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The family of the late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting him a state pardon but insisted that he deserved greater national honours and recognition in view of his contributions to national unity and Nigeria’s attainment of independence.

The family made the call on Thursday at a press briefing addressed by the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, accompanied by Erelu Adeola Macaulay, Mr Lanre Oshodi, Ms Mayokun Thomas, Miss Kofoworola Macaulay, Miss Adeyinka Macaulay, Mr Ayo Ogunlana, and Miss Turi Akerele. They maintained that the late Macaulay’s contributions to national unity could not be overlooked.

George, a former military administrator of old Ondo State, said that while the family appreciated the state pardon granted to the late politician and nationalist, they were unhappy that it was lumped together with that of individuals of questionable character, such as drug barons and murderers. He insisted that Macaulay should have been singled out for special recognition and honour.

The PDP chieftain recalled that Macaulay was hated, harassed, and humiliated by the British colonial authorities because he stood up against them and championed the cause of Nigerians, insisting that the people were mature enough to rule themselves.

According to him, the late Macaulay served as the bridge between the educated elite and the ordinary Nigerian, understanding that political freedom was meaningless without social justice.

‘Herbert Macaulay understood something fundamental – that political freedom is meaningless without social justice. He spoke up for the working class, the market women, the artisans, and the dispossessed.

‘He was the bridge between the educated elite and the ordinary Nigerian. He believed that leadership must not be about privilege but about purpose. In his time, he took risks – he was imprisoned twice by the colonial government, yet he never wavered.

‘He transformed politics from the parlour rooms of colonial officials into the streets and markets of Lagos Island. He made politics a people’s affair. And for that, he earned the title that endures to this day – the Father of Nigerian Nationalism,’ George stated.

Speaking further, Chief George said a better way to honour Macaulay would be to rebuild his house, which was demolished by the British government and where the General Post Office now stands, and to erect a museum or national monument there as an everlasting tribute to his memory.

‘He was never a religious or ethnic bigot, and he deserves commendation. His contributions cannot be forgotten; he deserves not to be lumped together with the rest. We call for an everlasting honour to his memory – that is our request.

‘Herbert Macaulay’s legacy is not confined to history books or monuments. His ideas remain alive in every debate about governance, equity, and national identity in Nigeria today,’ George said.

The founder of the Dipo Jaji Foundation, Hon. Oladipo Rilwan Jaji, has continued to expand his philanthropic initiatives aimed at empowering communities in Lagos, with a new full scholarship awarded to a young pupil from Primary 1 to Primary 5.

The scholarship, announced in September 2025, guarantees five years of quality education and underscores the foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities for children from underserved backgrounds.

Mr. Dipo, a technology professional, entrepreneur, and community leader, has over the years implemented a wide range of impact-driven programs across Surulere and other parts of Lagos State. These include educational scholarships, youth development programmes, health support initiatives, and economic empowerment schemes.

Among the foundation’s interventions are annual food distribution for vulnerable families, financial support for small business owners, rent assistance for struggling households, and sponsorship of youth sports tournaments to promote unity and talent development.

Mr. Dipo, who was born in Surulere, Lagos, on June 2, 1983, began his educational journey at Ade Akodu Memorial Primary School before proceeding to May Day College for his secondary education. He later moved to the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Chicago State University in 2012 and an MBA in Information Systems from DeVry University in 2015.

His professional career spans project management, cloud engineering, and digital transformation, with key roles at Pace Communication and United Parcel Service (UPS). He is recognized for his leadership in driving operational excellence and innovation in technology-driven environments.

Since 2008, Mr. Dipo has been an active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he has supported youth and community development initiatives. He is also a member of the Yoruba Tennis Club and Eko Club, contributing to civic engagement and mentorship for young professionals.

His contributions have earned him several awards, including the Award of Appreciation from the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State under the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, the Grassroots Future Builders Award, and the Honorary Award as the Youngest Philanthropist from APC Youth Leaders in Surulere.

Mr. Dipo, who is married with two children, continues to champion a vision of inclusive growth, empowerment, and innovation through the Dipo Jaji Foundation. He said the foundation remains committed to building stronger communities through education, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, has fixed 20 October 2025 for the hearing of a motion seeking to restrain former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai, and two others from parading themselves as members or leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice N.C. Nwabulu scheduled the date for a definite hearing after declining a plea by the defendants’ counsel for an adjournment.

