Category: PM News

President Bola Tinubu returns to Abuja on Saturday after participating in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-level meeting in Rome, Italy.

The Aqaba Process is a counter-terrorism initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015. It is co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy.

The Rome edition focused on strengthening regional and international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, with particular attention to West Africa.

The high-level meeting was held on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. Many heads of State and Government attended, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Azouz Nasri, President of Algeria’s Upper House, delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, special envoys, and security experts were also in attendance.

The meeting was held behind closed doors.

On the sidelines of the event, President Tinubu held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Senior Adviser on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos.

President Tinubu also met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to discuss religious harmony in Nigeria. The meeting addressed the widespread disinformation campaigns that falsely portray the country as intolerant of religious diversity.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Aqaba Process has convened 33 meetings at various levels, from Heads of State summits to technical expert sessions. It is built on three core pillars: prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism efforts.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended a former chieftain of PDP, Dele Momodu for allegedly accepting that President Bola Tinubu remains politically unstoppable in 2027.

The Lagos chapter of APC said this in a statement on Saturday while dismissing recommendation of Momodu that other presidential candidates should deploy religious, ethnic politics to defeat Tinubu in 2027.

The APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo in a statement in Lagos affirmed that ethnic politics cannot stop the re-election of Tinubu in 2027.

He dismissed Momodu’s counsel to opposition parties to come together and play the ethnic card in 2027 to defeat Tinubu.

Oladejo commended Momodu, who recently dumped PDP for African Democratic Congress (ADC) for finally admitting ‘the obvious – that President Bola Tinubu remains politically unstoppable’.

He said: ‘Let it be known that the days of weaponising ethnicity as a shortcut to power are long gone.

‘The Nigerian electorate has evolved. They are now focused on who can deliver results, not who can divide the nation.

‘Nigerians know better. They know that leadership is earned through vision, performance, and consistency – not through editorials written from the sidelines of social gigs.’

According to him, under Tinubu, Nigeria is being rebuilt on the foundation of equity, inclusion, and reform.

He said that these cut across infrastructural renewal to economic stabilisation and social investment.

‘This administration is proving that leadership is about ideas, not identity,’ he said.

Oladejo urged Momodu to focus on rediscovering his own political direction before attempting to offer others advice.

‘Truth be told, political realists have accepted the defeat of the opposition, come Year 2027, individually and collectively.

‘The 2027 election will be a referendum on competence and performance, not on ethnicity or nostalgia. And in that contest, Dele Momodu’s brand of political showmanship will have no place,’ he added.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on his 66th birthday.

The President joins members of the Otu family, friends, and associates of the Governor in celebrating a legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to the public good.

President Tinubu commends Governor Otu for placing people at the heart of governance through his People First agenda, which prioritises human capital development by making strategic investments in education, health security, food security, and cultural empowerment.

The President lauds the Governor’s strides in education, including the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship and the College of Agriculture, which are preparing a new generation of skilled professionals to drive sustainable growth in the state.

President Tinubu extols the Governor’s pursuit of industrialisation through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Adiabo, an initiative supported by the African Development Bank, which aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening value chains, promoting export competitiveness, and creating jobs for Nigerian youth.

The President expresses confidence that, under Governor Otu’s watch, several ongoing infrastructural projects, including the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport, the 700km coastal highway linking Calabar to Lagos, the 450km Trans-Sahara Superhighway to Abuja, the river port, and the free trade zone will transform Cross River into a significant hub for commerce, logistics, and tourism in West Africa.

President Tinubu wishes Governor Otu continued good health, strength, and wisdom in the service of his people and the progress of Nigeria.

Dr Amina Kundiri, Director-General of the National All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG), has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats Bill currently before it.

This was contained in a statement issued by NAWA-ORG’s National Publicity Secretary, Evelyn Onyilo, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill proposes the creation of additional seats exclusively for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

Specifically, it calls for 37 new Senate seats-one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory-and 37 additional seats in the House of Representatives.

According to the statement, Kundiri made the appeal during a roundtable dialogue held in Abuja.

She said the passage of the bill would significantly increase the number of women in parliament and promote equity, fairness, and justice.

Kundiri noted that the organisation would continue to champion the cause of women’s empowerment, both locally and globally, to break down barriers and promote inclusiveness.

‘If passed and signed into law, the bill will increase the number of women in parliament, thereby bridging the gender gaps and disparities in governance.

‘It will also enhance women’s participation in governance and make their voices heard,’ she stated.

