Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Senate is set to address growing claims of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, which have been circulated both locally and internationally by some media outlets, advocacy groups, and religious organizations. Lawmakers say the narrative misrepresents the country’s complex security challenges as purely religious.

A motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and the International Communities’ will be debated on Tuesday.

The motion, sponsored by former Senate Leader Ali Ndume, has Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South) as co-sponsors.

According to a copy of the motion seen by Tribune Online, the senators said the aim is to correct what they described as a distorted narrative in some international media reports portraying Christians as the sole victims of Nigeria’s violence.

They noted that ‘serious security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and targeted attacks which have affected citizens across various religious, ethnic, and regional backgrounds, resulting in loss of lives and property among both Christian and Muslim communities’ are being wrongly presented in religious terms, a development they warned could further divide the country.

The move follows the Presidency’s recent response to United States Senator Ted Cruz, who alleged that Nigerian officials were ignoring or supporting mass killings of Christians by Islamist militants.

Cruz, in a post on his X handle, claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing systematic persecution.

Responding, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the claims as false and misleading. He said Nigeria’s security problems are caused by terrorism, banditry, and criminality-not religious persecution-adding that the country enjoys religious harmony.

Ndume and his co-sponsors expressed concern that the US Senate and Congress may have been influenced by such claims and could move to label Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ a designation typically reserved for nations accused of human rights or religious freedom violations.

They urged the Senate to reject the characterization of Nigeria’s security crisis as a ‘Christian genocide’ and to reaffirm that the ongoing conflicts stem from socio-economic, ethnic, and criminal factors that cut across religious lines.

The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to ‘encourage diplomatic missions especially US Embassy, International organisations, and foreign media to rely on verified, balanced, and credible sources-including security agencies, local communities, and independent observers-when reporting on religiously sensitive issues in Nigeria.’

They further advised the government, through the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, to ‘engage US Senate and Congress; international partners and diaspora networks through official briefings and fact-based publications to correct misconceptions.’

They also proposed that Nigeria ‘support interfaith peacebuilding programmes that emphasise shared victimhood and national unity’ and ‘ensure justice and accountability for all victims of violent attacks-whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise-to address impunity and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.’

In a significant effort to tackle unemployment and foster self-reliance, the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation (PIP Foundation) has provided approximately 250 citizens in Gombe State with a free skills acquisition programme.

The convocation, held at the Al-Waalidayn Charitable Foundation headquarters in Pantami district, marked the successful completion of a batch of training designed to equip young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills.

The initiative aims to create a generation of job creators rather than seekers. The beneficiaries, selected on merit from the 11 LGAs in Gombe, were awarded certificates and given start-up tools to launch individual workshop.

A statement by PIP Foundation official, Prof Suleiman Mohammed, indicated that the training covered practical smartphone repair, alongside cutting-edge modules in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The extensive curriculum also included mentorship sessions that focused on developing the youths’ entrepreneurial mindset and boosting their confidence as they prepare to establish sustainable businesses.

‘This programme is an ongoing national effort; the training will continue in batches across several Nigerian states. Bauchi State is likely to be the next focus of attention,’ Mohammed disclosed.

The graduation was graced by several dignitaries, underscoring its impact on the community. The excited participants applauded Pantami for the transformative scheme and prayed that Allah reward him abundantly.

The District Head of Pantami, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi, commended the former minister, whom he referred to by his traditional title of Waziri Pantami. ‘Our district is proud to have a son of his calibre,’ he said.

Other notable attendees included the Sarkin Malaman Gombe, Alhaji Ahmad Walama; Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Prof Yusuf Abdullahi, a cross-section of academics, politicians, community and religious leaders.

AS the World Habitat Day is being marked globally, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has emphasized that need to engage registered builders to construct buildings in order to drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria.

This step, according to the statement by NIOB, would make Nigeria’s urban cities safer, free residents from avoidable displacement, prevent needless deaths, and protect the poor who are always the victims of building collapse.

