Category: The Nation – Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has made numerous appointments as the President of Nigeria, but one choice stands out as particularly astute: the selection of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister for Interior. For President Tinubu, Olubunmi represents a vital asset, bringing youthful energy and intellect to the complex task of managing Nigeria’s affairs since his appointment in 2023. Despite being one of the youngest members of the cabinet, he has demonstrated that effective leadership and capability are not solely determined by age. If there is a strong commitment to deliver results, even the youngest leaders can achieve significant impacts.

Since taking on his role, Olubunmi has made remarkable strides in transforming the Ministry of Interior, effectively rewriting the narrative surrounding its operations. His efforts have positioned him as a pivotal figure in the administration, closely aligned with the Renewed Hope mandate aimed at revitalizing Nigeria. Under his stewardship, the nation has seen substantial improvements in immigration processes. Several innovative ideas have been implemented, streamlining what was once a cumbersome and often frustrating system.

For instance, the introduction of E-gates at Nigeria’s airports has facilitated the swift collection of passports, while a contactless application process greatly enhances user experience. Additionally, the simplification of visa categories for investors and tourists has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s appeal as a destination, fostering a more inviting environment for economic growth and tourism. These initiatives represent a remarkable turnaround in Nigeria’s immigration landscape, reflecting positively on Olubunmi’s leadership.

Skeptics who initially doubted his capabilities are now left acknowledging his impactful reforms, which have garnered international recognition for Nigeria. To further ease the passport application process, Olubunmi has successfully partnered with a private investor to establish a state-of-the-art passport printing facility within Nigeria. This innovation is anticipated to produce over 500,000 passports daily, effectively eliminating the previous reliance on foreign production and reducing wait times for citizens.

Moreover, Olubunmi has prioritized national security by collaborating with data agencies to bolster safety measures in alignment with global standards. By implementing new protocols for documenting individuals entering and exiting the country, he is actively countering terrorism and enhancing the overall security framework. These improvements have not only elevated the perception of Nigeria on the global stage but also reinforced the value and integrity of the Nigerian passport.

As he continues to receive accolades for dismantling bureaucratic barriers within the Ministry of Interior, Olubunmi has also faced resistance from individuals reluctant to embrace change. However, he has resolutely communicated that those attempting to undermine his initiatives will be held accountable and removed from their positions. Sources indicate that the Akoko-born former lawmaker remains undeterred in his mission, focused on achieving a transformative turnaround for Nigeria, ensuring that the nation adopts a more cosmopolitan perspective on the global landscape.

Casemiro will don the captain’s armband for the 17th time in Brazil’s friendly against South Korea today , with the experienced midfielder embracing his leadership role both on and off the pitch under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Back in the squad since the Italian’s arrival after a long period away, Casemiro has been a key figure for Brazil since his international debut in 2011 and will resume his captaincy after a two-year hiatus.

His last outing as skipper came in October 2023 against Uruguay, but Ancelotti, who was his coach for several years at Real Madrid, has decided to reinstate him as the leader of Brazil’s young squad preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

‘I am one of those players who thinks that there are several leaders, several ways of leading. Each one leads in their own way. I like to give more examples of how to do things – how to arrive, how to be, where to be, how to work,’ Casemiro told a press conference on Thursday.

The 33-year-old, who moved to English side Manchester United in 2022, acknowledged his prior relationship with Ancelotti helped establish the trust that he could lead the team.

‘Without a doubt, my relationship with the coach, whom I have known for over ten years, creates a greater affinity. But I like to show it – being the first, being at the gym, setting an example for the younger players,’ he added.

Brazil will follow Friday’s match in Seoul with another friendly against Japan on Tuesday at Tokyo’s Ajinomoto Stadium, as Ancelotti continues to refine his squad ahead of next year’s tournament.

Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Hon. Rinsola Abiola, has been honoured for exemplary leadership at the 2025 Nigeria’s Pride Awards held on September 30 at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

The daughter of MKO Abiola, who received the Exemplary Young Corporate CEO of the Year Award, was celebrated for her outstanding leadership, reforms at the CLTC, and her consistent advocacy for youth and women’s inclusion in governance.