The court also ordered El-Rufai and two other defendants to pay ?250,000 in costs to the claimants before the next adjourned date.

The suit, marked FCT/HC/GAR/CN/383/2025, was filed by Adamu Ahmad Dattijo and Alhaji Suleiman Abdullahi through their c ounsel, Azeez Taiwo Hassan (SAN), on behalf of themselves and other concerned ADC members in Kaduna State.

The claimants are challenging what they described as the unlawful recognition of El-Rufai, Jafaru Sani, and Bashir Saidu as members of the ADC by its national leadership.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Hassan informed the court that his motion for interlocutory injunction, filed on 8 September 2025, was ripe for hearing.

However, while B. Elleng appeared for the third to fifth defendants, the ADC and its National Chairman, Chief David Mark, who are the first and second defendants, were absent.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), listed as the sixth defendant, was also not represented.

Elleng explained that the defence team had prepared its counter processes but was unable to file them due to the illness of their deponent, who could not sign the supporting affidavit.

He therefore sought an adjournment to regularise their filings, a request the judge rejected.

The claimants are asking the court to nullify the nomination and appointment of Jafaru Sani as ADC National Vice Chairman (North-West Zone), alleging that it violated both the party’s constitution and Nigeria’s Constitution.

They are also seeking orders to restrain El-Rufai and Sani from parading themselves as ADC members or leaders, and to prevent the party’s national leadership and INEC from recognising them in any official capacity.

Justice Nwabulu had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Majority Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised alarm over the alleged use of Indian hemp by some Nigerian pilots.

In a viral video from a Senate plenary, Kalu accused aviation authorities of failing to properly monitor pilots’ preparedness and fitness before flights.

He claimed that some pilots are unprofessional, untested for drugs, and not subjected to proper health checks such as blood pressure assessments.

He also urged the Minister of Aviation to enforce regular maintenance and ensure that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies carry out strict supervision of pilots to guarantee air safety.

He said, ‘Some of them (pilots) are very lousy. I’ve, on many occasions, stopped flying because of the inadequacy of pilots’ preparations. Some of the pilots are not prepared. Some of them use Indian hemp. Yes, it is true, some of them smoke Indian hemp. And some of them are not properly audited by the authorities.

‘The NCAA, NEMA and other authorities are not looking after these pilots or checking them for drugs through on-the-spot assessments. They are not doing it, and it is dangerous. You see them walking to the airplane; nobody checks their blood pressure or blood levels.

He added, ‘NCAA must come back to their duty. Again, the Minister of Aviation must be forced to do maintenance.’

The Federal Government has announced that it has introduced a policy to institutionalise the teaching and learning of sign language in all basic education schools across Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Thursday during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, themed: ‘Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today.’

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive education, particularly the education of girls, noting that government continues to invest significantly in the empowerment of the girl child.

Garba said government recognises that education is the great equaliser, and inclusion is its backbone; hence, it is working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that no child is left behind.

According to her, the theme of this year’s celebration is a clarion call – a bold and necessary reminder that inclusive communication is not merely a courtesy but a right, and that government must ensure every girl, including those with hearing impairments, is seen, heard, and empowered to lead change.

‘We celebrate not only the potential of the girl child, but we also reaffirm our collective responsibility to amplify her voice, protect her dignity, and equip her for leadership, regardless of her abilities or challenges.

‘Today, we take that commitment a step further by championing the learning of sign language in our basic education schools. This does not in any way downplay the challenges faced by persons living with other disabilities, but demonstrates that collectively, we can make the world a better place for each other if we try.

‘I would like to remind you that a policy is already in place to institutionalise the teaching and learning of sign language in all basic education schools across Nigeria.

‘Imagine a country where hospitals, banks, supermarkets, airports, and indeed schools have sign language interpreters – then you will have a system without communication barriers for our hearing-impaired children. That is the vision we are working towards: one school, one change, at a time.

‘Our restructuring policy makes it mandatory for schools to include ramps and other accessibility structures, ensuring that children with physical disabilities can move with dignity and ease,’ she stated.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, on her part, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to remove barriers, widen access, and ensure that every girl, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, has a voice, a seat at the table, and a path to success in education and life.