‘On this World Habitat Day, let us recommit ourselves to making safe, resilient, and affordable housing a reality. Let us embrace the vision of cities that can withstand crisis and protect every citizen,’ the statement read.

As builders, built environment professionals, policymakers, and community members, NIOB urged that they must respond by prioritizing resilient building/construction standards and climate-sensitive designs: and engaging appropriate and qualified professionals in housing developments.

It also called for the need to strengthen urban infrastructure like drainage and safe and affordable housing.

‘Ensuring inclusive policies that protect the marginalized. Working together – government, professionals, private sector, NGOs, and citizens – to build housing solutions that endure.

‘Equally important, we must emphasize that engaging Registered Builders to construct our buildings will drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria,’ the statement read.

NIOB said that housing is not just about shelter; but about dignity, safety, and sustainable resilience.

Talking about the theme for the year, ‘Urban Crisis Response’, NIOB said it has called the attention to the urgent need to prepare ‘our cities, towns and communities to withstand shocks – from floods, chaotic planning and development; building collapses, overstretched public infrastructure and climate change to displacement and economic hardship.’

‘In many of our communities, towns and cities in Nigeria, families live in fragile and dilapidated houses, vulnerable to storm damage, flooding, and poor infrastructure. Too often, the most vulnerable in the society- women, children, the displaced, and the poor – suffer the hardest impact. We cannot remain indifferent,’ the statement rea World Habitat Day: HDAN seeks action toward climate-resilient housing, others.

Nigerian smallholder farmers have earned over $40 million in agricultural sales under the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) co-funded Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), according to the IFAD Country Director, Mrs Dede Ekoue.

Ekoue made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during the inception workshop of the 12th Joint Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and IFAD Supervision Mission of the VCDP.

The $334 million programme, jointly financed by IFAD and the Federal Government, has been instrumental in transforming smallholder agriculture, particularly in rice and cassava value chains.

Ekoue described the initiative as a testament to Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen food systems, boost productivity, and improve rural livelihoods.

Highlighting key achievements of the programme, she said rice yields among participating farmers had increased to 5-6 metric tonnes per hectare, compared to the national average of 2-2.5 tonnes.

She added that through the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF), the project’s flagship public-private-producer partnership platform, farmers had generated over $40 million in sales from 878 formal agreements with off-takers, benefitting more than 16,000 rice farmers across participating states.

‘These achievements reflect the power of collaboration between federal and state governments, farmers, communities, the private sector, and IFAD.

‘We are proud to see how the VCDP aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), and the AU Kampala Declaration on agricultural transformation,’ Ekoue said.

The IFAD Country Director also noted that over 39,000 beneficiaries, including 12,000 youth and 22,000 women, had been trained in income-generating activities, helping them to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture.

She highlighted several sustainable innovations under the programme, including the conversion of agricultural by-products into briquettes and animal feed, promoting environmental sustainability and new business models for women and youth.

To strengthen resilience, she said IFAD had introduced climate-smart agricultural practices, digital weather and market information tools, and investments in irrigation, land development, and erosion control through the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP).

Ekoue announced that IFAD had approved a two-year extension for the VCDP to consolidate its gains and achieve new milestones.

‘This 12th supervision mission will assess our progress, address implementation challenges, and shape the next phase of the programme,’ she added.

In her remarks, Dr Fatima Aliyu, the National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, said the programme had successfully demonstrated that smallholder farming can be both profitable and sustainable, challenging long-held assumptions that large-scale farming is the only viable model for agribusiness.

‘When you go to any VCDP state, you will see ownership; you will see that lives have been changed. Our farmers are employers of labour, they are creditworthy, and they have proven that smallholder farming can deliver economic scale,’ Dr Aliyu said.

She emphasised that the VCDP’s focus on empowering smallholder farmers directly supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion, food security, and poverty reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Iluromi Adebola, Director of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects (FD-DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, described the VCDP as one of the government’s flagship agricultural development initiatives.

