order on the purported arrest of the Anglican Archbishop on the Niger, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim.

The anti-graft agency invited the Cleric for questioning following allegations of impropriety by some Anglican members over sales of lands belonging to the church

The EFCC confirmed this when the matter came up at the weekend,in the Awka High court in suit No.A/MISC-446/2025, presided over by Justice Peace Otti

EFCC said that it will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive suit on the matter.

Counsel for the Commission C.A Okoli, assured they will neither issue any more invitation letter to the applicant nor try to arrest the preacher until the case is determined.

While the petitioner, Prince Echezona Bonti Onuigbo, was absent in court, Archbishop Ibezim was represented by Beluolisa Nwofor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,SAN

The trial Judge, Justice Peace Otti adjourned the case to 27th November 2025 for the hearing of the substantive suit.

Nollywood actor Kunle Omisore has shared his experience navigating the politics and gatekeeping culture within Nigeria’s film industry.

He described the experience as a learning curve that every actor must go through.

Speaking on some of the realities many performers face behind the glamour, Omisore noted that while the industry has grown in size and visibility, the issue of gatekeeping, those who control opportunities and access remains a major challenge for upcoming and even established actors.

‘Everyone has different experiences, like I said earlier, it’s a learning curve,’ Omisore said. ‘There are always gatekeepers in every industry. They either help you or cheat you.’

Recalling one of his earliest experiences, the actor revealed how a marketer once underpaid him on a movie deal, paying only a little over half of the agreed amount.

‘A marketer once paid me ?450,000 instead of ?850,000 that we agreed on,’ he said. ‘But he used my picture on the movie poster in a very visible manner. You can’t buy publicity; the marketers at that time were the ones who could give you publicity. So, to him, he gave me publicity and I became known.’

Omisore said that rather than hold a grudge, he chose to see the experience as part of his journey of growth in an industry where recognition often comes at a price.

‘I still see the marketer till date and we joke about it all,’ he added. ‘I can’t call him out because it wasn’t a fight between us. There’s always a cabal.’

As preparations intensify for the selection of the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, it is important to recall the poignant words of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who once cautioned kingmakers against choosing his successor based on wealth rather than capability.

Delivering the advice during the 2019 Ojude-Oba Festival, Oba Adetona stressed the need for visionary leadership and urged kingmakers to uphold fairness and transparency in the succession process.

Installed in 1960, the revered monarch reigned for over 65 years, leaving behind a legacy of progressive leadership. During the 2019 festival in Ijebu-Ode, he warned that the throne of Awujale must never be for ‘moneybags’ or politicians, but for a capable and God-fearing leader who could sustain the kingdom’s achievements.

He emphasized that politicising the selection process would amount to a disservice to Ijebu culture and heritage, describing it as a debasement to enthrone a candidate based on financial influence or political exposure rather than merit and relevance to the development of Ijebuland.

Oba Adetona also urged the kingmakers to seek divine guidance in their decision-making, reminding them that the prosperity of Ijebuland depends on their choices.

The late Awujale’s words remain a timeless reminder of the importance of responsible leadership. As Ijebuland enters a new chapter, his counsel serves as a guiding light for the kingmakers to select a competent, visionary, and upright leader who will continue to drive progress and uphold the values of the ancient kingdom.

The Ojude-Oba Festival, a celebration of Ijebuland’s rich culture and tradition, has long served as a platform for the Awujale to share wisdom with his subjects and leaders. His 2019 message, rooted in love for his people and devotion to their prosperity, continues to resonate as the kingdom prepares for its future.

As the process of selecting a new Awujale begins, it is vital that kingmakers heed Oba Adetona’s enduring advice-placing competence, integrity, and service above wealth and influence-to ensure the continued growth and glory of Ijebuland.

Every October 17 has become a day that fills the sacred city of Ile-Ife, cradle of the Yoruba race and spiritual heart of an ancient civilization, with celebration and reflection as it marks the birthday ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

Though Ooni Ogunwusi isn’t one that is particular about birthdays, his subjects, family and people of Ile Ife always use the opportunity to celebrate the monarch whose journey is defined by purpose, peace, and profound cultural rebirth.

