Category: PM News

The United States has announced a reexamination of all Green Cards issued to nationals from 19 countries of concern, following heightened security measures after the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC.

Nigeria, however, has been exempted from this review.

;hWhat’s happening?;/h Joe Edlow, Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirmed on X that, “At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full-scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”

The 19 countries identified include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Citizens from these nations will undergo stricter vetting, including reviews of “negative, country-specific factors,” such as the ability to issue secure identity documents.

Although Nigeria was recently classified as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the Trump administration, it will not be affected by this new directive. This exemption offers relief and reassurance for Nigerian Green Card holders, who can continue their residency status without the worry of additional scrutiny.

The US administration intensified its immigration review following the identification of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, as the suspect in the Washington shooting. Lakanwal, who previously worked with the US government including the CIA, arrived in the US in 2021 through the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also announced a temporary halt on all immigration requests from Afghan nationals and a review of asylum cases approved under the Biden administration, citing concerns about security and vetting protocols.

For Nigerian Green Card holders, the exemption ensures continuity of their status and shields them from the intensified reexamination process affecting other countries. This signals a measure of confidence in Nigeria’s documentation and vetting processes.

Nigerian actress, media personality and fashion entrepreneur, Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, has opened up about a life-changing moment that transformed her career during a period of overwhelming struggle.

Kiekie revealed the emotional testimony during an appearance on the Off The Top podcast, where she recounted how, in 2018, she locked herself indoors for days, praying and crying to God for direction after her fashion business seemed to be going nowhere.

The 28-year-old influencer said the frustration pushed her into complete isolation — no food, no bathing, no change of clothes. She said she lied to her friends that she had travelled, just so she could be left alone to seek divine answers.

“I locked myself up for days. No food, no bathing, no change of clothes. I was practically on the floor crying. I told God, I need you to turn my life around,” she recalled.

According to her, she spent the entire period in a pink boubou, sleeping on the floor and her bed while praying for hours without distraction.

Kiekie said her breakthrough came on the third or fourth day when a woman unexpectedly called her to sew clothes — a phone call she now describes as the turning point of her career.

“I hadn’t even had a bath. I just brushed and ran to Ikeja. That was the beginning,” she said.

The actress stated that from that moment in 2018 until now, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

“From 2018 till now, it has been fantastic — fantastic,” she said with gratitude.

Amidst security challenges that predate the current administration, the Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has said President Bola Tinubu has shown he is “the man for these times,” demonstrating the leadership required to stem the tide of violent crimes in the country.

statement issued by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the pro-good-governance advocacy group noted that the country has recently faced one of its most challenging security periods in years, stressing that President Tinubu has responded with “clarity, decisiveness, and capacity.”

Omoarelojie said while the country was not yet completely out of the woods, the President’s actions show preparedness and political will to address all challenges citing his reaction to the abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states which has led to the rescue of all the abductees in two states and recovery of over 50 in Niger State.

The Group also commended the President for halting his planned trips to South Africa and Angola for the G7 and African Union meetings to focus on domestic security, describing this as evidence of the President’s commitment to citizens’ security above international engagements.

According to the statement, Tinubu also established a central coordination room to unify intelligence, military, police, and diplomatic operations under his direct leadership. This, HAI said, has allowed for faster decision-making, aligned strategies, and rapid deployment of resources.

The group added that President Tinubu has also declared a nationwide security emergency and authorised the recruitment of 50,000 new police officers, redeployment of military personnel from ceremonial duties to active operations, and recalling police personnel attached to VIPs. These steps, the HAI said, were part of an intensified national security push involving ground offensives and aerial surveillance.

“These rescues show tangible security improvements and reinforce public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership,” the statement said.

HAI also praised the administration’s diplomatic engagements, including the National Security Adviser-led mission to Washington and the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ consultations in Niger Republic, which it says strengthen regional intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.

The group pointed to reforms in the legal and judicial sectors, noting that the Nigeria Police Force prosecuted 29,052 violent criminals between 2022 and 2024, securing 16,200 convictions, adding that the National Human Rights Commission conducted 18 investigations and five prosecutions relating to religiously motivated attacks. “These are challenging times,” HAI stated, “but Nigeria is fortunate to have a resolute leader in President Tinubu–bold and courageous enough to confront the challenges head-on. In time, the country will reap the results of his proactive security leadership.”

Full Statement

Tinubu Is the Leader to Stem Insecurity, Says Hope Alive Initiative

The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) notes that in recent weeks, Nigeria has faced one of its most challenging periods in recent history. Multiple security crises converged almost at once, creating national anxiety and the impression of impending collapse.

