Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Government has opened the recruitment portal for the first batch of 30000 personnel into the paramilitary services while approving the promotion of 27624 officers across the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and Federal Fire Service (FFS).

Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Correctional Service Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the decisions after the board’s meeting in Abuja.

He said the recruitment formed part of the approval by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to recruit 120000 fresh personnel to strengthen the capacity of the paramilitary agencies. The portal for successful candidates will open on October 28.

Tunji-Ojo said the candidates would undergo drug tests with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in their states before receiving letters of appointment.

He also disclosed that 228 personnel were sanctioned for alleged misconduct indiscipline and behaviour incompatible with their duties during the period under review.

The minister said the board’s decisions reflected ongoing reforms in the ministry and Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of paramilitary personnel including promotions and payment of relevant allowances.

Tunji-Ojo said the board approved promotions at various ranks for 27624 officers.

He gave the breakdown as 17343 personnel of the NSCDC 4601 of the NCoS 4097 of the NIS and 1583 of the FFS.

He described the exercise as unprecedented and commended the President for his commitment to the welfare of personnel of the services.

‘Promotions at various ranks were passed and approved by the board this afternoon. And I’m glad to say that a total of 27624 officers have been promoted to different ranks’ Tunji-Ojo said.

The minister said the board also considered and validated a healthcare policy framework aimed at ensuring the fitness and wellness of officers and men of the four paramilitary institutions.

According to him the policy is part of measures to boost morale and enable personnel to discharge their duties effectively.

‘In keeping with the statutory responsibility of the board in relation to the Nigerian Correctional Service the Nigerian Immigration Service the Federal Fire Service and of course the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps the board considered promotion and welfare as well as disciplinary issues’ he said.

Tunji-Ojo said the 228 personnel sanctioned were found wanting for various acts of misconduct indiscipline and behaviour inimical to their calls of duty.

He said the measures underscored the government’s resolve to strengthen discipline improve welfare and build a more capable paramilitary workforce.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday called for stronger preventive healthcare and improved preparedness against infectious diseases including Ebola.

He spoke at the State House Abuja after receiving the Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) becoming the second Nigerian leader to receive the honour in the institution’s 50-year history.

The President urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical solutions to the migration of skilled healthcare workers warning that the exodus was increasing pressure on health systems and limiting access to essential services.

He said: ‘We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections.’

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible affordable and efficient commending Pate for his leadership of the government’s health sector reforms.

WACP Secretary-General Prof. Musa Dankyau said the college recognised the President’s contributions to health infrastructure primary healthcare disease prevention and universal health coverage. He said more than $2.2 billion had been invested in the health sector.

The college which has conferred the fellowship eight times since its establishment also announced that its 50th anniversary celebration and annual scientific meeting would be held from October 26 to 28 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre Abuja.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said the Southsouth governors are against the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway with the East-West road.

Diri who is the Chairman South South Governors’ Forum (SSGF) expressed his disagreement with Works Minister David Umahi on the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The governor faulted the comments of a former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke on the project.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Daniel Alabrah said Diri spoke during the 200th session of the State Executive Council (Exco) in Yenagoa the state capital

He said: ‘I read like everyone else that there would be a realignment and that the coastal road would be merged with the East-West Road which I do not believe is the same project. That should be a South-South road.

‘I privately called the Minister of Works and said: ‘Honourable Minister that is a no no no for us. These are two different projects. I agree with you that the East-West Road should be reconstructed. It is called the East-West Road but its reconstruction should not take the place of the coastal road.

”While you reconstruct the East-West Road the coastal road must continue because you have already won the hearts of all the coastal states’.’

Diri stated that in the course of the discussion he and the minister disagreed.

‘I told him that for me and my state the coastal road must continue. He kept mentioning Mr. President’s name and I felt that he was the implementer and the one who addressed the media.

‘So I said: ‘Go back and tell Mr. President that this is the position of the governors of the Southsouth because I also speak as Chairman of the South South Governors’ Forum.’

Faulting former Governor Duke’s comment on a national television programme that the coastal highway was not feasible the Bayelsa governor said the comment perplexed him.

Diri said he was shocked that a prominent son of the Southsouth described the project as not feasible because he considered Bayelsa State swampy.

‘When I watched the video and listened to everything he said about the coastal road what actually made me respond was the example he gave using my state Bayelsa. He said the coastal road was not feasible and his reason was that even the state capital of Bayelsa is in a swamp. According to him for the coastal road to pass through Bayelsa 100 to 200 bridges would have to be constructed’ he said.