Kundiri commended President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their ongoing support of gender equity in governance.

Similarly, the President of the Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, Attahiru Ibrahim, reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the inclusion of women and youth in all spheres of national development.

Attahiru noted that women have long been marginalised in Nigeria’s political and governance landscape.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Youth Group, Dr Hadiza Jamilu, cautioned young people against being used as political thugs and urged them to desist from drug abuse.

Onyilo emphasised that women must rise to change the narrative of marginalisation by participating more actively in politics.

She also called on the government to appoint more women and youth into leadership positions.

Nottingham Forest have sensationally sacked their manager, Ange Postecoglou, during their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, as the club’s winless run under the Australian extended to eight games.

The decision, confirmed immediately after the final whistle, ends Postecoglou’s turbulent 39-day reign – the shortest in Premier League history for a permanent managerial appointment.

Postecoglou was appointed in September as a replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo, but his time at the City Ground quickly unravelled. Under his leadership, Forest failed to secure a single victory, managing only two draws and six defeats across all competitions.

In the Premier League, Forest picked up just one point from five matches, leaving them 17th on the table, a point above the relegation zone.

A club statement released shortly after the Chelsea defeat read:

‘Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment at this time.’

Postecoglou’s brief stint saw Forest suffer a string of poor results, starting with a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, followed by an early Carabao Cup exit to Swansea City. Draws against Burnley and Real Betis provided some hope, but back-to-back losses – including a 3-2 home defeat to Midtjylland, where fans chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ – sealed his fate.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis is now seeking his third head coach this season, in a campaign that began with high hopes after the club’s return to European football.

Fulham manager Marco Silva and former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche are among the early names linked to the vacant position.

Postecoglou’s sacking breaks Frank de Boer’s record of 77 days in charge at Crystal Palace in 2017, marking one of the swiftest managerial dismissals in Premier League history.

Troops of the Nigerian Army 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kwara and Kogi States.

Lt.-Col. Polcarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday.

Okoye said the troops have sustained efforts to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states.

He stated that coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons on Friday.

According to Okoye, the victims reported that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States.

He said the bandits were forced to release their captives as a result of the troops’ intensified offensive, noting that some of the victims had been held by the kidnappers for over four months.

‘The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations, ensured they were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist their recovery from the torture endured in the hands of their abductors.

‘Major General Nnebeife further sympathised with the victims, reassuring them that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements,’ he said.

Nnebeife assured the public that there would be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Okoye said the rescued victims had been swiftly evacuated to a military medical facility for attention.

He noted that most of them were physically weak and unable to walk unaided due to extreme exhaustion.

However, he added that the victims were responding to treatment and would be reunited with their families upon full recovery.

The GOC further appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations, and also thanked other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the operational areas.

He commended the efforts of the troops and directed the Brigades to maintain the momentum of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within the 2 Division AOR.

A young Nigerian entrepreneur and corporate strategist, Olubisi Allen-Alebiosu, is gaining attention for her growing influence across human resources, marketing, and renewable energy ventures.

Allen-Alebiosu, a member of the Social Media Centre Marketing (SMC) team, works alongside the firm’s founder, Solomon Sanusi, on TIELLE, a new travel fintech application designed to simplify travel financing and savings for Nigerians and international travellers.

The project, she said, reflects her drive to merge technology with lifestyle solutions.

Beyond her role at SMC, she has carved a niche in human resources and recruitment, helping organisations identify and nurture talent aligned with their long-term vision.

Her work, colleagues say, is marked by strategic thinking and a strong people-oriented approach that balances performance with workplace harmony.

Allen-Alebiosu also leads Bisme Solar Solution, a renewable energy start-up that has, within a year, built a network of distributors and installers providing high-quality solar panels and batteries sourced directly from China.

Her goal, she noted, is to promote affordable clean energy and reduce dependence on costly traditional power sources.

In addition, she runs a professional cleaning company that has operated successfully for three years, offering residential and post-construction cleaning services to clients across Lagos.

Speaking on her motivation, Allen-Alebiosu said her ventures are driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.

‘For me, every business must solve a problem and improve people’s lives,’ she said.

Observers in Nigeria’s business community have described her as part of a new wave of multi-skilled professionals redefining success through creativity, resilience and ethical leadership.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on its personnel not to involve themselves in political activities while discharging their professional responsibilities.

AVM Usman Abdullahi, Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Bauchi, made the call on Saturday during the 2025 annual 10-kilometer walk and jog exercise organised by the NAF.