But like the Phoenix, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is demonstrating bold leadership with clarity, decisiveness, and capacity in how he has handled the situation. Nigeria may not be out of the woods yet, but the President’s actions and the results so far show that he not only knew what to do but also had the political will to do it.

When school children were abducted in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, the President reacted swiftly through a combination of negotiation, intelligence operations, and tactical interventions. His first move was to cancel his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola for the G7 and AU meetings, a clear demonstration that national security anchored in human security takes precedence and that he is leading from the front in executing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

With the same vigour, the President did not just sit back to see how things unfolded but immediately established a Situation (Central Coordination) Room, bringing together intelligence, military, police, and diplomatic channels under a unified command led by himself. For the first time, Nigerians witnessed a coordinated attempt that involved making prompt decisions, aligning strategies with precision, and deploying resources without delay in response to the war’s dynamics. They saw the President taking effective charge and issuing all necessary commands without delay.

One of the first steps the President took was to order the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawale, to relocate to the theatre of war. While there, he would directly coordinate oversight and accelerate decision-making. It is a demonstration of authentic leadership, one that is not remote but present where it is really needed.

Also recognising the urgent need to strengthen the security workforce, the President authorised the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers bringing the total to 50,000, to reinforce community policing and reduce the strain on existing forces. He further ordered the redeployment of military personnel from ceremonial duties to active operations, ensuring that trained soldiers are stationed at the front lines.

dditionally, police officers assigned to VIPs were recalled to restore their core internal security function. These measures underscore a new phase of intensified operations, from ground offensives to aerial surveillance, aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and restoring peace.

Consequently, the President’s proactive responses to ongoing security challenges are yielding results. The results are already evident. Many abducted Nigerians have been rescued; including the 24 girls taken from Government Secondary, Maga, Kebbi State, over 30 worshippers seized from a church in Kwara State, and 50 of the over 200 abducted school children taken from St Mary Catholic School, Minna, Niger State. This is in addition to the capture of a notorious terrorist kingpin in Taraba.

There is no doubt that the rescue of abducted Nigerians, including students and worshippers, demonstrates tangible security improvements that directly protect citizens’ lives and property, reinforcing trust in President Tinubu’s leadership and the administration’s commitment to their safety. These breakthroughs not only effectively disrupted networks of violence but also laid the groundwork for sustained peace through ongoing reforms and regional cooperation, ensuring long-term stability for Nigeria.

In the diplomatic sector, the President’s active engagement with Washington through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu-led team, fosters hope and confidence that Nigeria is building stronger international security partnerships for a safer future.

Similarly, the strengthening of regional security partnerships, exemplified by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar’s engagement in the Republic of Niger underscores Nigeria’s commitment to collaborative efforts that enhance intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism across the Sahel, ensuring sustained regional stability and security for all Nigerians.

In addition, the government is advancing legal, judicial, and de-radicalisation initiatives, with indications that the Nigerian Police Force prosecuted 29,052 violent criminals between 2022 and 2024, securing 16,200 convictions. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted 18 investigations and five prosecutions of religiously motivated attacks, reinforcing accountability while demonstrating the government’s commitment to advancing legal, judicial, and de-radicalisation initiatives for lasting peace. These reforms aim to protect vulnerable citizens and rebuild trust in the justice system and social fabric.

More importantly, the administration is also working with the UNHCR, the National Commission for Refugees, and other partners to tackle poverty, displacement, and identity-based grievances, which data show to be closely linked to conflict and extremist recruitment, as part of a broader counter-terrorism strategy.

These are, no doubt, challenging times; however, we are fortunate to have a resolute leader in President Tinubu, who is bold and courageous enough to confront the challenges head-on. In time, our country will reap the results of his proactive leadership in the security sector.

Signed: Ernest Omoarelojie Director of Media and Communications Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) (A Pro-Good-Governance and Development Advocacy Group in Nigeria)

Former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has urged the Federal Government to decentralise the Nigeria Police Force and allow states to recruit 5, 000 personnel as part of measures to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

Mimiko made the call on Friday while delivering the Maiden convocation lecture at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lecture was titled: “Ill-Health and Illiteracy, Siblings’ Alliance Against Development.”

Mimiko said that President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the recruitment of additional 30,000 personnel for the police force might not be adequate for the prevailing security challenges in the country.

“What I think will help tackle the security challenges is the decentralisation of the Nigeria police force and allowing state governors to recruit 5,000 personnel each.

“I believe each state can put up functional police force that can secure their people.

“The governors have the resources to recruit 5,000 personnel that will police the entire states and deal with crime and criminality in their domains, ” he said.