The organisers, First Green White Resources (FGWR), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine and Nationwide Reports, said the recognition was a tribute to her ‘innovative leadership style, passion for human development, and commitment to rebuilding the culture of citizenship and national service among Nigerian youths.’

They added that under her watch, the CLTC has regained national relevance through training, empowerment, and civic education initiatives that align with its founding vision of producing responsible citizens and effective community leaders.

A citation read at the event described Hon. Rinsola Abiola as ‘a young and visionary public servant whose rise in leadership is defined by merit, professionalism, and genuine commitment to national development.’

It noted that while her late father, Chief MKO Abiola, remains an icon of democracy, Rinsola’s growing leadership record stands firmly on her own achievements.

‘Before her current role, she worked at the intersection of politics and civil society to promote civic education, political literacy, and the inclusion of marginalised groups in governance. She also served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership,’ the citation read.

A certified public relations professional, Rinsola holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics and a Diploma in Public Relations, with global exposure through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, as well as study tours sponsored by the Swedish Embassy and the Westminster Foundation.

Abiola is also the Founder of the Progressive Sisters’ Network (PSN) – a grassroots women’s organisation active across all 36 states and the FCT – which she established to promote women’s participation in politics and governance.

Through her Derinsola Abiola Foundation, she provides scholarships and empowerment opportunities for young people, particularly in Ogun State.

These initiatives, according to the organisers, reflect her ‘deep commitment to leadership development and her belief that empowering women and youths is key to Nigeria’s progress.’

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, founded in 1951, is Nigeria’s foremost institution for developing responsible citizens and effective leaders. With the motto Build the Man, Build the Community, the Centre has trained thousands of Nigerians who have gone on to become presidents, ministers, governors, lawmakers, and professionals in various fields.

Under Rinsola Abiola’s leadership, the Centre also received the Meritorious Long-Service Award on Human Development at the same event, in recognition of its continued relevance in national reorientation, empowerment, and leadership training.

The Nigeria’s Pride Awards, chaired by Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, also honoured several distinguished Nigerians and organisations including Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Dangote Group, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, and Nollywood stars Tonto Dikeh and Empress Njamah.

In his address, Gen. Boroh commended Rinsola Abiola and other awardees for their contributions to national growth, describing the initiative as ‘a platform to reward service, patriotism, and positive impact.’

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, FGWR’s Founder and CEO, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said the awards were created to identify and celebrate Nigerians who inspire excellence and contribute to unity and national development.

He said: ‘Hon. Rinsola Abiola represents a generation of young leaders proving that integrity, service, and vision are still possible in public office. Nigeria needs to celebrate such examples.’

Sir: The deficit in Nigeria’s housing sector remains very huge with some experts projecting that some 28 million housing units will be needed to bridge the gap; yet successive administrations have not demonstrated the will to address the shortfall.

Next to food and clothing, housing is the next basic necessity, but this appears not to be an issue with government. Right from the colonial times, housing provision has been problematic simply because the authorities than didn’t see housing as a priority. In fact, colonial masters only got involved in housing in the aftermath of the Bubonic plague that ravaged central Lagos in the 1960s. The colonial government needed a suitable accommodation for the victims hence the development of the Surulere Housing Estate. That marked the first time that the government will build houses for the people.

This contrasts with Britian where more than 50 per cent of houses are built by councils. If you take council housing out of the houses in London, the whole place will be empty. Here, they only got involved in the provision of housing for their own officials in Government Reserved Areas.

Unfortunately, this trend continued post-independence. Indeed, there was even no ministry for housing for several years, rather it was the ministry of works and housing and the concentration is always on works, with housing treated as a small part until professionals in the real estate industry cried out.

It was during the administration of the late president, Shehu Shagari, and Lateef Jakande in Lagos that government began to take housing as priority. Shagari built houses across most states of the federation; unfortunately, politics and corruption marred the project. At the state level, Jakande built houses at prices the people could afford, but then, this proved unsustainable.