He also called on the personnel not to involve themselves in any activity that was inimical to the calling of the military profession.

‘You must remain apolitical. Don’t involve yourselves in any political activities and do not involve yourselves in activity that is inimical to the calling of our military profession.

‘I urge you to remain loyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President and the Commander in-Chief,’ he said.

Abdullahi, who emphasised that the NAF payed serious attention to physical fitness for all its personnel, said that the exercise was to increase their cohesion, keep their mental fitness, as well as for them to be on the alert at all times.

He commended the Bauchi State Government for its cooperation and synergy, as well as the creation of an enabling environment.

Also speaking, shortly after the 10-kilometre walk and jog, Gov. Baba Mohammed, said the participants’ outstanding performances were the result of discipline, consistency and determination to succeed.

These qualities, he said, were central not only to physical fitness but also to succeed in every area of life.

Mohammed added that they had demonstrated team work, endurance and commitment to the values that made the Nigerian Air Force a model institution.

Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Auwal Jatau, the Governor said that the exercise was more than just a fitness exercise.

According to him, it is a celebration of unity and shared purpose.

‘Seeing officers comprising airmen, airwomen, sister security services, paramilitary agencies and NYSC members come together in such a lively atmosphere, reminds us that sports and fitness can be powerful tools for strengthening peace and solidarity.

‘Here in Bauchi, we take pride in the harmonious relationship between the government, the Nigerian Air Force and all security agencies operating within the state.

‘The Special Operations Command and other military and paramilitary formations have played a vital role in maintaining the relative peace and security that our people enjoy today,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that not less than 32 people received different prizes for their outstanding performance during the exercise.

They included Airmen, Airwomen, Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs Service and civilians, among others.

Members of Coalition of Oil Producing Youths of Ondo State (COPYOS) have threatened to embark on massive protest if President Bola Tinubu failed to sack Mr Otito Atikase-Ehinmore, the state representative on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board within two weeks.

COYPOS made the demand while accusing Atikase-Ehimore of abuse of office.

The group’s petition to Tinubu was signed by 47 members including Samuel Ikumapayi and Oluwole Fagbin, the President and Secretary respectively.

The coalition comprising youths, women, community leaders and other stakeholders, expressed disappointment over Atikase-Ehinmore’s alleged gross misconduct in the petition made available to journalists on Saturday in Okitipupa.

The group gave Tinubu two weeks to remove Atikase-Ehinmore, threatened massive protests at the state level and NDDC offices if the President refused to sack him.

According to the group, since assuming office, Atikase-Ehinmore has being inaccessible and unaccountable to youth groups, community stakeholders and traditional rulers in the mandate areas.

‘Atikase-Ehinmore has turned the state’s seat to a ‘ghost position,’ by depriving the state of visibility and developmental benefits from NDDC,’ the coalition stated.

The group also accused Atikase-Ehinmore of allocating the only four NDDC employment slots meant for the oil producing communities to his immediate family members.

According to the group, the benefiting family members are Mr Dare Ehinmore, Miss Dayo Ehinmore, Mr Babatumde Ehinmore and Mrs Taye Stella Olayemi.

The coalition also alleged that the NDDC board member diverted money allocated for the 2023 and 2024 NDDC Youth Empowerment Programmes.

‘Atikase-Ehinmore also diverted relief materials sent to the oil-producing communities by the NDDC to assist victims of environmental degradation.

‘These acts represent a betrayal of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu’s administration and a cruel exploitation of the people’s pain.

‘The NDDC was established to restore hope and drive development in the Niger Delta, not to serve as a personal treasury for selfish appointees.

‘We, therefore, demand his immediate removal and the appointment of a credible and people-oriented representative who will align with the President’s development vision for the Niger Delta region.

‘We warn that if no action within two weeks, we will be left with no choice but to embark on a peaceful but massive protests and demonstrations across the state and NDDC offices until justice is done,’ the coalition stated.

Reacting in a telephone interview, Atikase-Ehinmore neither confirm nor deny the allegations levelled against him by COPYOS.

‘Let them go and meet Mr President to remove me. That’s my reaction to the allegations,’ he retorted.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it have commenced investigations of 32 suspects arrested for suspected ponzi-style investment and employment scam at multiple locations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects were luring job seekers across the country to Uyo purportedly for employment in fake TROPICANA OIL AND GAS COMPANY, but ended up extorting them and making them marketers of so called Q-Net products.

The 32 suspects were arrested followed weeks of surveillance by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of EFCC regarding their alleged criminal activities, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency said in a statement.

