Category: PM News

The call for stronger grassroots engagement, greater youth participation and sustained public support for ongoing national reforms dominated discussions on the first day of the City Boy Movement National Retreat in Abuja, as speakers urged members to become active ambassadors of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing participants at the opening dinner of the retreat held at the State House, the Patron of the City Boy Movement, Seyi Tinubu, said the organisation had evolved beyond its role as a campaign platform into a nationwide movement committed to national development and citizen engagement.

‘This is more than just the opening of a retreat. It is the beginning of a movement. It is the coming together of men and women who have chosen to dedicate their time, energy and talents to the service of Nigeria and the advancement of the Renewed Hope vision.’

He commended members who travelled from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, describing their commitment as a demonstration of selfless leadership.

‘You have travelled from every corner of our great nation not because you were compelled to, but because you believe in a cause that is greater than yourselves. That spirit of sacrifice is what defines leadership.’

Seyi Tinubu said the City Boy Movement had become ‘a strong family foundation, a national network of committed patriots and a symbol of resilience, loyalty and purposeful engagement,’ noting that members had continued to mobilise volunteers, encourage youth participation in governance and promote democratic values.

He, however, cautioned members against complacency.

‘We have only scratched the surface of what we have come together to accomplish. Our greatest victory is still ahead of us. This retreat is not a celebration of yesterday; it is preparation for tomorrow.’

On the Tinubu administration’s reforms, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited serious economic and security challenges but had initiated bold policies to stabilise the economy, improve public finances, expand infrastructure, attract investment, support agriculture, strengthen security and improve education.

Acknowledging that many Nigerians were still experiencing the impact of the reforms, he urged members to communicate government policies with empathy and facts.

‘Many of these reforms have required difficult decisions, and many Nigerians continue to feel their impact. But we are also beginning to see progress. Our engagement must therefore be responsible, factual and compassionate.’

He challenged members to deepen grassroots engagement across wards, local governments, markets, campuses and communities.

‘This movement must become not simply about defending government, but about reconnecting Nigerians with government.’

Also speaking, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, said the organisation was targeting 10 million youth votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election through sustained grassroots mobilisation.

‘Ten million votes will not come from slogans or social media. They will come from real people, real members, real engagement and hard work at the grassroots.’

Shoga urged members to build a disciplined and results-driven organisation capable of educating Nigerians on government policies and mobilising support at the community level.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, described nation-building as a shared responsibility and commended the City Boy Movement for promoting patriotism, unity and responsible citizenship.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, to delivering improved infrastructure, enhanced security, better public services and environmental renewal in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the time had come for the voices of young Nigerians to be heard in shaping the country’s future.

‘It is time for everyone in this country to hear the voice of the youth.’

He urged young people to move beyond being observers to becoming active participants in governance, leadership and national development, stressing that the country’s future depends on harnessing the energy, creativity and innovation of its youthful population.

The retreat brought together City Boy Movement leaders, state coordinators and members from across the federation to review the organisation’s activities and strengthen strategies for grassroots mobilisation and civic engagement.

In his vote of thanks, the Co-Patron of the City Boy Movement, Kashim Shettima Junior son of Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed appreciation to members, guests and stakeholders who attended the retreat dinner. He commended their commitment to the ideals of the movement and described the City Boy Movement as ‘the biggest youth political movement in Africa.’ He urged members to remain united, committed and focused on expanding the movement’s grassroots reach in support of national development and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The City Boy Movement (CBM) on Monday commenced its maiden three-day National Retreat in Abuja, bringing together members of its Governing Board, National Working Committee (NWC), National Directors, State Directors and other stakeholders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The retreat, which runs from Monday, July 13 to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, is aimed at strengthening the movement’s structures, reviewing its progress and preparing members for intensified grassroots mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the formal swearing-in of members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and State Directors, who took an oath of office, pledging to uphold the constitution, ideals and objectives of the City Boy Movement with integrity, loyalty and dedication. The ceremony also featured goodwill messages by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Movement’s Patron, Barrister Seyi Tinubu, and the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga.