‘This moment reaffirms our nation’s commitment to inclusive education, to the rights of persons with disabilities, and to the expansive potential of every girl learner.

‘Today, we are joined by pupils from special-needs schools and regular schools, by colleagues from other ministries and heads of relevant agencies, by dedicated teachers, and by the entire UBEC family. Together, we reaffirm our shared conviction that talent does not wait for perfect conditions; it grows where opportunity, support, and belief come together,’ she said.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified issues surrounding the reported delay in the payment of rations and allowances to troops deployed across various operational theatres in the country, saying the situation was due to banking transactions and not negligence on the part of the military or its field commanders.

Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Markus Kangye, made the clarification on Thursday in Abuja while briefing Defence Correspondents on ongoing military operations against insurgency and other security challenges nationwide.

Reacting to reports that soldiers under Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West and Operation Whirl Stroke in the North Central had not received their Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) since August, Kangye dismissed the allegations as misleading.

According to him, ‘The issue of soldiers’ welfare has been a recurring one, and we have consistently explained it. There is no way a field commander will be given funds to feed his troops and pay their operational allowance, and he will refuse to do so. That would mean sending soldiers to fight on empty stomachs, which is unthinkable.’

The senior officer explained that minor delays could arise due to financial system issues, noting that such delays are temporary and not deliberate.

‘Yes, there may be some delay in paying their RCA in certain instances, but definitely, that RCA will be paid. A delay of a day or two could be due to transaction issues. Nothing is perfect – no system is perfect,’ he said.

Drawing an analogy, Kangye likened the situation to a family scenario where a husband transfers money to his wife, but due to banking glitches, the money is not immediately reflected.

‘Even you, at the end of the month, when you transfer feeding allowance to your family, sometimes your wife says she didn’t see it. You tell her to wait – it’s a system issue. That’s exactly what’s happening,’ he explained.

Kangye emphasized that the welfare of troops remains a top priority for the Military High Command, warning against narratives aimed at discrediting the efforts of field commanders and personnel on the frontline.

Speaking on recent military operations, the DDMO commended the continued dedication, professionalism, and courage of the armed forces in tackling security challenges nationwide.

‘Over the past weeks, we have recorded significant successes across various operational theatres. These achievements reflect the strength of our strategic planning and the courage of our personnel on the ground, in the air, and at sea,’ he said.

He noted that troops recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition during the period under review, including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, improvised explosive device-making materials, and assorted ammunition.

Kangye lauded the gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, particularly those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

‘Our recent operational successes – whether in counterterrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or joint internal operations – are not just battlefield victories but clear demonstrations of our resolve to secure every inch of our nation,’ he stated.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country, stressing that the Armed Forces remain resilient and ever-ready to uphold their constitutional mandate.

‘Together, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and the nation, we will continue to press forward until lasting peace is achieved,’ he added.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has decorated 64 Wing Commanders with the rank of Group Captain.

This was contained in a post shared on the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) official X handle.

According to the post, Air Marshal Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Veterans Affairs, Air Vice Marshal Chidiebere Obiabaka, said the promotions were in recognition of the officers’ outstanding service to the nation.

The CAS congratulated the newly promoted officers and described the elevation as both ‘an honour and a call to greater responsibility.’

He urged them to redouble their efforts and uphold the NAF’s core values of integrity, excellence, and service.

‘The newly decorated officers, joined by their families and colleagues, expressed appreciation to the CAS and the NAF leadership for the confidence reposed in them, pledging renewed dedication to duty and service excellence,’ the post partly read.

The latest exercise adds to the list of 52 senior officers elevated in December 2024, when the Air Force Council promoted 19 officers to the rank of Air Vice Marshal and 33 to the rank of Air Commodore in the Nigerian Air Force.

The Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, on Tuesday, sought the continued support and cooperation of royal fathers in enlightening their subjects on the dangers and implications of smuggling and other illicit trade activities.

The Area Comptroller made the remarks when he paid familiarisation visits to the palaces of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II; and Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, as part of strategic efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and members of the management team, to the royal fathers for their warm reception, the Area Controller also commended their tireless efforts in maintaining peace, unity, and stability within their respective domains and acknowledged their vital roles as custodians of cultural heritage and tradition.