She said the programme, which is implemented in nine states – Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Taraba, Anambra, and Ogun – continues to deliver remarkable achievements in productivity, market linkages, and the inclusion of women and youth.

‘The testimonies of beneficiaries and the visible transformation in the field are strong evidence of success. The Federal Ministry remains deeply committed to sustaining and consolidating these achievements and ensuring that the programme’s impact reaches more households across Nigeria,’ Adebola said.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the VCDP, expressing confidence that with sustained IFAD partnership, the programme would continue to drive economic diversification, food security, and rural transformation.

The supervision mission, which runs through October 31, will evaluate progress, share best practices, and make recommendations to strengthen implementation and scale up impact in the coming years.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said on Tuesday that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had responded to all the 19 questions the committee asked the firm in respect of the ‘unaccounted’ N210 trillion in its audited financial statements.

Wadada disclosed that what was left was for the answers the NNPC provided to be laid before the committee for consideration.

‘NNPCL has provided answers to all 19 questions, yes, I can confirm that to you.

‘What we are waiting for is to lay these answers before the committee,’ he added.

Wadada, who declined to comment on the exact answers the committee received from the company, merely said that they could either be ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ but must wait for a full session of the committee to consider them.

The Senate committee, acting on the report of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, began looking into the books of the oil company for the period 2017-2023, arriving at the finding that N210trn was unaccounted for.

The probe started before the Senate proceeded on its annual recess on July 23.

However, the Senate committee cut short the break on July 29 to meet with the NNPC Chief Group Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, who was appearing before the senators for the first time after several failed invitations.

Speaking at the July 29 session, Wadada had explained, ‘The N210trn unaccounted for are broadly in two components of N103trn liabilities and N107trn assets, which must be accounted for.

‘None of the 18 or 19 questions we asked NNPCL to explain neither comes from the executive or judiciary.

‘These are questions extracted from the audited financial statement of the NNPCL by the Auditor-General covering 2017 to 2023.

‘Also, this committee had not at any time said the N210trn in question, as far as the queries are concerned, was stolen or missing.

‘What the committee is doing is a required investigation into the queries raised in the report in line with its constitutional mandate.

‘Therefore, the committee is giving NNPCL three weeks to forward written responses on all 19 queries, after which the GCEO will be invited along with other management staff to appear for defence.’

Wadada spoke in response to a request Ojulari made for more time to be able to address the issues raised in the questions.

The GCEO had said, ‘I am just over 100 days in office as the GCEO of NNPCL. I still need time to do further digging, given the perspectives I have heard now on the issues. This is coming in the midst of a huge national assignment.

‘Your explanation now changes my perspective about the issues. I need to understand the issues myself so I can respond appropriately. I will get a team, and please get the details properly reconciled so we can work to provide answers to the queries.

‘In doing this, I will surely engage the external auditors and other relevant groups.’

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The party’s spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme is empowering young Nigerians in coding, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

He said, ‘President Tinubu has shown real vision by focusing on the digital economy. By training our youths in technology, he is preparing them not only for jobs today but also for the jobs of tomorrow.’

Oladejo also said the government’s plan to expand broadband to reach 70 per cent of the country by 2025, as well as policies like the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Nigeria Startup Act, are creating ‘a strong base for innovation and growth.’

He pointed to Nigerian fintech companies as well as partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and Meta, which are giving training and support to youths.

‘The model first used in Lagos is now being applied nationwide. It is the backbone of a digital Nigeria that is creative, competitive, and ready for the future,’ Oladejo said.

He called on Nigerians to support the digital drive, saying it will bring jobs, attract investment, and place Nigeria in a stronger position in the world economy.

Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the newly completed housing in Badagry would cater for the accommodation needs of over 2,000 individuals.

The governor made this announcement as the new Lagos State Housing Estate, Ajara phase 1, at Badagry is set for unveiling this Wednesday.

The 420 home units at Ajara Badagry, expected to further increase the stock of model housing units in Lagos, consist of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the aim is to provide affordable and quality housing in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promise to complete all ongoing housing projects in the state.