He described the level of insecurity across the country as very unfortunate, noting that it required urgent action by government and all stakeholders to secure lives and property.

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has confirmed that he has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pledging to honour the invitation.

He made the revelation in a post on his personal Facebook page.

“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC. As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation,” Malami wrote.

The former minister explained that going public about the development aligns with his long-standing advocacy for openness in public service, adding that he would keep Nigerians updated as events unfold.

Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

His tenure was marked by high-profile legal battles, asset recovery initiatives, anti-corruption reforms, and contentious government decisions that often drew both national and international attention.

In his later years as AGF, Malami came under public scrutiny over issues involving asset declarations, contract approvals, and the management of recovered funds–claims he consistently denied. Despite the controversies, he remained a central figure in cases dealing with major financial crimes, international arbitration disputes, and governance reforms.

s of now, the EFCC has not disclosed the specifics of its invitation to Malami.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced sweeping new immigration restrictions that could directly affect countries classified as “third-world nations”, a category that includes Nigeria following the fatal shooting of a National Guard soldier in Washington.

Trump’s move comes a day after an Afghan national allegedly opened fire on two soldiers deployed near the US capital as part of his controversial anti-crime military operation. One of the victims, 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, later died from her injuries.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said he would “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover,” signalling his toughest restriction yet on immigration since returning to office.

He also vowed to reverse “millions” of admissions granted under former President Joe Biden and to “remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States.”

The announcement has sparked immediate concern across several countries — including Nigeria — which rely heavily on student visas, work permits, and family-based immigration pathways into the US.

Meanwhile, the FBI has opened an international terrorism investigation into the 29-year-old Afghan suspect, who reportedly once worked alongside US forces in Afghanistan before securing entry into the country.

The White House says the shooting, described by officials as a “brazen, ambush-style attack,” justifies Trump’s heightened immigration crackdown and his deployment of National Guard troops in several Democratic-run cities.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving video call with US service members, Trump said the nation was “in anguish” over the killing and used the opportunity to defend his earlier decision to send soldiers into major cities.

“If they weren’t effective, you probably wouldn’t have had this done,” he said. “Maybe this man was upset because he couldn’t practice crime.”

Joseph Edlow, Trump’s head of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), later announced a “full-scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card from every country of concern,” referencing a list of 19 nations already facing travel restrictions under Trump’s previous orders.

fghanistan remains on that list. The administration has also halted all processing of Afghan immigration applications.

While Trump did not name the countries that will fall under the new blanket freeze, officials have indicated that the policy will apply broadly to all “third-world” nations a definition that could see Nigeria and several African, Asian, and Latin American countries facing immediate visa disruption.

Nollywood Veteran Patrick Doyle, has claimed that his surname is responsible for opening doors for his ex-wife, Ireti Doyle.

While speaking on ‘Wake Up Nigeria’, Patrick expressed his pride and happiness over the career achievements of his ex-wife. He also revealed that he will not be answering questions that will make him say unpleasant things about her.

Patrick also expressed his pride in the Doyle name, stating that Ireti has not disgraced it so far.

“I’m happy for her that the Doyle name has opened doors for her. And so far hasn’t disgraced the Doyle name. She’s doing pretty well, and I am proud of her achievements in the industry,” he stated.

In spite of its global devastation on humanity, diabetes mellitus is not a death sentence as those living with the disease stand a good chance of survival if they adopt the right lifestyle changes and medications.

Professor of medical physiology at the Federal University, Lokoja, Magnus Micheal Chukwudike Anyakudo made this known on Wednesday when he delivered the university’s 35th inaugural lecture titled “Your Nutrition, Your Health: Unlocking the Power of Evidence-based Dietary Strategies for Diabetes Mellitus.”

He expressed concern that about 599 million adults aged between 20-79 years are living with the disease worldwide.

In his words “Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease for which there is no known cure as at now. However, understanding the risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps to reduce their chances of developing DM through lifestyle changes and regular health screenings. For those with higher risk, consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice is recommended. Hence, to tackle this escalating burden of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria just like other non-communicable disorders, prevention is the key. Therefore, there is a need for joint or collaborative efforts to identify risk factors and control the modifiable ones among them through well-informed and planned nutritional strategies, to promote a culture of health and wellness and, to support those affected by diabetes.

“Nutrition plays a vital role in managing diabetes mellitus, as dietary choices can significantly impact blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and overall health outcomes.