The governor described Duke the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate as a pretender.

Diri said: ‘You pretend to be a presidential candidate of PRP. There is not even a councillor from PRP in Cross River; not even in your own ward…

‘Do not use Bayelsa State as an example of a place where roads cannot be built. You were in office when Bakassi was ceded out of Nigeria. But because you were not a local champion you did nothing about it… You pretend to be a presidential candidate even though you have been out of government for over a decade – almost two decades.’

Diri explained that it was not in his character to engage in public disagreement or fight.

‘I am not one of those who insult people. I do not insult leaders or elders. But what you have done is not just about me. It is about my environment and my people. I will always stand tall to defend this environment and the people of Bayelsa State.

‘With our limited resources as a state government we are building bridges and roads in the same swamp that he says cannot be developed. We are inviting him to come to Bayelsa since he has used our state as an example.’

The governor said he had reminded Duke that it was the same swamps that produced the golden egg that fuelled the Nigerian economy.

‘Yet after that press statement which I asked my Chief Press Secretary to issue the former governor of Cross River State went back to say what I saw as more of an insult to my person.

‘He started by saying: ‘That fellow. Donald Duke I am not that fellow. I am the sitting governor of Bayelsa State. He also said: ‘I do not even know that fellow.’

‘I do not want you to know me from Adam and I do not know you; just as you do not know me. Hear me well: I am not that fellow. I am an elected sitting governor of Bayelsa State and I am very surprised that this is coming from a son of the Niger Delta and more importantly a former governor who should respect the office of a governor at all times.

‘He did not stop there. He went on to say that ‘since I do not know him he is a local champion’.

‘Yes I am a local champion because that is where I was raised. I was elected to defend the local people. I was elected to champion their cause. I was elected to see possibilities where there seem to be impossibilities.’

Diri called for concerted efforts to end the ‘difficult terrain’ narrative about Bayelsa in relation to its development.

‘Enough of this narrative that the Bayelsa environment cannot be developed. Oil and gas resources can be taken away from our land but why can’t the land itself be developed? That is a fat lie from the pit of hell and we reject it’ he said.

The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for doing the coastal highway project which he said holds much significance for the Niger Delta people and the Ijaw nation in particular.

‘The coastal road is a very important relevant and impactful project for every state along the coastline particularly for us in the Southsouth and Bayelsa State.

‘If you recall on the day we were all crossing over from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) I brought out a document containing the demands of the Ijaw National Congress (INC). One of the major demands dating back to the military era was the construction of the coastal road. These were some of the relevant issues that made some of us decide to say: ‘Okay let us go.’

‘I like to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President. The very thought of it alone – that these coastal people should not continue to wallow in poverty and be dehumanised and that they should not be seen as second-class citizens of this country – is commendable.

‘If we can have roads in the North and other parts of the country then the coastal road should also be built. The very idea of it is a big plus for Mr. President and his administration. I welcome it with both hands.’

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has announced a new initiative to support organisations working within the sickle cell community.

The singer a sickle cell advocate and founder of the Adekunle Gold Foundation shared the news in a post on his Instagram page on Friday.

He said the foundation is launching its latest project ‘We’re Not Done’ which will commit $20000 to support organisations doing critical work in the sickle cell community.

‘Today the @adekunlegoldfoundation is taking another meaningful step towards creating lasting impact in the sickle cell community’ he wrote.

‘I’m excited to introduce our latest initiative we’re not done through which with the support of @joinpesainc we’re committing $20000 to support organisations doing critical work in the sickle cell community.’

Adekunle Gold disclosed that the initiative will begin with four organisations.

He noted that these organisations have been doing important work and deserve more than recognition.

‘These organisations have been doing important work and they deserve more than recognition. They deserve the support and funding to reach more people strengthen their impact and keep moving forward’ he stated.

The singer who has openly shared his own journey living with sickle cell disease said the project is just the beginning with plans to support more organisations and create lasting change.

‘This is just the beginning. Our hope is to support even more organisations and help create lasting change’ he added.

He also called on the public to support the initiative through donations or by contacting the foundation via email or its website.

‘We’re not done. Because we can do more together’ he concluded.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said the country is firmly on the path to full economic recovery and sustainable development citing growing investor confidence in the nation’s economy as evidence of progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

She expressed optimism that the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms would continue to yield positive results urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s economic prospects.