Akinderu-Fatai expressed excitement about the project’s completion, citing its potential impact on the community’s economy.

‘The aim is to provide affordable and quality housing in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promise to complete all ongoing housing projects in the state,’ he said.

The commissioner thanked prospective subscribers for their patience and trust in the administration and advised interested subscribers to visit the Estate Department of the Ministry at Block 3, the Secretariat, Alausa.

‘He also advised interested subscribers who have intention to apply to visit the Estate Department of the Ministry.and refrain from dealing with swindlers as the Ministry does not engage agents in the sale of any of its housing units.’

An Ikeja Special Offences Court, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, was on Tuesday informed that its order for the forensic examination of a phone and WhatsApp conversations, central to the alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has hit a major setback.

This is because the examination, intended to be conducted by experts from both the prosecution and defence, has failed to proceed as parties remain at loggerheads over the execution modalities.

Emefiele, who is facing a 19-count charge of alleged fraud alongside co-defendant Henry Omoile, had his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, voiced concerns to the trial judge.

Ojo alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecution, had on two separate occasions blocked the successful execution of the court’s order.

It would be recalled that Justice Oshodi had previously ruled that the mobile device, marked ‘iPhone 2,’ and its WhatsApp contents, which were tendered by the EFCC as evidence, must be subjected to a scientific, forensic examination.

The ruling stemmed from an application by Emefiele’s defence team, arguing the necessity of the examination in the interest of justice, which required the presence of experts from both sides.

Reporting the failed attempts, Ojo told the court that on both September 24 and 25, 2025, the court-directed dates, nothing could be accomplished despite the presence of representatives from both parties and the court’s Registrar.

‘The first brick wall we faced was that the EFCC said the device cannot be exposed to the entire team,’ Ojo submitted.

He further detailed that on the second day, even with the Registrar clarifying that the order specifically directed for the examination of the phone and WhatsApp, the EFCC representatives failed to produce the phone when the Apple expert demanded it, meeting the team with a ‘categorical No.’

The SAN emphasised the need for what he termed as an unfettered assess for the experts to perform their duty, insisting that the EFCC’s actions had blocked the process.

Ojo urged the court to issue a fresh directive to ensure proper access to the phone and its WhatsApp content.

In his response, the counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, while addressing the court on the controversial forensic analysis of the iPhone 12 containing crucial WhatsApp chats tendered as Exhibit E, revealed that the initial forensic examination conducted by the defence’s expert was flawed and non-compliant with forensic standards.

According to him, the expert in question had no physical laboratory, no verifiable office, and reportedly carried out parts of the examination via a live internet connection, risking data compromise.

According to him, ‘The implication of their request is that Exhibit E may be altered. The data could auto-sync and change the integrity of the exhibit.’

The SAN confirmed that the iPhone remains in flight mode, ensuring it remains untampered with.

He assured the court of the prosecution’s commitment to transparency.

‘The prosecution has never, and will never, prevent the defence from accessing the facility. But handling of the exhibit must be done properly,’ Oyedepo stated.

However, in their counterargument, defence counsels to the first and second defendant, Ojo (SAN) and A. Kotoye (SAN), urged the court to defer further testimony until the forensic analysis is completed.

They argued that the WhatsApp chats are central to their case and proceeding without the full report would be premature.

Justice Oshodi acknowledged their concerns but ruled that the prosecution must file the forensic report within 24 hours.

He allowed the continuation of the prosecution’s witness testimony, noting that the witness had travelled from Abuja for the hearing.

He also directed both parties to adopt electronic service of documents moving forward to prevent further delays.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on 19 counts bordering on receiving gratification, corrupt practices, and abuse of office, while his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a separate three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts.

But both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

As the trial continued shortly after Justice Oshodi’s short ruling, the prosecution witness, Alvan Gurumnaan, an EFCC operative who testified to multiple cash deliveries, detailed the findings of their investigations involving Emefiele and associates.

Gurumnaan testified that the EFCC had interviewed various individuals, including staff at CBN, Zenith Bank, and others, allegedly involved in the cash transactions.

