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Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the traditional title of Sarauniyar Yaki, the Queen Warrior of Akko Emirate in Gombe State.

The honour, in recognition of her passion for defending the interests of the weak across the nation, was conferred on her by the Lamido Akko, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku, during her two-day working visit to the state.

Acknowledging the recognition, the First Lady pledged to sustain her intervention for the girl child and further enlisted the support of traditional rulers in the state to drive her advocacy.

Her conferment ceremony was witnessed by the State governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya and the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo

While in the state, the First Lady will perform the national launch of Renewed Hope Initiative Flow With Confidence, a vital menstrual health intervention for school girls.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a suit filed against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu challenging the March 18, 2025 proclamation of state of emergency in Rivers state.

The declaration of the state of emergency by Tinubu led to the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers state House of Assembly for six months as well as the appointment of a Sole Administrator who took charge of running the affairs for the period.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by Belema Briggs and four others against the emergency rule, Justice Omotosho held that, the five plaintiffs lacked the legal power to Institute the case. The Judge held that, such case as constituted can only be determined by the Supreme Court only.

Justice Omotosho held in the judgement that, none of the five plaintiffs claimed to be members of the State Executive Committee, members of the House of Assembly or suffered any injury greater than the rest people of Rivers state.

Worse still, the court held that none of the plaintiffs claimed to have the fiat of the Attorney General of the State to initiate the case.

Besides, Justice Omotosho said that the claim of President Tinubu that he imposed state of emergency to avoid looming break down of law and order was not challenged or disputed by the plaintiffs.

The Judge held that, the claim of breach of fundamental rights by the plaintiffs by Tinubu did not hold water because the appropriate law on emergency rule order was invoked by Tinubu to save unpleasant situation.

Justice Omotosho said the case was frivolous and baseless because the mandate of other people of Rivers was not obtained before instituting it on their behalf.

A section of the Zazzau royal family has dragged the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, before the Kaduna State High Court over an interview he granted to Radio France Internationale (RFI), alleging that a leaked succession information was leaked to their late father.

Recall, their late father was earlier announced by the kingmaker to have emerged as the new Emir following the death of the late Emir Shehu Idris.

However, Nasiru Bashari Aminu, son of the late Iyan Zazzau, Bashari Aminu, had filed a suit before the court alleging defamation.

In his petition, Nasiru had alleged that the Emir falsely suggested during the RFI interview that confidential details of the succession process had been leaked to his late father by the then-Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu.

He told the court that the family insist the remarks of the monarch were false, defamatory, and an assault on the dignity and memory of the late father, who was a Prince of the emirate.

The case has been slated for hearing on November 4, 2025, at the Zaria Judicial Division of the High Court of Kaduna State.

The Emir now faces two separate suits arising from the same interview. In addition to Dr Nasiru’s case, former Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, has also sued the Emir for defamation, challenging his description of him as ‘arrogant’ and for insinuating that he leaked sensitive information during the 2020 succession battle.

The suits, brought by two of the emirate’s most senior figures and their families, highlight the gravity of the Emir’s comments. Both plaintiffs argue that his words, aired internationally, carried the weight of authority but inflicted reputational damage on respected elders of the emirate.

For the family of the late Iya Bashari Aminu, the issue is especially sensitive. Though he secured the highest votes from kingmakers during the 2020 succession, he was not selected. Yet, the family notes, he never maligned the institution, instead urging his children and kinsmen to pledge loyalty to the newly installed Emir while he sought legal redress in court.

To now cast him in the light of impropriety, years after his death, they insist, is an injury too grave to ignore.

National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and La Shipson Pharmaceuticals Ltd have stepped up plans to commence the local production of HIV drugs in Nigeria.

The move follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to produce life-saving medicines locally.

During the week, a delegation from La Shipson, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Godiya Shipi, visited NBRDA for further engagements on the project.

The delegation included the company’s Board Chairman, Dr. Handsome Momoh, as well as partners and investors, all of whom expressed strong commitment to supporting the initiative.