The First Lady spoke on Friday in Abuja while inaugurating the national headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement a political support group mobilising grassroots backing for President Tinubu’s re-election in the January 2027 presidential election.

She charged members of the movement to intensify their engagement with Nigerians across communities stressing that political mobilisation should go beyond soliciting votes to understanding citizens’ concerns aspirations and expectations.

According to a statement from her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi the First Lady said the door-to-door campaign strategy remains one of the most effective ways to reach ordinary Nigerians directly and communicate the administration’s policies programme and achievements.

‘The door-to-door campaign approach remains one of the most vital avenues for true community engagement which gives us the privilege to listen to the heartfelt concerns of families understand the aspirations of our young people honour the wisdom of our elders and learn directly from the women who serve as the resilient backbone of our homes and society as a whole’ she said.

Senator Tinubu urged campaigners to communicate messages of hope national unity peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity while highlighting the progress recorded under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘As we embark on this noble mission let us always remember that impactful outreach extends far beyond visiting doorsteps. Our message must consistently resonate hope peace unity and development especially the impactful progress the Tinubu administration has made so far’ she stated.

The First Lady commended the leadership and members of the movement for extending their activities to 14 states describing their grassroots mobilisation efforts as important to the campaign for President Tinubu’s second term.

She encouraged them to sustain the momentum as the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally kicks off its presidential campaign while emphasising the need for peaceful and respectful political engagement.

Senator Tinubu particularly cautioned members against discrimination based on political affiliation insisting that every Nigerian deserved to be heard and treated with dignity regardless of partisan differences.

‘To the members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement I encourage you all to approach every community peacefully engage every individual with respect and remember that every Nigerian deserves to be heard and valued regardless of political affiliation.

‘Let us win the hearts and votes through the strength of our message: Renewed Hope True Federalism and Shared Prosperity’ she charged.

Speaking at the ceremony Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence in the administration’s economic policies urging Nigerians to maintain faith in what he described as steady improvements across the country.

Akpabio said the government remained committed to delivering on its promises and improving citizens’ welfare despite the challenges confronting the nation.

‘The message is that hope is here hope has come and hope is alive’ the Senate President declared.

Also speaking Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said state governments benefited significantly from the Tinubu administration’s economic policies particularly through improved revenue allocations.

The governor maintained that increased financial resources available to subnational governments had strengthened their capacity to meet recurrent obligations and implement development projects.

He said improved revenues have enabled state governments to pay workers’ salaries without accumulating arrears and settle contractors’ bills more promptly.

Oborevwori described the development as evidence that the administration’s economic policies were positively affecting governance and public service delivery at the state level.

In his remarks the convener of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement High Chief Government Ekpemupolo represented by High Chief Matthew Tonlagha reaffirmed the group’s determination to expand its grassroots mobilisation activities nationwide.

Ekpemupolo assured that the movement would intensify efforts to communicate the achievements and programmes of President Tinubu’s administration to Nigerians in communities across the federation ahead of the January 2027 presidential election.

The movement which has already taken its campaign for the President’s re-election to 14 states is expected to use its newly inaugurated Abuja headquarters to coordinate further nationwide outreach activities.

The inauguration comes ahead of the APC presidential campaign’s formal start in Kaduna on Saturday (tomorrow) as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Benjamin Kalu Wife of Kwara State Governor Amb Olufolake Abdulrazaq and others watch as the First Lady inspects the situation room at the PBAT Door to Door Movement Headquarters after she commissioned the complex on Friday 23rd October 2026.

The Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has condoled with the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the death of former governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

In a statement on behalf of the council its Chairman HRM Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo Orhue 1 said they received with shock and ”profound bewilderment” the news of the death of the former governor.

The council described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader who made an enduring mark in the area of human capital development infrastructural needs of the people and promoted peace among the various ethnic tribes in the state adding that the late governor treated every part of the state as one united family.

”Though he inherited the famous Warri crisis from his predecessor he was able to build lasting peace among the three warring tribes irrespective of his ethnic affiliation the chairman of the council added.

The council added that Uduaghan maintained an excellent relationship with traditional institutions as well as made monarchs’ welfare a top priority. ”Even in death his enduring legacies will continue to resonate among Deltans.

The traditional institutions of the state will continue to remember his great deeds especially in the area of building a strong and virile traditional institution that can compete favourably with other traditional rulers in other states of the country” the council further said.

