Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The issue of security in the Sahel and West Africa was at the top of the agenda during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Mali, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation to address shared regional challenges.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while Mali’s delegation was led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdoulaye Diop.

According to a statement by media aide to the Nigerian Minister, Magnus Eze, the meeting provided an opportunity for both nations to deepen direct political consultations and exchange views on security developments in Mali, the Sahel, and the wider West African region.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding historical bonds with Mali and emphasized Nigeria’s vested interest in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Sahel. She noted that the security issues confronting the region require sustained cooperation among neighboring countries. Highlighted threats included the cross-border nature of terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, human trafficking, small arms proliferation, and illicit financial flows, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regional mechanisms.

She also stressed the importance of African ownership in solving the continent’s peace and security challenges, while encouraging continued dialogue among Mali, West African states, and regional institutions.

The discussions encompassed a broad range of topics, including: The evolving relationship between Mali and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The political dynamics of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

African Union peace and security mechanisms.

Deepening bilateral trade, economic relations, and energy cooperation and Regional integration, mobility, and people-to-people contacts.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to maintain constructive bilateral consultations with Mali and expressed interest in continued multilateral cooperation, including mutual support for diplomatic candidatures.

This engagement comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigeria to promote regional dialogue, peace, security, and integration. It builds on momentum from July 2026, when Nigeria and Mali agreed to revitalize their Joint Commission, identifying security, trade, energy, irregular migration, human trafficking, and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) as priority areas for bilateral cooperation.

Rivers State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has urged women across the state not to exchange their votes for money ahead of the 2027 election.

Lulu-Briggs, who spoke to NDC women leaders and their deputies from the 23 local government areas, likened vote-buying to the biblical account of Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal.

He said money offered to voters during elections could represent public resources being returned to them as inducement.

‘The money dangled before them as bait to impoverish them for another four years is their own money, gotten from their commonwealth and handed back as a bribe. There is no way anyone can ‘dash’ them what already belongs to them,’ he said.

The NDC candidate urged the women to reject short-term inducements and focus on opportunities that could improve their livelihoods and those of their children.

Lulu-Briggs said his proposed ‘Reset Government’ would seek to reduce dependence on political connections for economic opportunities by improving access to jobs, finance, markets and skills development.

He said the NDC set a target to lay the foundation for Rivers State’s economy to grow from $20 billion to $200 billion within 15 years.

‘We have set our sights on laying the foundation to move Rivers State from a $20 billion economy today to a $200 billion economy within fifteen years,’ he said.

Lulu-Briggs said the target could not be achieved without women, whose businesses, farms, fisheries and market activities contribute significantly to the state’s economic life.

‘No economy grows tenfold on the backs of men alone. It will take the small businesses our women run, the farms and fisheries they work, the markets they sustain, and the households they hold together,’ he said.

He also promised skills training linked to employment, improved access to finance and markets, and greater attention to clean water, environmental protection, and community safety.

Lulu-Briggs said his administration would be judged by tangible results, not promises.

‘This is not a promise of a blank cheque; it is a covenant to be judged by evidence, by what our women can see change in their own homes and businesses,’ he said.

He urged the women to take the ‘Reset Rivers State’ message to communities across the state, mobilise voters and protect their votes.

Worried by the removal of Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa, other indigenous languages, from the new school curriculum, the publisher of the Yoruba Tooto weekly newspaper, Mr Kunle Babarinde, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescind the policy and restore the three major languages to the school curriculum.

Babarinde appealed at a press briefing held yesterday at the Meiran, headquarters of the newspaper, in Lagos, urging President Tinubu’s intervention to save Yoruba and the other languages from going extinct.

The publisher explained that the open appeal through the press became necessary after he had fruitlessly written letters to President Bola Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and all governors in the South-West, as well as the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) and other prominent Obas in Yorubaland.

‘Of all the letters that I have written to these important personalities and eminent Nigerians, the only response I received was from the Sultan of Sokoto, while others are yet to respond to my letters,’ Babarinde said.