According to NBRDA, the project will be domiciled within its facilities and is designed to address the healthcare gap created by the withdrawal of international aid for HIV treatment.

Beyond improving access to affordable drugs, the collaboration is also expected to create jobs, drive technology transfer, upgrade NBRDA’s laboratories, and enhance staff research and analytical capacity.

Implementation steps are already underway, with both organisations working towards introducing the first batch of the locally produced HIV drugs into the Nigerian market by the first quarter of 2026.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, Gbenga Agun, has reportedly died on Thursday in Benin.

Tribune Online gathered that the NSCDC Commander slumped at an event organised by a peace ambassador in Benin, where he was expected to be honoured with an award of excellence.

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It was learnt ýthat Agun, who was a guest speaker at the event organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates, reportedly slumped shortly after delivering his keynote address.

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ýA source told Tribune Online that the Agun was immediately rushed to the Military Base hospital located on Airport Road for medical attention.

He said late Agun was confirmed dead at the hospital by the doctor on duty, who, according to him (the source), confirmed that the Commandant was brought In Dead (BID)

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ýEfforts to get a response from the state command was unsuccessful, as calls to the Command’s spokesperson, Mr Efosa Ogbebor, were not answered.

Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly called Odumeje, has ignited a storm of controversy across social media with a blistering critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he flatly described as ‘a businessman rather than a president.’

In a viral video that has drawn widespread attention and diverse reactions, the often-controversial cleric, who goes by the moniker ‘Indaboski,’ argued that the true measure of a leader lies in their commitment to national development and the welfare of their citizens, a standard he believes is unmet by the current administration.

Odumeje starkly contrasted President Tinubu with several global figures he hailed as exemplary nation-builders, including former US President Donald Trump, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré, and China’s President Xi Jinping.

According to him, these figures represent true leadership dedicated to elevating their respective countries.

‘I don’t know who’s calling Tinubu president. Tinubu is just a businessman. If you want to talk about a president, call Trump, Ibrahim Traoré, Xi Jinping, and many others, they are all true leaders.

‘Leaders are people who develop their country so that their children and citizens can benefit, but the ones we have in Nigeria are busy acquiring wealth for their own children,’ he was quoted as saying.

Lamenting the country’s dire situation, Odumeje accused the political elite of focusing solely on amassing wealth for their personal families while neglecting the growth and prosperity of the nation.

He concluded his sharp condemnation by redefining Nigeria’s globally recognized status. Despite the popular tag of being the ‘Giant of Africa,’ the Prophet asserted that the country has devolved into what he bluntly called a ‘giant of f@ilure not a Giant of Africa.’

The fiery remarks from the influential cleric are expected to continue driving debate over the priorities of the current Nigerian leadership and the overall state of the nation.

All is set for the official commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal in Rivers State, Nigeria, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 8th October 2025.

The facility, established by Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) operator of the Otakikpo Field, PML 11, with its operational base in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is the first indigenous onshore terminal to be built in Nigeria by a wholly indigenous company, and the only one constructed in the country in the last 50 years. The last onshore terminal before Otakikpo, the Forcados Terminal, was commissioned in 1971.

Tribune Online reports that the official inauguration will be attended by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; top government functionaries at the federal level; as well as key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri.

A statement signed by the Executive Director of Legal and Corporate Services, Mr. Olusegun Ilori, and made available to Tribune Online on Thursday in Abuja, noted that the completion of the terminal is a strategic initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s determination to boost oil production in the country.

Operators in the oil and gas sector have identified evacuation challenges as a major barrier to achieving the Federal Government’s goal of producing three million barrels of crude oil per day. The Otakikpo Terminal is therefore expected to provide a lifeline to over 40 stranded oil fields, offering a ready evacuation outlet and unlocking millions of barrels of oil that would otherwise remain trapped in the wells.