The chairman prayed God to comfort the family state government and state and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Director-General of the Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat Global Movement (KOH) Tunde Ajisola has said the diaspora group is supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat because of his loyalty to the party and his long years of experience in the developmental trajectory of Lagos State since 1999.

Ajisola who is also the Publicity Secretary of the United Kingdom Chapter of the APC said the group which comprises like-minded people across the world would do everything possible to ensure victory for the APC governorship candidate.

He maintained that the KOH Global Movement would continue to support the vision of an unlimited Lagos by engaging in daily sensitisation of members both at home and in the diaspora in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Hamzat and all APC candidates in the coming elections.

‘Lagos is no longer just a state; it is a megacity of global relevance.

‘It is a complex ecosystem economically vibrant socially dynamic and infrastructurally stretched.

‘The pressures of rapid urbanisation population explosion transportation bottlenecks housing deficits and environmental sustainability are no longer abstract concerns; they are lived realities for millions of residents.

‘At such a time Lagos does not just need a politician. It needs a technocrat someone who understands systems data planning and execution at scale. It needs a leader who combines intellectual depth with administrative experience innovation with continuity and vision with practical delivery. This is where Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat stands out.

‘The KOH Global Movement came with the dream of unlimited Lagos for all Lagosians.

‘I am in Lagos to support my brother and governorship candidate of our great party in Lagos State Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.

‘It is our own little way of showing solidarity with somebody who has been a loyal and committed member of our party.

‘Dr Hamzat was not shaped by chance. His journey reflects a deliberate cultivation of knowledge discipline and exposure. He is equipped with what is needed to rule Lagos and our dream of unlimited Lagos is a reflection of his desire to continue the good works started since 1999 when our President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was governor of Lagos State.

‘It is with this belief that I join all our members to present these materials in solidarity and support for a man of destiny’ he said.

Ajisola while presenting the electioneering materials at the headquarters of the Obafemi Hamzat Campaign Office in Lagos urged Lagosians to vote massively for all APC candidates in the elections.

He insisted that a vote for the APC was a vote for a secure future rooted in renewed hope and unlimited possibilities both in Nigeria and Lagos State in particular.

Members of the group including its Secretary Martins Olanegan; Country Director Abdullahi Yusuf; Operational Director Abiodun Adeyeri; and Emmanuel Fagbemi also promised to work assiduously to ensure that Hamzat and his deputy Princess Damilola Sonayon-James were sworn in as the next governor and deputy governor of Lagos State in May 2027.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has pledged continued financial support to the mother of his slain supporter Ifeanyi Nwolie offering to stand in as her son following the alleged killing of the young man in Enugu State.

Obi who attended Nwolie’s burial in his hometown of Afa Udi Local Government Area reportedly gave the bereaved mother a 15-month stipend covering payments through December 2027 according to a statement issued by his media office and signed by its spokesman Idris Zekeri Jnr on Thursday.

The former Anambra State governor also condemned political violence and called on candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to reject violence ethnic division and religious bigotry.

Obi said Nwolie was shot during a political activity organised by the NDC on October 10 2026.

He described the death as a painful reminder of the human cost of what he called Nigeria’s toxic political environment.

According to the statement Obi arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja from the United Kingdom at 5:30 a.m. before connecting to a 7 a.m. flight to Enugu to attend the burial.

During a visit to the deceased’s mother after the funeral Obi assured her of his support recalling the role her son had played in caring for her.

‘My humble pledge to the mother is that God Almighty whom it pleased to bring Ifeanyi home has also given her another son in me to support her as Ifeanyi used to’ he said.

Obi urged political parties and candidates to ensure that their campaigns focused on policies capable of improving the country rather than violence and divisive rhetoric.

‘Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express their political choices and participate in the electoral process without fear. The process through which we attain public office is more important than the office itself’ he said.

He stressed the need to uphold the rule of law warning that its erosion could create conditions for disorder and anarchy.

‘We must work together to rebuild and restore a Nigeria where human life is valued above political ambition and where every citizen can exercise their democratic rights in peace and safety’ Obi said.

In a related development Obi condemned an alleged AI-generated image purportedly depicting him Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State Sir Chinyeaka Oha seeking Pope Leo XIV’s blessing for electoral victory.

The Peter Obi Media Office in a separate statement described the image as deceptive and accused unnamed political opponents of attempting to draw the Catholic Church into partisan political activities.