The publisher noted that indigenous languages are tools for cultural identity and the promotion of values, without which no country can truly develop or make meaningful progress.

‘Language is a living creature that dies when it is not used. As a stakeholder and publisher of a Yoruba weekly magazine, I am not fighting only for the restoration of the Yoruba language, but for all three languages, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, to be included in the school curriculum.

‘All three languages have been removed from the current school curriculum, both in primary and secondary schools and what that portends is that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has decided to return us to slavery.

‘A people’s language is the totality of their being, and once the language dies, then every other thing, including culture, tradition and values, is gone.

‘Therefore, I am not only seeking the restoration of the three major languages to the school curriculum alone, but I am also using this opportunity to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to make the languages compulsory for admission into tertiary institutions,’ he said.

‘Job loss is imminent for the teachers of indigenous languages in Nigeria. The teachers are not happy with the proposed plan of the Federal Government to remove the languages from the curriculum, a development they said could make them redundant or out of a job.’

Other stakeholders at the media briefing include a former chairman of the Egbe Akomolede Yoruba, Lagos State chapter, Mrs Olaitan Zainab Olaide, who also urged all Yoruba monarchs to raise their voices against the proposed removal of the Yoruba and other languages from the school curriculum.

Olaide said: ‘Our language remains the only heritage that gives us the identity and respect we have as a race. So, our traditional rulers in Yoruba land must rise and raise their voices against the removal of Yoruba language from the current school curriculum,’ she said.

Other members of the Yoruba Tooto Multipurpose Cooperative Society present at the conference included the Lagos State chairman, Olabode Oyeniyi, Mrs Bunmi Adegoke and Mrs Bosede Ariyo, among others.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Philip Ikeazor, has received the Chartered Institute of Directors’ (CIoD) Nigeria Fellowship award in Lagos.

In his goodwill message, Ikeazor, who received the award alongside other awardees, promised to uphold the principles of good governance, ethical leadership and responsible directorship in the organisations and institutions ‘in which we serve.’

He described it as a privilege to be admitted into the IoD’s Fellowship cadre.

He said he would lead with integrity, sound judgement and a clear sense of duty. ‘The conferment of the Fellowship is not only a recognition of professional accomplishment; it is also a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership, particularly the responsibility to lead with integrity, sound judgement and a clear sense of duty,’ he said.

Continuing, he said: ‘We are grateful for the opportunity to have benefited from the Institute’s programmes and training, which have provided us with valuable perspectives on leadership, corporate governance and responsible directorship’.

Ikeazor, who was represented at the event by CBN Director, Payments System Policy Department, Musa Jimoh, said that in an environment where institutions and businesses are increasingly required to navigate complex economic, technological and social challenges, the importance of effective governance cannot be overstated.

‘At its core, good governance is not simply about compliance with rules; it is about creating institutions that are accountable, transparent and resilient, and capable of delivering sustainable value to their stakeholders,’ he said.

He said the Institute has continued to play an important role in promoting these principles and in preparing leaders to understand the responsibilities that come with occupying positions of influence.

‘For us as newly inducted Fellows, tonight’s recognition therefore comes with a commitment. We recognise that Fellowship is not the end of a journey. Rather, it places a greater responsibility on us to demonstrate, through our conduct and decisions, the values that the Institute represents,’ he said.

Continuing, he said: ‘We commit ourselves to upholding the principles of good governance, ethical leadership and responsible directorship in the organisations and institutions in which we serve.’

‘We also recognise that leadership is ultimately measured not only by the results we achieve, but by how those results are achieved. The decisions we take, the standards we set, the people we influence and the

institutions we leave behind are all part of our leadership legacy’.

‘As Fellows of the Institute, we will endeavour to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity and to use the knowledge and experience gained through our engagement with the Institute to

contribute positively to our organisations, our professions and the wider society’.

‘We also acknowledge that the strength of any institution lies in its people. We therefore look forward to remaining actively engaged with the Institute, contributing to its continuing development and supporting its efforts to promote high standards of corporate governance and leadership.’