In his address, Comrade Ayodele Olawande called on members to remain united, disciplined and focused, stressing that ‘Politics is not a game for those who sit on the sidelines. This is the time to organise, mobilise and take our message to every street, every community and every home.’ He urged participants to return to their respective states as ambassadors of the Renewed Hope Agenda, communicating the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while remaining responsive to the aspirations of Nigerians.

Welcoming participants, Barrister Seyi Tinubu described the retreat as ‘the gathering of a movement’ and ‘not a celebration of yesterday, but a preparation for tomorrow.’ He said the City Boy Movement had evolved into a formidable national platform committed to youth participation, democratic engagement and service, urging members to become ‘communicators, educators, mobilisers and ambassadors of hope’ by engaging Nigerians with facts, empathy and responsible leadership.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga challenged members to build a disciplined, united and purpose-driven organisation capable of standing the test of time. He highlighted the Tinubu administration’s reforms, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), youth skills development, digital innovation, infrastructure expansion and economic reforms, describing them as practical expressions of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘The City Boy Movement must become the bridge between the message and the people. We must inform, engage and empower Nigerians with clarity, facts and conviction,’ Shoga said.

The Director-General unveiled an ambitious mobilisation target, declaring: ‘Our mission is clear. Our target is 10 million votes. Our strength is our people. And our time is now.’

He emphasised that the goal could only be achieved through sustained grassroots engagement, adding that ’10 million votes will not come from slogans or social media. They will come from real people, real structures, real engagement and real work at the grassroots.’

He charged every National Director, State Director and member to take ownership of the movement’s membership drive by expanding its presence in every ward and community across the country.

‘If you believe in this movement, bring someone into this movement. Get involved. Get organised. Get to work,’ he said, adding: ‘History will one day ask what we did when we were allowed to serve. Let our answer be simple: we stood up, we organised, we worked, we mobilised, and we delivered.’

The three-day retreat will feature strategic planning sessions, leadership development, policy engagements and capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen the City Boy Movement’s organisational effectiveness nationwide.

Participants are expected to adopt a roadmap for deeper grassroots mobilisation, expand membership across the federation and reinforce support for the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of future political engagements.

Atiku Abubakar has launched a legal fightback after the Court of Appeal invalidated congresses conducted by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

The ADC presidential candidate has instructed his legal team to approach the Supreme Court for a final determination of the leadership dispute.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his media adviser, Phrank Shuaibu, described the appeal as the proper constitutional path and expressed confidence in the judicial process.

‘Let no supporter of the ADC lose sleep. Let no Nigerian who believes in the restoration of our country be discouraged,’ he said.

He urged party members nationwide to remain calm, united and focused while continuing their mobilisation activities.

The ADC also confirmed that it had begun the process of challenging the judgement, which it described as ‘legally unsustainable.’

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that the dissenting opinion delivered by the panel’s presiding justice reflected the settled position of the law more accurately.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had upheld a Federal High Court judgement restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the Mark-led caretaker leadership.

In its majority decision, the appellate court declared the congresses and national convention organised by the caretaker committee null and void.

It also awarded N10 million in costs against the ADC.

Justice Okon Abang, who delivered the lead judgement, ruled that the authority to conduct state congresses rested with elected state executive committees-not a caretaker national leadership.

Justice Donatus Okorowo agreed with the decision.

However, the panel’s presiding judge, Justice Abba Mohammed, dissented, holding that the dispute concerned the party’s internal affairs and was not justiciable.

On the other hand, INEC said it would obtain and study the Certified True Copy of the judgement before deciding its next action.

An official said the commission’s litigation department would examine the ruling and advise it on the possible implications for the ADC and its candidates.

All On, Nigeria’s off-grid energy access impact investor, has launched the 2026 All On Off-Grid Energy Challenge, inviting Nigerian clean energy companies to compete for funding of up to $1 million to scale innovative solutions aimed at expanding energy access across the country.

Applications for the nationwide competition opened on July 2 and will close on July 31, 2026.

The initiative seeks to identify and support Nigerian entrepreneurs and businesses developing scalable and commercially viable off-grid energy solutions in renewable energy, productive-use technologies, energy efficiency, cold chain systems, mini-grids, solar home systems, and other clean energy applications.

According to All On, the Challenge is designed to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity access gap while promoting economic growth in underserved communities through sustainable energy solutions.