As the esteemed monarch marked his 51st birthday, October 17 didn’t just come like another year, it afforded several individuals the opportunity to express gratitude and display affection for the Ooni since his reign began in 2015.

Ooni Ogunwusi has stood tall as a unifier of peoples and traditions, breathing new life into the ancient institution he represents. His reign has become a shining testament to the power of cultural diplomacy restoring dignity to Yoruba heritage while building bridges across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

At 51, Ooni Ogunwusi embodies the renaissance spirit, a modern monarch rooted deeply in ancestral wisdom, yet forward-looking in thought and action. His reign has been marked by efforts to demystify traditional leadership and make the palace an epicenter of development, dialogue, and youth empowerment. For him, royalty is not just about crowns and rituals; it is about service, vision, and impact.

Under his watch, Ile-Ife has evolved into more than a historical city; it has become a living hub of innovation, tourism, and interfaith harmony. The Ooni has consistently emphasized peace and tolerance, preaching unity among ethnic and religious groups, and urging Nigerians to rediscover the values that bind them as one family under God.

Ooni Ogunwusi’s 51 years on earth and nearly a decade on the throne tells a story of grace and responsibility. From his early entrepreneurial success to his ascension as the Arole Oduduwa, he has navigated life’s turns with courage and vision. His reign continues to inspire a new generation of Africans to believe in their culture, embrace innovation, and lead with compassion.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), says the security situation in the region has improved significantly following sustained counter-terrorism operations and renewed synergy among security agencies.

He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Maiduguri.

Abubakar said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) maintained the operational initiative across the theatre, denying terrorists the freedom of movements and access to logistics that once fueled their campaigns of terror.

He said the lingering insecurity in North-East was not an isolated phenomenon rather closely linked to broader regional and global developments, including instability in the Sahel, the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

‘Since November last year, we have observed an increase in the use of armed drones and radio-controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by the terrorists. These trends are direct consequences of global technological proliferation linked to conflicts elsewhere.

‘However, our forces continue to retain the initiative. The goal of the armed forces remains to flush out the terrorists from their remaining strongholds in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, the Tumbuns and the Lake Chad Islands (LCI),’ he said.

Abubakar highlighted that coordinated operations aimed at achieving this strategic objective was yielding remarkable results.

He said, ‘in the last two months alone, about 26 key terrorist commanders have been neutralised, with substantial recoveries of arms, ammunition and vehicles. Many insurgent camps have been cleared and destroyed, forcing remnants of the groups into isolated pockets.

‘Socio-economic activities have resumed in most areas previously under terrorist influence. Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and roads that were once unsafe now experience daily movement of goods and people. That is a major milestone for us as a nation.’

The commander said sustained pressure by the Nigerian Army troops had restored confidence among the citizens, leading to increased voluntary returns to ancestral homes under the Borno State Government’s resettlement framework.

While highlighting some of the key achievements of the operations, Abubakar described the strangulation of the terrorists’ logistics strategy as a turning point in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.

‘By cutting off their supply chains, we have effectively crippled their capacity to sustain prolonged engagements. Several IED-making factories have been discovered and destroyed, and we have recorded tremendous successes in intercepting their logistics convoys,’ he said.

Abubakar cited the July 2025 operation in Dikwa, where troops recovered over 50 lethal Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as an example of how intelligence-led missions disrupted enemy capabilities.

He said the troops neutralised more than 257 terrorists in coordinated ground and air offensives, with many others surrendered along with their families between July and September, 2025.

‘The terrorists’ employment of drones has also been curtailed through the deployment of advanced anti-drone technology and improved air dominance made possible by the unwavering support of the Military High Command.

‘Recoveries of weapons have increased significantly, and our sustained offensive operations have continued to shrink the battle space for the terrorists,’ he said.