He identified the suspects as: Miracle Samuel, Christopher Samuel, Yohana Sabo, Ahmed Abdulahi Yarima, Reuben Ezekiel, Terfa Godwin, Zakurs Yakubu, Isah Jaafar Jagaba, Clement Nwakonobi, Rosemary Vifilo Yusuf Ataza, Francis Samuel, Tatah Fidelis, Emenike Ikechukwu, David Allawo, Danjuma Ibrahim, Blessing Seagod, Suleiman Saidu, Nuhu Bridget, Ebi Nwose,Anthony Fredrick, Mathew Satasi Zamani, Hassan Yakubu, Benjamin Obadiah, Stephen Joseph,Toma Peter, Samson Galadimma, Ochim Agnes and Mahmud Sufiyan.

Others are: Ephraim Emmanuel, Kenneth Okonkwo, Jeremiah Emmanuel, and Abdulmajid Barde, alleged to be the coordinators of the various locations of the criminal gang.

The EFCC statement also revealed how that petitioner revealed how a member of the syndicate named Sufiyan Mahmud called his elder brother regarding a job opening at a non-existent oil and gas company purportedly called ‘TROPICANA OIL AND GAS COMPANY’, which the brother allegedly asked him(the petitioner) to apply for.

The petitioner said he abandoned his fashion design business in Kogi State and arrived Uyo on the June 15, 2025, and was received by another member of the syndicate named Abdulmajid who claimed to be the younger brother of the Managing Director of the fictitious oil and gas company. He said he was subsequently taken to another location where he was interviewed by another member of the gang named Zamani Matthew who cautioned him against asking too many questions but to accept whatever he was told and to comply with whatever instructions he was given. One of which included a payment of N900,000.00, with an initial deposit that must not be less than N150,000.00.

After the interview, the petitioner said he was given a Q-Net form to fill out, instead of a Tropicana Oil and Gas Company form, and when he questioned the change in names, he was ordered to stop asking too many questions.

‘When I asked them about my accommodation, they said I must make an initial deposit before they can take me to the company lodge, so I paid them N200,000 after my wife sold off some of our belongings and sent me the money. Then, they took me to the lodge, and I was shocked at what I saw. Shoes littered everywhere with a lot of people who looked malnourished, and I joined them. After some time, they asked me to bring two people, which I did. After a while, I paid up the entire N900,000, while the two people that I brought paid N690,000 and N300,000, respectively. But the whole thing did not feel right because I came to Uyo for an oil and gas job, but I was now told that I will advertise and market some Q-Net products and will be paid $100 USD weekly when I bring two people, which never happened. I became uncomfortable when they started asking me to also try and lure others in using Tropicana Oil and Gas Company like they did to me. It was then I told them that I cannot do that. So, I stopped eating their food and that was when I and my brother started getting our senses back and we eventually left the place and found the lawyer that helped us to send the petition to EFCC’

Preliminary investigations has so far shown that the syndicate collected funds from thousands of investors across Nigeria by making bogus promises of unrealistic returns on investments within short investment windows, thereby misrepresenting their activities to their victims as legitimate product marketing.

During questioning, the coordinators claimed in their that they are network marketers advertising various products, including drugs, which are currently being analyzed by investigators for authenticity and regulatory compliance.

So far, some of their identified victims and the sums they were defrauded include: Abubakar Umar Favour ?1,000,000; Tanko Kasimu ?800,000; Abubakar Abdurahman Jimba ?900,000; Usman Faisu Adamu ?900,000; Korna Emmanuel ?950,000; Yakubu Musa ?160,000; Happiness Mathew ?100,000; Umbugu Akolo Revelation N80,000; Hussani Aminu ?200,000; Samuel James ?200,000; Albert Gabriel ?250,000; Daniel Dorathy ?1,700,000; and Kasimu Lukman Haruna ?850,000. Investigations are ongoing, with more victims expected to come forward.

The syndicate reportedly operated from several locations in Akwa Ibom State, including Ekom Iman Flyover, Transformer Junction Abak Road, and Apostolic Lane, Nwaniba.

Items recovered from the suspects include 35 mobile phones, two Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, three public address systems, and various incriminating documents and digital evidence.

The Commission reiterates its earlier warning to prospective investors to always verify the licensing status of investment entities, avoid schemes promising unrealistic or guaranteed returns, and exercise caution with unsolicited investment offers, particularly on social media platforms.

The suspects will soon be charged to court.