The issues with housing are manifold. A critical one is finance. It starts with the absence of mortgage system that can enable the public to buy a house. Documentation is another problem. It takes years to get consent to transfer title on land and one still needs to pay between 10 to 15 percent of the cost of the land. This is aside the high cost of construction, especially in the regime of high exchange rates. With all these problems, how will the common man, people at the low end, have a house?

No one is suggesting that the houses be made for the people. The truth is that money invested in housing can be recovered from their sale. What the government should begin to do is give consideration to innovative solutions such as modular housing, dry construction and other approaches that have shown promise in addressing the needs of low-income families.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has selected attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo and forward Queen Joseph among a squad of 21 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

The Flamingos arrived in Morocco’s commercial and industrial capital, Casablanca, on Wednesday, for the final phase of preparations for the competition, which will take place 17th October – 8th November.

Bankole, who led Nigeria to a bronze medal-finish at the 2022 edition of the competition in India, is confident that the Class of 2025 have what it takes to go steps higher than his 2022 bronze winners.

Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya are also included.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later – both matches scheduled for 8 pm Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale. Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale.

21 Flamingos for 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Finals

Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)

Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels).

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, intensified their preparations in Morocco ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17.

According to the team’s Media Officer, Erenayo Doki, the girls had an intense training session on Thursday, focusing on corner kicks, free kicks, positioning, and finishing drills as part of their tactical refinement before the global showpiece.

The Flamingos are set to test their readiness in an international friendly against New Zealand scheduled for today at the Lanuria Mohammedia Stadium, with kick-off at 8 p.m. local time, same as in Nigeria. The encounter will be followed by a second warm-up match against Paraguay four days later – their final test before the team moves to Rabat, venue of their group-stage matches.

Doki noted that the camp atmosphere remains vibrant and positive, with high energy, sharp focus, and smiles all around as the players work hard to perfect set-piece routines and team cohesion.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group D of the World Cup alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, a tough pool that promises thrilling contests as the Flamingos aim to surpass their previous performances on the world stage.

The friendly duels in Morocco will provide the coaching crew with an opportunity to assess combinations and tactical adjustments before the curtain rises on the tournament.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists’ logistics and intelligence courier.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the 196 Amphibious Battalion in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

He was alleged to have attempted to infiltrate Baga when he was caught.

According to a statement on Friday by the army, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who served as a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist enclaves in Chad and the Niger Republic, had posed as a surrendering fighter to gather information on troop movements. He has been handed over to 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation, the statement signed by spokeswoman, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele revealed.

On successes recorded across the country, the army said troops of 2Brigade in collaboration with officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a kidnap kingpin, Emmanuel Akpan, during a raid of a hideout in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Akpan allegedly terrorised residents along the Oron/Ibaka axis before his arrest. The army said he was being held by the DSS for further investigation.

In Kaduna State, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion intercepted two suspects at a snap checkpoint along the Lere-Saminaka-Kaduna Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The suspects were found with 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones, and ?27,000 cash. Investigations indicated that the ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi, Plateau State, to Zamfara State.

Meanwhile, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a female, voluntarily surrendered to troops of 68 Battalion at Bosso, Niger State. The trio, who cited intense military pressure and hardship within terrorist camps around the Tumbun Marcobina axis, have been profiled for further debriefing.

In another encounter, troops of 222 Battalion at Bazamri Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to flee. During subsequent operations, soldiers recovered two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition.

Across other regions, troops intensified anti-crime and anti-oil theft operations, leading to multiple arrests, recovery of illegal arms, and dismantling of unlawful refining sites in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau States.

Over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), several boats, vehicles, and refining equipment were seized or destroyed in line with established directives.

Anele said the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens, protecting communities, and creating a secure environment for sustainable economic growth.

Gospel singer Lilian Nneji has been announced as the winner of the CLIMA Awards for African Outstanding Music Minister of the year 2025 (Stage) Category.

She was announced the winner of the award category at a ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday, October 5, 2025 amidst several other nominees.

The Christian Legendary Impact Makers Awards in Africa, CLIMA Awards, is an annual Award organized by CLIMA Africa, the publishers of CLIMA AFRICA Magazines.