It called on political actors to refrain from using the Pope and the Church in partisan campaigns stressing that religious institutions should be respected and allowed to carry out their spiritual responsibilities without political interference.

The statement said Obi’s campaign was focused on addressing poverty insecurity corruption and economic hardship while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and promoting a society in which citizens could live with dignity and hope.

It also challenged political opponents to engage in issue-based campaigns and present their records policies competence character and vision for the country.

‘The 2027 election must focus on Nigeria’s future not fabricated religious controversies’ the statement quoted Obi as saying.

He urged candidates to concentrate on the challenges facing Nigerians and offer practical solutions rather than promote religious controversies.

‘Let us keep the Church separate from politics and focus the campaign on the genuine issues facing Nigerians’ he said.

The family of the late leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti has announced December 17 2026 for the burial of the elder statesman who died at the age of 100.

The burial arrangements were announced in a statement issued by Dr Taiwo Fasoranti on behalf of the family.

The family said the burial programme would begin with a Christian wake-keeping service on Wednesday December 16 at the deceased’s residence in Akure the Ondo State capital.

The funeral service and interment are scheduled for Thursday December 17 at St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu Akure.

Fasoranti a prominent Yoruba leader nationalist and elder statesman died at his residence in Akure on Tuesday.

His death has continued to draw tributes from political leaders associates and other Nigerians who acknowledged his contributions to the Yoruba nation and the country.

According to the statement the wake-keeping service will take place at the late patriarch’s residence within the Omolere Nursery and Primary School Compound Akure.

The statement said the funeral service would hold at St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu on Thursday December 17 after which the remains of the deceased would be interred at the church cemetery.

It added that guests would be entertained at his residence immediately after the interment.

The family further announced that an outing and thanksgiving service would be held on Sunday December 20 at St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu Akure to conclude the burial programme.

Describing the deceased as a beloved patriarch a foremost nationalist and a distinguished leader of Afenifere the family said the burial arrangements were intended to honour his memory and celebrate his life of service.

The statement read ‘The family of late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti CFR is pleased to announce the burial arrangements of our beloved patriarch leader of Afenifere and foremost nationalist who passed away at the age of 100 years.’

The family appealed to friends associates well-wishers and members of the public to support it with prayers and attend the funeral ceremonies in honour of the late elder statesman.

‘We request your prayers and presence as we honour the memory of a distinguished elder and patriot’ the statement added.

Axxela Limited a leading gas and power portfolio company in Sub-Saharan Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to service excellence and strong customer relationships.

The company gave the pledge at its Customer Appreciation Forum themed ‘Energy for Progress Partnerships for Growth’ in Lagos.

The forum forms part of the company’s broader commitment to fostering open communication strengthening customer relationships and creating value across its markets. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate customers and explore ways to enhance service excellence through reliable energy solutions that support business growth.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Axxela Moshood Olajide expressed appreciation to the customers for their continued confidence and partnership emphasising their importance to Axxela’s growth and long-term ambitions.

‘This forum is more than an opportunity to express our appreciation; it is also an avenue to reaffirm our commitment to building enduring partnerships delivering value and providing energy solutions that cater to your evolving needs. Our evolution into an integrated energy solutions provider reflects our understanding that our customers’ needs are dynamic and will continue to evolve. We have been deliberate about anticipating these needs and building the capabilities infrastructure and partnerships required to deliver end-to-end energy solutions. As we look to the future we are excited about the opportunities ahead to deepen our relationships explore new possibilities and achieve even greater success together’ Olajide said.

In his goodwill message the Managing Director/CEO of Emmalesson Enterprises Ltd. Emmanuel Evue commended Axxela for their unwavering support encouragement and reassurance during a challenging period in the company’s journey.

‘The process of obtaining our take-off approval from the Federal Government was long and challenging. Throughout the journey Axxela’s customer relationship management team provided unwavering support. Their consistency and commitment reassured us while their encouragement and practical support gave us the confidence to persevere through a difficult period. Today we are fully operational and look forward to building an even stronger and more productive relationship with Axxela’ Evue said.

The event also featured award presentations recognising and celebrating Axxela’s customers for their outstanding contributions and longstanding business relationships with the company. Among the recipients Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. received the Customer of the Year Award while Cadbury Nigeria Plc. received the Partnership Milestone Award in honour of its longstanding relationship with Axxela having been a valued customer for 25 years.Other recipients included BUA Group and TGI Group which received the Multi-Location Natural Gas User Awardand Special Recognition Award respectively.