Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria faces the risk of instability, insecurity and economic hardship if urgent steps are not taken to invest in education, skill acquisition, and national unity.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT Centre in Sokoto on Tuesday, Obasanjo said the neglect of millions of out-of-school children poses a direct threat to national stability.

‘Twenty-four million children who should be in school are not in school,’ he said. ‘You don’t need an oracle to know they will become the recruiting ground for Boko Haram of tomorrow.’

The centre was built by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah with the support of legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola.

Obasanjo, who has remained one of Nigeria’s most outspoken elder statesmen, urged the nation to prioritise ‘human development, skill acquisition, empowerment and employment,’ stressing that the country’s diversity should be harnessed as a strength rather than a division.

‘It is not unity in diversity alone, but unity of purpose for our country, in spite of our diversity,’ he said.

He commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Bishop Kukah for promoting dialogue across faiths and cultures. Describing Kukah as ‘a different sort of Bishop,’ he added: ‘When he talks, he talks sense; when he shouts, he shouts against evil, misconduct and oppression.’

Obasanjo warned that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, projected to reach 400 million by 2050, could become unmanageable if leaders fail to plan ahead. ‘If we fail to prepare now, Boko Haram of today will be child’s play compared with what we may face in the future,’ he cautioned.

The former president also highlighted the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, which he said would displace many jobs unless Nigeria equips its people with the right digital skills. ‘AI will take over many jobs. We must prepare our people with the right knowledge and skills,’ he said.

On the economy, he lamented the nation’s dependence on food imports despite vast agricultural potential. ‘Why should we import our staple food? If farmers cannot make a profit, they will stop planting,’ he warned.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Obasanjo recalled how the late Sultan of Sokoto supported universal adult suffrage in 1979 by encouraging women to vote – a move he described as a milestone in the country’s political history.

He concluded with a message to current leaders: ‘Nigeria is not a difficult country to govern if we are honest with ourselves, with God, and with the people.’

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) on Tuesday said it averted a nationwide blackout after the national grid experienced significant generation shortfalls due to industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

NISO, established in 2024 as part of the restructuring mandated by the Electricity Act of 2023, manages Nigeria’s national grid and electricity market operations independently of grid infrastructure development. Its core mandate is to function as an impartial and independent entity responsible for system and market operations within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

To avert a total system collapse, the agency said it rolled out emergency measures, including ramping up hydropower generation, real-time load balancing, and selective load shedding. It added that available generation dropped from over 4,300 MW to about 3,200 MW at its lowest point due to gas supply disruptions.

NISO explained that it urgently deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the national grid. These included hydropower optimisation, generation dispatch, load balancing, voltage and frequency support, and demand-side management.

‘The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

‘These disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours of Sunday, 28th September 2025, to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point.

‘Selective load shedding was applied as a last resort to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution. These timely actions enabled the NISO NCC to minimise the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout,’ the statement read.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the adoption of best-in-class practices to ensure a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation.

The ongoing conciliation meeting between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery has been moved to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Officials at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed the development to journalists who had gathered at the ministry’s conference room, where the meeting was originally scheduled to hold at 2 pm this afternoon.

The change of venue means the session may not commence at the earlier communicated time.

The talks follow an intensive nine-hour meeting that stretched from 3 pm yesterday until midnight. The meeting ended without full resolution, leading to today’s reconvening aimed at settling the lingering labour dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, had earlier disclosed that most issues had been resolved, except for two critical matters: the reinstatement of 800 sacked workers and recognition of workers’ rights to unionise.

The ministers also noted that PENGASSAN has consistently demonstrated peaceful and responsible conduct in its actions and engagements as a trade union.

They expressed hope that both the union and Dangote Refinery would display good faith and sportsmanship when the meeting reconvenes.

They also expressed optimism that these outstanding issues would be resolved quickly in the interest of the economy, warning that the strike embarked upon by PENGASSAN could cripple economic activity if allowed to persist.

On its part, the PENGASSAN delegation led by its National President, Comrade Festus Osifo, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to dialogue but warned that the strike would continue if Dangote Refinery refuses to reinstate the 800 workers and uphold unionisation rights.

Non-service of charge sheet on Tuesday stalled the arraignment of former Presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, X Incorporation (formerly Twitter), and Meta (Facebook) Incorporation before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged false claim against the person of President Bola Tinubu by tagging him ‘a criminal.’

The Federal Government had earlier slated Tuesday, September 30, to arraign Sowore and his co-defendants on a five-count charge before Justice Mohammed Umar, but when the case was called for the arraignment, counsel for Sowore, Abubakar Marshall, objected on the ground that his client was not served with the charge sheet three days before the arraignment as required by law.

Similarly, he said, the second defendant had also not been served, and since the trial is on a joint charge, the arraignment cannot be held.