The new $400 million terminal, with an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels, expandable to three million barrels, and a loading capacity of 360,000 barrels per day, is also expected to support the government’s objective of reducing production costs in the industry.

Speaking on the upcoming event, the Chairman/CEO of GEIL, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, said:

‘What we have achieved here is not just a storage solution but a game-changing national infrastructure that has opened a new pathway for about 40 stranded oil fields to finally contribute to the economy.’

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Thursday embarked on a working visit to Diffa in the Niger Republic as part of renewed efforts to deepen security and economic cooperation across the Lake Chad basin.

The visit came against the backdrop of recent military gains in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, particularly around border communities where thousands of Nigerian refugees remain in camps in neighbouring countries.

Diffa, which lies about 17 kilometres from Damasak in northern Borno, is currently home to thousands of displaced persons who fled insurgent attacks in their ancestral towns and villages.

Governor Zulum, who led a high-powered delegation, was received by his host, the Governor of Diffa Region, Brigadier General Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma, alongside other senior Nigerien officials. Both leaders held a closed-door meeting that centred on strengthening joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and consolidating the fragile peace in liberated areas.

Speaking during the visit, Zulum explained that his administration was working to take advantage of the improved security atmosphere to return displaced farmers to vast and fertile farmlands around Dutchi in the Lake Chad basin. According to him, restoring farming activities remains key to the region’s recovery and food security.

On the governor’s entourage were a member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, and other senior government officials.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to national cohesion and supporting government efforts to build a better country.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by Aminu Kabir of the NAHCON Information and Publication Division.

Kabir said the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, gave the assurance in his Independence Day message to the government and people of Nigeria.

Usman described the day as a reminder of the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers who fought for freedom, dignity, and unity. He noted that 65 years after independence, the country continues to show resilience and the collective will to overcome challenges while holding on to the hope of a more prosperous future.

‘As an institution saddled with the sacred mandate of coordinating the spiritual journey of Nigerian Muslims to the Holy Land, NAHCON remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and service excellence in the discharge of its responsibilities. We will continue to align our efforts with national values of unity, peace, and progress,’ he said.

The Chairman also urged Nigerians to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity, and encouraged citizens to embrace patriotism, brotherhood, and sacrifice in their daily lives.

‘On this special occasion, I congratulate every Nigerian and wish our dear country continued progress. Together, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams,’ he added.

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has reported an impressive N30.47 billion operating profit for the year ended 2024, a significant increase from N13.75 billion in the previous year.

Also, NEXIM Bank has been assigned a Bbb+ rating by leading credit rating agency Agusto and Co. Limited, affirming its satisfactory financial condition and strong capacity to meet obligations relative to other development finance institutions (DFIs) in Nigeria.

The Bank’s growth underscores its financial resilience and operational efficiency.

Established to promote Nigeria’s non-oil exports and support import-substituting businesses, NEXIM is fully owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through equal shareholding by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The Bank has maintained strong liquidity and capital adequacy ratios, with notable growth in its loan book and equity instruments.

Key sectors supported include manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals, and services.

According to Managing Director Mr. Abba Bello, NEXIM has intensified its intervention in the non-oil export sector, disbursing over N495 billion, which has led to the creation and sustenance of over 36,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Key initiatives currently being driven by the Bank include: ‘The Regional Sealink Project: A public-private partnership aimed at improving maritime logistics across West and Central Africa. Promotion of Factoring Services: Providing alternative export financing options for SMEs.

‘Joint Project Preparation Fund (JPPF): Launched in partnership with Afreximbank to enhance the bankability of export projects.’

Additionally, NEXIM is developing tailored financing schemes for the mining sector, including Contract Mining, Equipment Leasing, and Buyers’ Credit/ECA Financing, designed to unlock export potential and boost foreign exchange earnings.

NEXIM Bank said it remains committed to building local processing capacity and advancing Nigeria’s position in global trade by moving up the commodity value chain and enhancing non-oil export revenue.