He used the occasion to reiterate the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, which include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, noting that smuggling and other illicit acts are detrimental to the safety, security, and economic well-being of the nation.

Responding, the monarchs, who appreciated the visits of the Customs Area Controller to their respective palaces, assured him of their continued cooperation and support in the collective efforts towards the suppression of smuggling and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

The visit, according to a statement by the Area Command’s spokesman, ASC Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola, forms part of Comptroller Gambo’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders aimed at fostering stronger community relations, promoting transparency, and enhancing public trust in the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has mandated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to allocate a minimum of 2,000 Hajj slots to each group of tour operators in the country for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The ministry gave the directive during a virtual meeting on new policies for tour operators held with officials of the Nigerian Hajj body on Wednesday.

The NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, led the commission’s delegation to the meeting, which discussed key policy directives affecting Nigerian licensed tour operators.

During the meeting, which was chaired by the General Director of International Partnerships in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Abdullah Zarea, NAHCON was further directed to register all operators on the Nusuk Masar platform, create and activate their payment wallets, and ensure that the wallets are funded through NAHCON-approved IBAN accounts.

The Saudi officials also requested the list of lead companies representing the tour operators to facilitate the implementation process.

Following concerns raised by Prince Elegushi on Umrah-related issues, the chairman of the meeting, Abdullah Zarea, called for further discussions between NAHCON and the official directly in charge of Umrah in the ministry.

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has responded to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s allegations of inadequacies in pilot preparation and substance use among flight crew, describing the claims as inaccurate and damaging to the nation’s aviation reputation.

In a statement signed by Capt. Chris Najomo, the NCAA’s Director-General, the Authority clarified that it maintains a rigorous and internationally recognized system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria.

‘The NCAA wishes to clarify that no pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding both a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4,’ the statement read.

The Authority explained that holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) are required to possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate before they are allowed to operate.

These medical certificates are issued only after comprehensive aero-medical evaluations by NCAA Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs) followed by approval of the medical report by NCAA’s in-house aero-medical assessors.

‘Any suggestion that pilots operate under the influence of substances or without adequate checks is inaccurate. The processes in place are not only thorough but also consistent with global standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),’ the NCAA stated.

Najomo also clarified that while modern aircraft are equipped with advanced autopilot and autoland systems, these systems do not replace pilot control.

‘Take-offs are entirely manual operations carried out by the flight crew. Autopilot functions are only activated after take-off, usually when the aircraft reaches a safe altitude,’ the statement explained.

The NCAA reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety through continuous inspections, random substance testing, enforcement actions, and strict adherence to ICAO provisions.

‘The NCAA remains proud of its safety oversight record and the professionalism of Nigerian flight crew,’ the statement concluded.

The Authority’s response comes after veteran aviation journalist Adeola Fadairo blasted Senator Kalu over his verbal assault on Nigerian pilots.

Fadairo described Kalu’s comments as ‘reckless, ill-considered, and gravely damaging’ to the nation’s aviation reputation.

‘For a supposedly distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic-and a once-upon-a-time failed airline promoter, to make such a sweeping allegation on the floor of the National Assembly, without a shred of verifiable data, empirical research, or regulatory validation, is both irresponsible and injurious to the image of the Nigerian aviation sector,’ Fadairo said.

He emphasized that Nigerian pilots are ‘among the most disciplined, rigorously trained, and internationally certified professionals’ who operate under strict medical, psychological, and performance standards monitored by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Fadairo noted that Kalu’s comments risk eroding passengers’ confidence in the safety of Nigerian carriers and undermining the credibility of domestic operators before global partners, insurers, and financiers.

‘Aviation thrives on public trust and perception. Statements of this nature could artificially inflate insurance premiums, trigger international safety concerns, and jeopardize investments in a sector already navigating tight operational margins,’ he warned.

The veteran journalist also defended the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , saying the authority has consistently maintained Nigeria’s FAA Category 1 safety rating and conducts routine medical assessments, on-the-spot drug tests, and continuous monitoring of all licensed flight crew in the country.

The NCAA’s statement and Fadairo’s reaction highlight the growing concern over the safety and reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

As the debate continues, one thing is certain – the NCAA remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of air transport operations in Nigeria.