Non-service of charge sheet on Tuesday stalled the arraignment of former Presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, X Incorporation (formerly Twitter), and Meta (Facebook) Incorporation before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged false claim against the person of President Bola Tinubu by tagging him ‘a criminal.’

The Federal Government had earlier slated Tuesday, September 30, to arraign Sowore and his co-defendants on a five-count charge before Justice Mohammed Umar, but when the case was called for the arraignment, counsel for Sowore, Abubakar Marshall, objected on the ground that his client was not served with the charge sheet three days before the arraignment as required by law.

Similarly, he said, the second defendant had also not been served, and since the trial is on a joint charge, the arraignment cannot be held.

The member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, has declared that the ongoing congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country signify a fresh beginning that will reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan at the Oyo State PDP congress, held at the basketball court of Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Olajide described the exercise as ‘the birth of a new PDP,’ stressing that the reforms being witnessed across the 33 state chapters of the PDP across Nigeria are signs of laying a solid foundation for a stronger and more united political family.

He noted that despite the turbulence of recent years, the PDP had weathered the storm and was poised to reclaim its pride of place in Nigeria’s national politics.

According to him, the party remains the most experienced political organisation in Nigeria, having mastered the democratic process over the years.

He emphasised that PDP had learned from its past and was now embracing a new era of stability and inclusiveness.

‘PDP is not a rookie party. We have been in this process longer than any other political party. Politics is our business, we have learnt it, we have mastered it. Gone are the days when violence was the order of the day. This is a new dawn for Nigeria,’ he said.

Olajide likened the rebuilding process of the PDP to the birth of a new baby, insisting that by November, after the party’s national convention, Nigerians would witness a fully repositioned PDP ready to drive fresh ideas and initiatives for the nation. ‘PDP is the right movement, the right platform and the right form of energy for anyone who truly wants to move this nation forward. With leaders like Governor Seyi Makinde and others providing direction, the best is yet to come,’ he declared.

Speaking on reconciliation efforts within the party, the federal lawmaker dismissed fears that the congresses might alienate some leaders, describing such concerns as exaggerated. He maintained that politics is a game of alignment and re-alignment, stressing that dissenting voices would eventually key into the new momentum sweeping across the PDP. ‘Politics is like a moving train, when it is slow, you can hop on easily, but when it gains speed, you risk being left behind. Some of those you describe as aggrieved will eventually come on board.’

‘There was a time it was very frustrating, when we could not even see light at the end of the tunnel. But gradually, things began to turn around. Now momentum is gathering, not only in Oyo, but also in Lagos, Ondo, the North and across Nigeria. The positive energy we are witnessing shows that good things are about to happen,’

He called on party faithful nationwide to remain steadfast, united and hopeful as the PDP marches towards its national convention and assured that the outcome of the exercise will herald a new dawn for Nigeria’s political landscape, adding that the party was ready to provide the kind of leadership Nigerians desire as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed claims of deliberate religious persecution in Nigeria, insisting that Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully in the country.

Speaking on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, at the launch of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s book ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria,’ Tinubu described the allegations as ‘a lie from the pit of hell.’

‘There’s no religious persecution in Nigeria. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. I have always believed in good governance, and since I assumed office, I have focused on your welfare. Today, Nigerians can confidently say we have well-equipped hospitals, and we can treat critical illnesses such as cancer,’ he said.

Tinubu’s comments followed claims by American talk show host Bill Maher, who in a viral clip from his show Real Time with Bill Maher, alleged that Christians were being systematically killed in Nigeria.

‘If you don’t know what’s going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble. I’m not a Christian, but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria.

‘They’ve killed over a hundred thousand since 2009. They’ve burned 18,000 churches. These are the Islamists, Boko Haram.

‘This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza. They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country,’ Maher said.

The video was widely circulated by international influencers, including Radio Genoa, an anti-Islamic personality on X.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had also debunked Maher’s claim, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges should not be portrayed as a targeted campaign against a single religious group. He described the allegation as ‘a gross misrepresentation of reality.’

Reassuring Nigerians, Tinubu said the economy was improving and urged citizens to remain patient. ‘Nigeria’s economy just turned a corner, and you will receive prosperity; those talking negatively about this country should stop saying so. Just be patient, as all Nigerians will feel the prosperity in due time; don’t be corrupt,’ he said.

The Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Mr Tsenyil Yiltsen, appeared before the Senate on Tuesday to seek approval of the National Assembly for his agency 2025 Budget.

A sum of N140billion was presented before the Senate Committee on NCDC for its endorsement.

Addressing journalists after a closed door meeting with the Managing Director of the Federal Government intervention agency for the North Central region, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Titus Zam, disclosed that ‘After a careful look at the issues contained in the budget and the eloquent presentation by the MD and his team, the committee has approved the budget of N140 billion as presented by the Commission’.