“A well-planned diet can help individuals with diabetes:

Regulate blood glucose levels,

Maintain a healthy weight,

Prevent or manage complications, Improve quality of life

“Diagnosing one to have diabetes mellitus is not a death sentence but a call to lifestyle changes woven with conscious self-discipline. Evidence-based dietary strategies play a crucial role in achieving optimal blood glucose control, weight management, and overall health in diabetes mellitus. As the saying goes, “the appearance of a man is a reflection of what he eats.” Therefore, “discover your nutrition to discover your health.” Don’t delay!

He recommended that people should eat a balanced diet that comprised a variety of whole, unprocessed foods, including fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

“Endeavour to drink plenty water each day and limit sugary drinks.

“Avoid Baked foods and white bread

” Engage in regular physical activity such as walking to improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.

“Get adequate sleep and manage stress level: Engage in stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation. This improves insulin sensitivity.

“Active role should be taken in managing our nutrition and health Personalized nutrition plans should be developed by seeking professional guidance from registered dieticians or nutritionists.

“We should support research and education initiatives that aim to improve diabetes prevention and management. Our own mission is to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk”

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution Professor Olayemi Akinwumi said that the inaugural lecture series is part of the institution’s academic tradition which provides an opportunity for the university to present cutting-edge research in a way that speaks both to the academy and to the wider public, noting that the institution has held 35 inaugural lectures since inception, 33 of which were under his administration.

The Vice Chancellor commended Professor Anyakudo for accepting this responsibility to share his scholarship and for making his research accessible to all of us.

According to him, the topic is not only timely but also of immense practical consequence for millions of Nigerians and the global community alike.

“Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health challenge. Its prevalence is rising in many parts of Africa, including Nigeria, driven by shifts in diet, urbanisation and lifestyle.

Oluwanishola Ogudu, the mother of Wizkid’s first son Boluwatife, has reacted to a critic who claimed the young artist’s management was not doing enough to manage his career.

The critic on X, aired her opinion on the streaming numbers from Tife’s first project. She claimed that his manager could have done a better job at creating a fanbase for the young artist.

Oluwanishola, however, reacted to the opinion, explaining that her son is still very young and has other priorities asides music. She noted the need for balance in his life, stating that he has to focus on his academics and his personal journey.

“Big love to everyone showing support, BUT comparisons aren’t needed. Champz is 14, balancing academics and his passion with serious discipline. His dad is a Legend and that’s facts but this is Champz’s journey, his grind, and his future. NO PRESSURE !!!,” she wrote.

Her response quickly sparked reactions from fans. They commended her for being intentional about her son’s future and not being carried away by the wave of fame.

The Air Council has approved the promotion of 57 senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore as part of the bid to boost the leadership capacity of the service in response to evolving security demands.

ir Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, announced this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Ejodame said 27 senior officers were elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, while 30 were promoted to Air Commodore.

He said that the promotion exercise reflected the commitment of the service to strengthening high-level command responsibility, deepening operational expertise and building a more agile and technologically-driven force.

He listed the newly promoted Air Vice Marshals to include SA Eyoma, GI Jibia, AA Adebomehin, ES Odekina, CE Akubue, SO Eyekosi, AO Akinbuwa, LI Kamat, AG Akinyimika, AO Bamidele, AK Famuyiwa, PJ Edem, SA Madaki, OT Salami and FO Ankeli.

Also on the list are MJ Chidama, JJ Ijudigal, M Umar, IJ Ogbodo, U Ariahu, AL Dakwat, CE Akpa, EC Ukpong, IS Subi, IM Yusha’u, SS Lazarus and F Ekpah.

“Those promoted to Air Commodore include MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh, SP Sekegor, PP Okonkwo, PU Okweugo, AU Yahaya, M Yahaya, IR Ubeh, OK Cole, EA Ifebi, RK Olundu, and IO Akpasa.

“They also include AK Mohammed, HA Meshack, SN Nwachi, ZB Shuwa, EJ Alabila, SA Osoniyi, AO Ogunmola, AJ Arumona, BI Jayeoba, CE Akuh, NN Onuoha-Mba, PA Garba, YM Abdullahi and M Suleiman.”

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the promotion of the officers was a recognition of professional excellence, operational competence and loyalty to the service.

neke said the officers were elevated amid one of Nigeria’s most complex security environments requiring clarity, precision and innovative thinking from military leaders.

“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility.

“The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the men and women behind them as a unified force.

“Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail,” he said.

The air chief urged the officers to serve with integrity and discipline, and to strengthen joint operations, intelligence exploitation and the mentoring of junior personnel.

He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at building a smarter and more decisive air force capable of delivering effective airpower across all theatres of operation.