Reacting to reports of renewed attacks in some border communities around Kirawa, Abubakar said the incidents were desperate attempts by the terrorists to create fear and attract attention.

‘Most of these attacks are confined to remote border settlements, reflecting desperation rather than strength. Kirawa was previously under the security framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), but we have now made adequate deployments to strengthen control and forestall further incursions,’ Abubakar said.

To stem the attacks, Abubakar said the military command had deployed additional troops and logistics assets to the Kirawa axis, including quick response teams, armoured vehicles and surveillance units to ensure rapid response to any threat.

‘OPHK covers about 130,000 square kilometres, so the terrain is vast. But we have improved our deployment posture and enhanced coordination with the MNJTF and local security volunteers to ensure that no area remains vulnerable. Kirawa is now fully secured with boots on ground,’ he assured.

Abubakar reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to achieve lasting peace in the region, stressing that the troops remain motivated and focused in their missions.

He urged the residents to continue cooperating with the military by providing credible intelligence as well as deny logistics support to the terrorists.

‘Citizens must collaborate with the military in fishing out bad elements. This is a whole-of-society approach to asymmetric warfare. Denial of logistics and timely passage of information by communities remain crucial for our collective success.’

The commander also commended the gallantry of officers and men of the OPHK, who demonstrated courage, resilience and sacrifice in defence of the nation.

‘Our troops are highly motivated and determined. The North-East is steadily regaining its stability, and we remain fully committed to consolidating these gains until peace is completely restored,’ the commander said.

At 66, he tells you there is nothing more to struggle, hustle and live for other than to devote himself to the service of God, humanity and his state. For over 20 years, he has religiously observed this creed without fail.

Just yesterday, he reinforced this belief when he chose to flag off his pre-birthday gig with a large throng of widows from across the 18 local government councils. The gesture continues today with similar compassion for the orphans and the elderly.

A leader without airs and graces, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has seen both the rough and tumble of life and politics. He has experienced both disappointments and reappointments by God, trajectories that have shaped his life of passion for service and compassion for humanity.

Today, he stands as a glittering portrait of grace, purpose, and people-centred leadership, a man whose voyage mirrors the enduring beauty of the land he governs. Even as he clocks 66 today, time has not dulled his passion nor wearied his pursuit of the collective good; instead, it has forged and refined his vision and deepened his empathy. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of humility, service, and divine purpose, an odyssey that continues to inspire confidence and rekindle faith in governance anchored on compassion and justice.

From the serene creeks of Adiabo to the pristine hills of Obudu, the ‘Sweet Prince’ is redefining leadership as an act of stewardship, not dominion. His governance style is a reflection of his soul, gentle yet firm, visionary yet pragmatic, genteel yet unyielding in the face of adversity. He leads not as one consumed by power, but as a shepherd guided by conviction. Each policy, each reform, each act of governance bears the unmistakable imprint of a man devoted to the prosperity and dignity of his people. In every sense, Governor Otu’s leadership is a moral compass for a generation yearning for integrity and hope.

Since mounting the saddle of leadership in 2023, the governor has breathed fresh energy into the socio-economic lungs of Cross River State. Under his People First agenda, government has been humanized; governance has become a dialogue between power and the people. Roads are being reborn from neglect, schools and health centres restored to life, and rural communities reconnected to the heartbeat of development. His administration’s inclusive reforms have restored confidence, rekindled enterprise, and reignited the once-muted optimism of the Cross River spirit. Indeed, he has proven that leadership can be both visionary and tender-hearted-anchored on results but powered by love.

Governor Otu’s understanding of governance transcends the arithmetic of infrastructure. His, is a holistic vision that sees human capital as the artery of transformation. The empowerment of youths, the revitalization of agriculture, the expansion of tourism, and the pursuit of fiscal prudence all reflect a leader with eyes fixed on sustainability. His commitment to transparency and accountability has restored public trust, while his unassuming disposition has opened the corridors of government to even the most distant of voices. Through it all, he has remained resolutely focused on building a state where every citizen feels seen, valued, and included.