‘At this point, permit me to appreciate the President, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji,F.CIoD and Council of the Institute, the Secretariat, facilitators and everyone who has contributed to the Institute’s work and to the development of the Fellows being celebrated tonight’.

The eyes of the footballing world will be transfixed on the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Oct. 6 as the era of the GOAT comes to a close on the international stage in Argentina’s capital.

That date will see the Albiceleste take on Benin in a friendly, which serves as Lionel Messi’s final match with the national team. This comes after the 39-year-old Inter Miami star announced his emotional decision to retire from international soccer back in late August.

According to TNT Sports Argentina, all of the 85,000 tickets sold out within two hours after going on sale Thursday, with grateful fans obviously desperate to give their idol and long-serving captain a fitting send-off in front of a raucous, adoring home crowd.

With a grand farewell on the cards, it has also been revealed that Messi is to wear a special kit during the match to mark his phenomenal contribution to the cause over the past 21 years, winning two Copa América titles and one FIFA World Cup during a glorious three-year run between 2021 and ’24 along the way. Messi himself first teased the bespoke design this week with a post on Instagram that included a short clip of him hanging up the jersey alongside the caption: ‘One last match. A jersey for a lifetime.’

Adidas have since unveiled the finer details of the unique sky blue and white striped jersey. The design is obviously inspired by the Argentina flag and boasts regal gold detailing and an array of commemorative flourishes.

Taken directly from the flag, the symbolic ‘Sun of May’ (which first appeared on Argentine coins in the early 1800s) is emblazoned across the front and back of the shirt, with Messi’s own personal ‘M’ emblem taking the place of the Adidas logo on the chest.

Patrick Vieira’s competitive reign as Senegal coach began with a draw after Mozambique fought back to secure a 1-1 result.

Nicolas Jackson gave Senegal the lead in the 32nd minute, putting the visitors in control as they looked to make a winning start under their new coach.

But Mozambique responded just before half-time, with Geny Catamo equalising in added time to send the teams into the break level.

Neither side was able to find a winner after the interval, leaving Senegal to settle for a point in Vieira’s first qualifier in charge.

The result is also Senegal’s first draw under the former France international, who has begun a new cycle with a squad missing Sadio Mané because of a physical issue. Vieira nevertheless has several established attacking options, including Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Assane Diao.

For Mozambique, holding one of Africa’s strongest sides represents an encouraging opening to their Group J campaign.

Guinea-Bissau caused a major upset by beating Tanzania 2-0 away from home to make an impressive start in Group L.

Franculino Djú put the visitors ahead in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 58th minute to silence the home supporters.

Tanzania attempted to respond with several second-half substitutions but were unable to break down a disciplined Guinea-Bissau side.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), says it has commenced intensive engagement with the hosting organization to rectify its faulty Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

The board disclosed this yesterday while notifying institutions, candidates and all other users of the CAPS that the platform is temporarily unavailable.

In a statement by the Ag. Director, Public Affairs and Protocol Department Fabian Benjamin, JAMB said the disruption, which commenced earlier yesterday, arose from technical challenges associated with the platform’s hosting arrangements.

According to the statement, ‘the Board has immediately commenced intensive engagement with the hosting organisation to identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.The Board is particularly conscious of the timing of this disruption, given that CAPS is the central platform through which admissions into tertiary institutions across the country are processed.

‘At this peak period of the admission exercise, institutions are actively processing admissions, candidates are anxiously awaiting the outcome of admission decisions, and several stakeholders are simultaneously interfacing with the platform.

‘The Board considers it important to promptly inform the public of this development, in keeping with its commitment to transparency and accountability in the conduct of its statutory responsibilities. Rather than leave candidates, institutions and other stakeholders to speculate about the cause of the disruption, the Board is providing this update while all necessary efforts are being made to restore the platform.’