Gurumnaan presented multiple WhatsApp conversations (Exhibits P1 – P27), detailing serial cash deliveries allegedly made to the defendants.

The witness claimed the evidence shows a repeated flow of large foreign currency sums to the defendants, coordinated via WhatsApp and carried out through intermediaries.

The matter was adjourned until October 8, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.

Former Governor of Sokoto State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of engaging in a ‘mischievous campaign of deceit’ aimed at misleading the public and discrediting the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Wamakko made the accusation in a statement issued in Sokoto by his Special Assistant on Media, Bashar Abubakar, where he alleged that the opposition party had resorted to recycling ‘outdated propaganda materials’ in an attempt to create a false impression of past performance.

According to the statement, the PDP’s recent circulation of old video clips and reports from more than eight years ago was part of a desperate effort to ‘hoodwink unsuspecting citizens’ and undermine the progress recorded by the present administration.

‘The PDP has been parading old and irrelevant videos as new evidence of achievements, in a futile attempt to tarnish the image of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the APC leadership in Sokoto State,’ Wamakko said.

He described the move as ‘a calculated attempt by a party that has lost relevance and direction,’ insisting that the people of Sokoto are witnessing tangible progress under Governor Aliyu’s leadership across infrastructure, education, health, and rural development.

Wamakko also faulted PDP claims that the previous administration under Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had completed major projects initiated during his tenure, citing examples such as the Asari Water Scheme, Kalambaina and Gidan Salanke housing estates, and several educational institutions.

He explained that the Asari Water Scheme, which was designed by his administration to boost water supply to Sokoto metropolis, was abandoned by the succeeding PDP government, leaving only one out of 40 wells functional by the time Tambuwal left office.

‘Even the water schemes at Runjin Sambo and Gagi were left in poor condition, with only a few wells operational,’ Wamakko noted. ‘These facts expose the falsehoods being peddled in the recycled videos.’

The former governor further dismissed PDP claims regarding the completion of the Wurno College of Agriculture, School of Nursing in Tambuwal, and the College of Legal Studies in Wamakko, describing them as ‘blatant distortions of history.’

He also clarified that the three boarding schools at Shagari, Maruda, and Illela were fully completed by his administration, while a proposed expansion at Sanyinna was never approved by the Tambuwal government.

‘In contrast, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has now awarded the renovation and extension of the Sanyinnawal boarding school, and the AGILE programme is complementing these efforts with new projects,’ Wamakko stated.

He therefore urged the people of Sokoto to remain vigilant and not to be deceived by ‘cheap blackmail and recycled lies,’ reaffirming the APC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and service delivery under the current administration.

When contacted, the spokesman of the PDP, Hassan Sayinnawal, said his party is studying the allegations and will respond to the allegations at the appropriate time.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) are deepening their partnership to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, with a major focus on establishing disease-free zones that will safeguard animal health and unlock new trade opportunities.

At a high-level meeting in Rome, FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu and Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, explored strategic interventions aimed at strengthening the country’s livestock systems. Central to their discussions were plans to reinforce animal health infrastructure, expand disease surveillance networks, improve feed and fodder production, and promote breed improvement programmes.

Minister Mukhtar emphasised the importance of disease-free zones as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda.

‘Establishing disease-free zones is central to our livestock transformation agenda. It will not only safeguard animal health but also position Nigeria as a credible player in regional and global livestock trade,’ he said.

The partnership will also focus on revitalising grazing reserves, adopting climate-smart livestock practices, and enhancing capacities across the livestock value chain. These interventions are designed to boost productivity, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for income and nutrition.

Dr. Dongyu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts, noting that disease-free zones are essential for meeting international sanitary standards and increasing access to premium export markets.

Both parties agreed to collaborate from the conceptualisation stage through to implementation, ensuring that interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with global best practices.

The renewed collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to modernise its livestock sector, reduce transboundary animal disease risks, and strengthen its position in the global livestock economy.