While reacting to the award, Nneji said winning awards like this is just a means of encouraging her efforts and pushing her to do more.

‘ I see Jesus when I see this new award, He alone did it and hence I dedicate the award to God Almighty.’

She advised everyone who believes in God and is in Him to continue to wait on him and be focused on the assignment.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday disqualified a governorship aspirant, Kayode Ojo, from participating in the October 27 primary.

The highest administrative organ also dissolved the Enugu State Executive Committee of the party, ahead of the expected defection of Governor Peter Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

A seven-man caretaker committee headed by the former state chairman, Ben Nwoye, was set up to steer the affairs of the chapter.

Following Ojo’s disqualification, only two aspirants – Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Omolayo Oluremi – will compete for the ticket at the shadow poll.

The party’s screening committee, led by Tunji Olawuyi, had previously given Ojo a provisional clearance and referred his case to the NWC.

It also disqualified the fourth aspirant, Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi, following petitions against her.

The panel said: ‘This referral is necessitated by the weight of the petitions against him, particularly his failure to satisfy the mandatory threshold of five valid nominators per local government, and is intended to forestall potential litigation(s) that may arise from this deficiency which is inconsistent with Article 9(1) of the Constitution, which provides that only registered and financially up-to-date members of the party have the right to vote and be voted for, and Section 177 )c) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires membership of a political party as a pre-requisite for eligibility to contest the Office of Governor.’

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, told reporters at the end of the NWC meeting at the party secretariat in Abuja that the committee deliberated on the outcome of the screening of the four aspirants.

He said that two were cleared while two others were disqualified.

Meseko said: ‘The NWC at its 179th meeting also deliberated on the screening report of APC governorship elections. At the end of the meeting, the NWC cleared the incumbent Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo to go for the primary, to stand for the primary elections, while the two other aspirants, Engineer Kayode Ojo and Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi,were disqualified.’

‘The disqualification of these two people was predicated on the fact that they did not conform with the provisions of the constitution of the party and also the extant provisions of the electoral act.’

Ojo: I respect NWC verdict:

Ojo, Pro-Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), said he accepted the judgment of the NWC, stressing that the party is supreme.

He however, expressed hope that the NWC will review his case so that he can be on the ballot during the primary.

Enugu state committee dissolved:

On the dissolution of the Enugu State Working Committee, Meseko said the decision of the NWC was informed by the need to bring lasting solution to the protracted crisis rocking the chapter.

He said: ‘In the interest of progress, peace, stability and tranquility of the APC in Enugu State, the State Working Committee, also known as the State Executive Committee of the party, stands dissolved, and a new caretaker committee has been put in place.’

Members of the Nwoye led caretaker committee include Mrs. Fidelia Njeze, Comrade Peter Chime, Dr. Mrs. Obie Ajih, Dr. Chidoze Nwafor, Emma Ekeh, and Eugene Odoh, who will serve as secretary.

Meseko denied the insinuation that the dissolution of the Enugu SWC was to pave way for the defection of the governor.

He said: ‘The party has been receiving new members. More governors are coming, and I can tell you that the dissolution of Enugu APC state exco has nothing to do with the defection of the governor. Our action was for the peace and progress of the party.’

Meseko said the party’s reconciliation committee headed by Chief Bisi Akande and the Anambra State Governorship Campaign Council are to be inaugurated soon.

He also said the public hearing on the proposed amendment to the party’s constitution will commence later in the month in the nation’s geo-political zones.

Veteran actress Idowu Phillips popularly known as Mama Rainbow, is celebrating 60 years on stage.

In a Instagram post, she shared breathtaking photos from her 83rd photo shoot, expressing gratitude for the grace, passion, and dedication that have defined her illustrious career.

Mama Rainbow credited her amazing team, including director, dress designer, makeup artist, and hairstylist, for bringing her vision to life.

’60 Years on Stage | 83rd Pictures. What a journey it has been – 60 years of grace, passion, and dedication on stage, captured beautifully in my 83rd pictures. None of this would have been possible without an amazing team that brought this vision to life,’ she wrote on Instagram.

As she marks this significant achievement, fans and well-wishers have joined in celebrating a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.