The statement added that the ‘Board regrets the inconvenience this temporary disruption may cause candidates, institutions and other users of the platform. All stakeholders are, however, assured that the Board is working round the clock with the hosting organisation to resolve the issue and restore CAPS to full functionality within the shortest possible time.

Given the critical role of CAPS in ensuring a transparent, orderly and coordinated admissions process, the Board will also review the circumstances surrounding the disruption with a view to putting measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such interruptions.The Board appreciates the patience and understanding of all candidates, institutions and stakeholders and will provide further updates as developments unfold.’

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshals Zone RS2 comprises Lagos and Ogun, has been ranked the Best Performing Zone in Nigeria, securing the 1st position with an outstanding score of 96% in the recently concluded national evaluation of Special Marshals activities across the country.

The evaluation placed RS7 (FCT and Niger) in 2nd Position with 94%, while RS6 (Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa) emerged in 3rd Position with 90%. Other positions were occupied by RS5 (4th Position), RS12 (5th Position), RS11 (6th Position), RS4 (7th Position), and RS3 (8th Position).

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the exemplary leadership of the RS2 Zonal Coordinator, SM (Pastor) Olusegun Akintan, whose dedication, vision, and commitment have transformed Zone RS2 into one of the most vibrant and outstanding zones in the country. His leadership continues to inspire excellence, foster unity, and strengthen operational effectiveness across the zone.

Special commendation also goes to the State Coordinator of RS2.1 Lagos Special Marshals, SM (Dr.) Olabisi O. Dennis, whose outstanding leadership has consistently positioned Lagos State at the forefront of Special Marshal activities nationwide. Through his commitment to service, accountability, innovation, and teamwork, RS2.1 Lagos has continued to set the pace in operational activities, public enlightenment programmes, training, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development.

The evaluation report described RS2.1 Lagos as having one of the most extensive and diversified portfolios of activities among all submissions nationwide. The report highlighted numerous infrastructure projects, patrol vehicle rehabilitation initiatives, equipment donations, public enlightenment campaigns, Road Safety Club initiatives, church and school advocacy programmes, training activities, and community-based road safety interventions.

The report further recognised the exceptional level of participation by Lagos Special Marshals, strong unit mobilisation, significant infrastructure investments, intensive advocacy programmes, and comprehensive documentation of activities.

This achievement reinforces the position of Zone RS2 as a centre of excellence within the Special Marshals arm of the Federal Road Safety Corps. It also reflects the collective efforts of the zonal leadership, state executives, unit coordinators, and dedicated Special Marshals who continue to volunteer their time, expertise, and resources in support of safer roads across Nigeria.

Nigeria sit second in Group L after a 2-1 win over Madagascar in their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on Friday.

The Super Eagles fought back from an early goal to take maximum points.

But it was not enough for the three-time African champions to go top of the group.

This is due to Guinea-Bissau’s 2-0 win over Tanzania.

Franculino Djú opened the scoring for Guinea-Bissau in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé added the second goal in the 58th minute to seal the away win.

Nigeria’s next game will be away to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, as they wrestle for early leadership in the group.

The Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a winning note after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Nigeria fell behind in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari headed Madagascar into the lead.

The goal initially appeared to have been scored from an offside position, but the referee allowed it to stand.

The Super Eagles responded as they searched for an equaliser, with Alex Iwobi having the ball in the net in the 34th minute.

However, Nigeria’s effort was ruled out after Akor Adams was adjudged to have impeded the Madagascar goalkeeper.

Nigeria eventually got their reward in first-half stoppage time when George Ilenikhena scored on his Super Eagles debut.

The forward finished well after receiving an assist from Iwobi to make it 1-1 before the break.

Ilenikhena’s goal capped an eventful debut after Éric Chelle handed him his first senior appearance for Nigeria.

Nigeria continued to push after the interval and completed the comeback in the 65th minute through another debutant.

Moses Usor put the Super Eagles ahead with his first Nigeria goal after receiving an assist from Semi Ajayi, giving Chelle’s side a 2-1 advantage.

The result gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture as they begin their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.