In his presentation before the committee dissolved into closed door session, the Managing Director of the NCDC said the N140billion was the envelope given them for the fiscal year by the federal government out of which N100billion is earmarked for capital expenditure across the six states in the zone and the Federal Capital Territory and the balance of N40billion for recurrent expenditure covering overhead and personnel cost.

He further clarified that the N100billion for capital was not tied to one specific project but several projects across the six states in the region.

He said, ‘ We have eight thematic areas in terms of infrastructure deployment which are security, Agriculture , mining, environmental degradation , education, health , road construction etc. ‘

He assured the committee that no state in the region would be neglected as he maintained that his leadership would spread projects across each of the six states.

He said, ‘ We will go out for proper needs assessment in all the states and will be fair in the distribution of these projects in all the six states and FCT.’

He added that the bulk of the N40billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure , will be used to pay salaries of proposed 200 staff to be recruited after approval by the office of Head of Service .

The Committee however appealed to the leadership of the Commission to ensure judicious utilization of the N140billion when finally approved by the Senate , particularly the N100billion , earmarked for capital expenditure .

It also urged governments of the benefiting six states in the zone and the FCT to provide office accommodations for branches of the commission in their respective states.

The Mbayongu community in Kaamem, Manya area council of Takum LGA, Taraba, has condemned the arrest of its district head, Zaki Terkura Kugba, by operatives of the Nigerian Army led by Sgt. Yohana Emmanuel of Ada Barracks, Takum.

Residents told Nigerian Tribune that soldiers stormed the community on Saturday morning, assaulting locals and breaking into homes before seizing the traditional ruler, his motorcycle, and a tricycle.

A youth leader, James Tyona, said the monarch was attending a meeting with community leaders in a nearby village when he was informed of the soldiers’ presence.

‘They invaded our community, beat people indiscriminately, and took away Zaki Terkura Kugba. On sighting him, they started beating him before Sgt. Emmanuel intervened,’ Tyona alleged.

According to him, the soldiers claimed they were acting on intelligence that a suspected terrorist known as JC was in the area to collect ‘taxes.’

He, however, insisted that no criminal or incriminating evidence was found.

Tyona described the monarch as a strong supporter of security efforts, noting that criminals had repeatedly threatened him for frustrating their operations.

‘It’s shocking that the Army arrested the same man who has been using his personal resources to support security agencies. The criminals are already celebrating his arrest and have sent us fresh threats demanding ?20 million in taxes before October 3,’ he said.

The community appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Jalingo, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene and secure Kugba’s release, warning that the area risked falling under the control of bandits.

When contacted, Sgt. Yohana Emmanuel confirmed the operation but declined to explain why the monarch was arrested. Efforts to reach Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Jalingo, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

Anime is full of memorable characters, intense battles, and legendary weapons. Few items capture the imagination quite like the manga katana and the Bleach sword two of the most iconic representations of power and identity in Japanese pop culture. Whether you are a casual anime fan, a serious collector, or a dedicated cosplayer, understanding these weapons helps you appreciate not just their visual appeal but also their deeper symbolic meaning. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the cultural history of the manga katana, the unique storytelling role of the Bleach sword, and why these anime blades continue to fascinate and inspire fans worldwide.

The Cultural Roots and Significance of the Manga Katana

Before appearing on manga pages, the katana was a weapon with a long and revered history. Known as the soul of the samurai, the katana was prized for its curved design, exceptional sharpness, and almost spiritual significance. The manga katana carries this tradition into modern pop culture, serving as both a practical weapon and a symbol of the protagonist’s journey.

In many popular manga series, the sword evolves alongside the hero sometimes gaining mystical powers, other times representing the user’s personal growth. The manga katana is often drawn with dramatic flair: glowing edges, intricate hilts, or supernatural auras that highlight its importance in battle.

What Makes the Bleach Sword Unique

Fans of Tite Kubo’s Bleach know that the Bleach sword, also called the Zanpakuto, is more than just a weapon. Each sword has its own personality, powers, and spiritual connection to its wielder. This is one of the reasons the Bleach sword stands out it grows as the character grows, unlocking new abilities and deeper forms such as Shikai and Bankai.

When Ichigo Kurosaki first wields his massive Zanpakuto, fans are introduced to one of the most visually striking weapons in anime. The transformation sequences, in which the Bleach sword reveals its true form, are some of the most dramatic moments in the series and perfectly illustrate how anime uses weapons as symbols of self-discovery.

Comparing Manga Katana and Bleach Sword

Both the manga katana and the Bleach sword share the traditional shape of a Japanese blade, yet they play different roles in storytelling. The manga katana is often tied to history and realism, focusing on technique, discipline, and samurai culture. The Bleach sword, on the other hand, represents the wielder’s soul and spiritual energy, making it more fantastical and deeply personal.