Since its launch in 2018, the programme has committed $3.6 million to 36 Nigerian-owned companies, supporting projects that have provided clean energy access to more than 150,000 Nigerians.

The 2026 edition significantly expands the level of support available, with selected companies eligible for between $200,000 and $1 million in blended financing comprising both non-dilutive and commercial funding instruments.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will receive technical assistance and investment-readiness support from the All On Hub team.

This year’s competition places particular emphasis on projects that promote the productive use of energy (PUE) by converting electricity access into economic opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, food processing, cold storage, healthcare and small businesses.

The Challenge will also support innovations across the off-grid energy value chain, including technologies designed to improve outcomes for women and young people.

Speaking at the launch, Innovation Hub Manager, Sele Inegbedion, said the initiative reflects All On’s confidence in Nigerian entrepreneurs’ ability to solve the country’s energy challenges.

‘The Off-Grid Energy Challenge exists because we believe the solutions to Nigeria’s energy problems already live within Nigeria, in the minds and hands of our entrepreneurs,’ Inegbedion said. ‘Our role is to find them, back them, and walk with them as they grow. This year, we are doing that with more capital and more conviction than ever before. If you are building something that brings light and economic opportunity to communities that have been left behind, we want to hear from you.’

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of All On, Caroline Eboumbou, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting innovative businesses addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit.

‘Nigeria’s off-grid energy sector has proven, year after year, that the right kind of support that is patient, flexible, and rooted in deep market understanding, can produce transformational outcomes,’ Eboumbou said. ‘The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is one of the most direct expressions of what All On stands for: putting serious capital behind entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving one of our country’s most pressing challenges.’

To qualify, applicants must be majority Nigerian-owned and managed, operate as for-profit private companies legally registered in Nigeria, and present innovative, commercially viable solutions capable of serving unserved and underserved communities within a 12- to 18-month investment period.

Founded as an independent impact investing company and seeded by Shell, All On provides debt, equity financing, and non-financial support to renewable energy companies working to expand affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity access for low-income households and small businesses across Nigeria.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed a high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Portugal to assess the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of C-130H aircraft, NAF 913.

This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters.

Aneke said that the development reaffirmed the service’s unwavering commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.

According to him, the delegation is led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Ogunsina, and accompanied by the Commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri.

‘The delegation visited Messrs OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to evaluate progress on the maintenance programme and engage on measures to facilitate its timely completion.

‘The delegation also conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing maintenance activities and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on practical steps to optimise timelines and sustain momentum towards the aircraft’s return to service.’

The CAS also said that the engagement reflected the proactive approach of the current NAF leadership.

This he said was in ensuring close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and guaranteeing that all aircraft operate in accordance with the highest international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.

He added that the visit also provided an opportunity to reassure the public regarding the status of the aircraft, which had earlier proceeded abroad for its scheduled depot-level maintenance programme.

‘In spite of unforeseen transit challenges, the Nigerian air force remained steadfast in ensuring that the aircraft reached its designated maintenance facility to undergo comprehensive inspections and maintenance in accordance with global best practices.

‘This underscores the service’s uncompromising commitment to safety, technical integrity and long-term operational effectiveness, placing premium importance on the safe and efficient employment of its air assets,’ he said.

He further said that in recognising the strategic importance of the platform to national and regional airlift operations, both parties reviewed measures aimed at sustaining progress on the maintenance programme and facilitating the aircraft’s timely return to service.

According to him, the collaborative engagement further highlights the strong partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and global aerospace stakeholders in sustaining critical air capabilities and enhancing its capacity to effectively support national and regional operations.

‘Beyond the ongoing maintenance programme, the delegation also explored broader areas of cooperation with OGMA and other industry partners, focusing on long-term support for the NAF C-130H fleet, technical training, logistics support and future sustainment requirements.’

Aneke emphasised that the Nigerian air force remained steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.

‘The safety of our personnel and the airworthiness of our platforms remain paramount.

‘We will continue to strengthen our maintenance culture and strategic partnerships to ensure that the Nigerian air force remains a highly professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives,’ said.

He added that the ongoing efforts further demonstrate the service’s commitment to preserving critical airlift capabilities and inspiring public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Nigerian air force.