Beneath his calm demeanour lies a relentless will, a quiet embers that propel him toward the realization of a prosperous, self-sufficient Cross River. His passion for education stems from his belief that the truest wealth of a people lies in the enlightenment of their minds. His deep investment in rural transformation arises from his conviction that development must never be elitist. His push for economic diversification reflects his desire to secure the future of generations yet unborn. To witness him govern is to see a man wholly surrendered to purpose-undaunted by challenges, unwavering in principle, and unswerving in faith.

As he clocks sixty-six, Bassey Otu remains a study in balance, firm in duty yet gracious in conduct, authoritative yet approachable, princely yet profoundly humane. The years have crowned him with wisdom and steadied his hands for greater exploits. His heart beats for Cross River, and his every stride echoes the melody of service. Few leaders have so effortlessly embodied the poetry of empathy and the discipline of governance; fewer still have so seamlessly united the moral and the political, the ideal and the real. In Governor Otu, Cross River finds not just a leader, but a guardian of its collective dream.

Today, we celebrate more than the passing of years; we celebrate a life poured out in service-a man who has become both the servant and the symbol of his people’s aspirations. At sixty-six, the Sweet Prince remains a nectar, a sweet fragrance, a beacon of hope, a testament to the grace of God, and a reminder that true greatness lies not in the trappings of office, but in the quiet, consistent pursuit of the common good. May the winds of divine favour continue to guide your sail, Your Excellency and may your years ahead bloom with even greater wisdom, compassion, and triumph for the land you so dearly love, our Cross River State, our Pride!

The fast-rising TikTok influencer and music promoter Big T£mmy, popularly known as Shmurda Bae, has officially rebranded as FOLD SZN, marking the start of her journey as a recording artiste.

Known for her viral TikTok videos and close relationship with Nigerian superstar Bella Shmurda, FOLD SZN is now set to make her mark in the Afrobeats scene with her debut single expected to drop before the end of the year.

In an exclusive interview with Great Unicorn TV, FOLD SZN shared her dream of evolving from a digital content creator into a full-fledged Afrobeats artiste.

She expressed her desire to create soulful, relatable music and collaborate with top Nigerian acts including Bella Shmurda, Kizz Daniel, and AyoMaff.

According to her, her debut project will be released shortly after Bella Shmurda’s upcoming album, reflecting her deep admiration for his artistry and her continued support for his music across her platforms.

Born Sukeinah Mahmmud Kuranga on May 2, 2005, the 20-year-old content creator has built a large following through her engaging TikTok videos, dance challenges, and music promotions.

Fans often call her Big B£lla or Shmurda Bae due to her resemblance to Bella Shmurda and her consistent promotion of his works and artistes under the Dangbana Republik label.

Beyond her influence, FOLD SZN has helped spotlight other emerging artistes. She notably boosted the popularity of Fola’s hit single ‘Alone’ featuring Bhad Boi OML, which later gained traction under Bella Shmurda’s label.

With her blend of creativity, charisma, and consistency, FOLD SZN has become one of the most influential young figures in Nigeria’s digital entertainment space. Her transition into music represents more than a rebrand-it’s a movement aimed at inspiring the next generation of Afrobeat talents.

Despite her growing fame, she remains grounded, using her platform to uplift upcoming artistes and support meaningful causes.

Her collaborations include Bella Shmurda, Fola, BhadBoi OML, Kodee, M’Kido, Gbolar Mighty, TeeMirror, and Rybeena, showcasing her commitment to the culture and her expanding influence within Nigeria’s music industry.

As FOLD SZN prepares to unveil her debut single, fans eagerly await a new wave of authentic Afrobeats sound infused with her vibrant personality.

Her evolution from TikTok sensation to recording artiste underscores the powerful role of digital creators in shaping Nigeria’s modern music landscape.

With her talent, passion, and strong branding, FOLD SZN-formerly Big T£mmy-is undoubtedly a name to watch in 2025 and beyond.