From a design perspective, the manga katana typically maintains the elegant curve of a traditional blade, while the Bleach sword might take on exaggerated forms oversized, segmented, or even shape-shifting reflecting the user’s power. This difference is what makes both fascinating for fans and collectors.

Collecting Anime Swords: Bringing Fiction to Reality

For many enthusiasts, owning a replica manga katana or Bleach sword is a way to bring their favorite anime moments to life. Collectors often seek authentic-looking replicas, crafted from steel or high-quality materials, to display at home.

When choosing a Bleach sword replica, fans may select from different stages of the weapon’s evolution such as Shikai or Bankai depending on which form they prefer. Similarly, a manga katana replica inspired by iconic characters like Tanjiro (Demon Slayer) or Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) can become the centerpiece of a collection.

Cosplay and Performance

In the cosplay community, a manga katana or Bleach sword can be the perfect finishing touch to a costume. These weapons are essential for capturing the character’s essence. Cosplayers often use lightweight foam or plastic versions to meet convention safety standards, while still keeping the design accurate.

Few props get as much attention as Ichigo’s Zanpakuto the Bleach sword is massive, eye-catching, and immediately recognizable to fellow fans. Similarly, carrying a classic manga katana instantly signals your love for samurai-themed anime and manga.

Why These Anime Blades Remain Popular

The enduring appeal of both the manga katana and the Bleach sword lies in what they represent. They are not just tools for combat they are metaphors for discipline, courage, and transformation. The manga katana connects fans to the historical legacy of the samurai, while the Bleach sword reminds us that true strength comes from understanding ourselves.

These anime weapons also inspire countless artists, writers, and video game creators. They keep the tradition of swordplay alive in pop culture, giving new generations of fans a reason to fall in love with the art form.

Final Thoughts

Whether you admire the traditional elegance of the manga katana or the spiritual depth of the Bleach sword, these iconic anime blades continue to inspire passion and creativity. They appear in some of the most memorable battles, emotional character arcs, and epic storylines in manga and anime history.

For collectors, they are prized display pieces; for cosplayers, they are must-have props; and for fans, they are symbols of growth and perseverance. The next time you watch a duel or read a fight scene in manga, take a moment to appreciate what the weapon represents – whether it’s a sleek manga katana cutting through darkness or a powerful Bleach sword unleashing its Bankai. These blades are more than metal and magic – they are part of the very heart of anime storytelling.

The Minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has reiterated that farmers across Nigeria must have access to affordable and high-quality seeds in order of the country to increase its agricultural yield and derive forex from export.

Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) evaluation mission team in Abuja yesterday, Abdullahi said seed quality remains the foundation of any agricultural system.

‘This is at the heart of what we do to support the President’s vision for food security. Farmers must and should have access to affordable, quality seed at all times. Our current yield gap as a country is worrisome, but we believe we can do better,’ the Minister stated.

He explained that beyond yield, good seeds should be pest and disease resistant, drought tolerant, and climate-smart.

Abdullahi further noted that such qualities would reduce dependence on agrochemicals, improve nutrition, and enhance the market value of Nigerian produce abroad.

‘We are not sleeping over the challenge of high residues in our export produce. Different countries have different tolerance levels, and we must ensure our farmers have the knowledge and tools to meet these standards,’ he noted.

The Minister acknowledged gaps in Nigeria’s seed system, pointing out that nearly 70 percent of seed demand is met through informal sources.

He however, stressed the need for more inspectors, stronger regulations, and a crackdown on fraudulent practices. ‘There are people who claim to be seed entrepreneurs but supply grains instead of certified seeds. Without proper oversight, our farmers will continue to suffer,’ he said.

Welcoming the OECD mission, Abdullahi assured that Nigeria would continue to align with international best practices and expand opportunities for seed entrepreneurs.

‘We want to do all-year farming, expand irrigation, and develop varieties suited for our environment. Nigeria is the next hope for seed entrepreneurs to look at,’ he said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Fatuhu Muhammadu, highlighted Nigeria’s progress since joining the OECD Seed Schemes in 2023.

He noted that the country now serves as secretary of the OECD Africa Forum and has trained seed system actors from several West and Central African countries.

OECD seed scheme officers Ms. Aurelia Nicault and Mr. Rouillard Christophe in her remarks, commended Nigeria’s commitment to improving its seed system.

‘The OECD schemes contribute to food security goals and sustainable agriculture. We cannot do anything in the future without seed’, she noted.

Nicault added that Nigeria’s membership would boost trade within ECOWAS and beyond, saying: ‘High-quality seeds will not only secure food for Nigeria but also strengthen its economic growth.’