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on forgery of a degree certificate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Minister had submitted the UNN and NYSC certificates to the National Assembly during his ministerial screening in 2023.

ICPC also accused Nnaji who was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja of receiving about ?29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences and money laundering.

Following his plea, the former Minister’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN) told the court that he had filed a motion for his bail.

However, ICPC counsel said he is ready to proceed with the trial with tree witnesses ready to testify.

But he did not object to the defendant’s bail application, stating that it was at the discretion of the court.

Subsequently, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ?20 million with one surety in like sum.

The Court said the must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.

Also, the court said the surety must submit evidence of employment, including a letter of employment, and provide salary slips for the last three months.

The Court also ordered the ex-Minister to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

In the one of the charges, ICPC accused Nnaji allegedly of taking possession of N29.58 million paid into his Fidelity Bank account as salaries and allowances while serving as minister.

The ICPC alleged that he reasonably ought to have known the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts, namely corruption and fraud.

The commission said the alleged offence contravened Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In count two, the ICPC accused Nnaji of using his office as minister to confer a corrupt advantage on himself, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

According to ICPC, Nnaji, with intent to mislead the Federal Government, knowingly presented a false National Youth Service Corps Certificate No. A231309, during his ministerial appointment process.

It said the alleged offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The ICPC also alleged that, in August 2023, Nnaji knowingly presented a false Microbiology/Biochemistry degree certificate, No. 004501, purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

According to the charge, the act also contravenes Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

In count five, the commission alleged that, around May 1986, Nnaji knowingly produced a false Certificate of National Service, No. A231309, and used it as genuine.

The ICPC said the alleged offence was contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

In count six, the anti-graft agency claimed Nnaji knowingly produced a false degree certificate in microbiology/biochemistry, purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, around July 1985.

According to the Commission, the former Minister used the document as genuine, contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by operatives of Department of State Services (DSS).

He was subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

ICPC had confirmed the handover of Nnaji to it by DSS in a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey also on July 1.

The anti-graft agency said the former Minister was arrested ‘following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria’.

According to the Commission, the order issued on 11 June 2026 mandated it to arrest Nnaji to enable investigation into allegations bordering on forgery of a degree certificate of UNN and NYSC Discharge Certificate which he submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

ICPC said it had earlier invited the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026, but he failed to honour the invitations.

‘Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,’ it said. ‘The legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026).’

Recall that Nnaji resigned as Minister in October 2025 following controversies over alleged forgery his NYSC discharge certificate and that of his first degree.

However, the Minister had denied allegations that he forged NYSC and UNN certificates.

He also dragged the university to court over the alleged forgery.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, N20 million bail after he pleaded not guilty to alleged certificate forgery.

Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge.

The ICPC accused the former minister of forging an academic certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and making false statements in documents submitted to public authorities.

Nnaji denied the allegations when the charges were read to him.

Justice Abdulmalik granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in the same amount.

The court ordered that the surety must be an Abuja-based civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must submit an affidavit showing the ability to meet the bail conditions.

The judge also directed Nnaji to surrender his international passport to the court.

He was barred from travelling outside Nigeria without prior permission from the court.

Nnaji served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet from August 16, 2023, until October 6, 2025.

The criminal case followed an ICPC investigation into allegations surrounding the academic credentials he submitted during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment.

The former minister has consistently denied forging any certificate or making false declarations.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until July 21 for the commencement of trial.

The Anambra Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles, for operating an illegal traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.

The woman who was ‘Eze Nwanyi’ (female traditionalist) had transitioned to a self-acclaimed surgeon without the required medical qualifications.

She was allegedly performing caesarean sections, conducting normal vaginal deliveries and other surgical procedures without authorisation, Anambra Commissioner for health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists on Sunday in Awka.

The Anambra Commissioner alleged that Charles allegedly operated an illegal traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri community.

Obidike said that during an inspection of the facility, conducted alongside the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Mr Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, they recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment allegedly used for the unauthorised procedures.

He added that officials also discovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar inside the facility.

He said the facility had also been linked to reported medical complications and fatalities.

‘The arrest followed investigations launched by the Ministry of Health as part of the state’s campaign against quackery and illegal medical practice.

‘The suspect admitted during interrogation that she had been carrying out caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the required medical or surgical qualifications.

‘She was previously known as ‘Eze Nwanyi’ before becoming a church minister and later presenting herself as a surgeon,’ he said.

The commissioner said the facility had been confiscated pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect would be arraigned before a competent court.

He described the discovery as disturbing and a serious threat to public health, adding that the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo would not allow unqualified persons to endanger lives under the guise of providing healthcare.

Obidike urged residents, particularly expectant mothers, to seek medical care only from government-approved hospitals and duly registered healthcare providers.

He said Anambra ministry of health would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.

‘The government remains committed to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed and qualified healthcare professionals provide medical and surgical services in Anambra.

‘Anyone found violating the law will face the full weight of legal sanctions,’ he said.

Also speaking, the Local Government Chairman, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for exposing the alleged illegal medical operation.

He assured residents of the council’s continued support for efforts to eliminate quackery and other unlawful practices that endanger lives.

He also urged members of the public to report suspected illegal health facilities and patronise only accredited hospitals.

The principal of Community High School, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Alamu, has revealed that the kidnappers who held her, scores of pupils and other teachers captive for 56 days deliberately killed two teachers in a bid to force the government to meet their demands.

Alamu made the disclosure on Monday while speaking with journalists after she and the rescued victims were formally received by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Oyo State Government House.

She identified the slain teachers as Mr Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher who was beheaded on the second day of the abduction, and Mr Esiyan Adegboye, a 49-year-old teacher who was shot dead during the attack on the schools. Adegboye was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22.

According to the principal, the kidnappers believed killing the teachers would pile pressure on the government to accede to their demands, having realised that the mass abduction had attracted national and international attention.

‘They killed them purposely because they thought it would force the hand of the government to provide them whatever they wanted. They already knew that the whole world was interested in our case,’ she said.

Alamu, however, expressed gratitude to God and everyone who played a role in securing the victims’ freedom, saying the survivors were hopeful of overcoming the emotional scars left by the traumatic experience.

She recounted the ordeal in captivity, describing how the abductees spent most of the 56 days in the open forest, exposed to harsh weather conditions while struggling to protect and comfort the children.

‘It was not easy. We stayed in the forest under the scorching sun and heavy rain with the children. We kept going because there was no way out. We believed God would help us, and we drew strength from knowing that people were praying for us,’ she said.

Although she was not physically assaulted, Alamu disclosed that many of the younger pupils were repeatedly beaten whenever they cried or made noise, adding to the trauma they endured during the long captivity.

The rescued pupils and teachers were handed over to the Oyo State Government by the Federal Government after security agencies secured their release on Friday following more than 50 days in captivity.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations (UN) and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigerians deserve a full and transparent account of what transpired before and after the victims were rescued.

In a statewide broadcast following the rescue and reunion of the abducted pupils and teachers with their families after 56 days in captivity, Makinde said the circumstances surrounding the mass abduction and its eventual resolution were too grave to be left to domestic institutions alone.

‘The circumstances surrounding this abduction are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,’ the governor said.

‘Therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.’

Makinde stressed that his request was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s institutions but to strengthen public confidence by ensuring that the truth is established and anyone found culpable is held accountable.

‘Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found responsible, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable,’ he said.

The governor noted that under Nigeria’s Constitution, responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command.

‘The Nigerian people therefore deserve a full, transparent and credible account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such a tragedy again,’ he stated.

Makinde described the return of the abducted pupils and teachers as a moment of relief and thanksgiving but said the state was still grieving over the deaths of two teachers during the ordeal.

Makinde warned residents against relaxing their guard, saying criminal groups could attempt to strike again.

‘The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared. We must not allow this moment of relief to become a moment of complacency. Security is everyone’s responsibility,’ he said, urging residents to report suspicious activities through security agencies or the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.

As part of measures to prevent a recurrence, the governor announced that the state government would strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which he said has become vulnerable to exploitation by criminal elements.

According to him, the government will tighten surveillance on access routes into and out of the park, improve intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and introduce new protocols to deny criminals safe operational bases.

Makinde assured parents that his administration would continue to take every lawful step to make schools and communities safer.

‘This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people and restoring confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,’ he said.