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Tinubu Approves 3,252 PTA Teachers to Strengthen Education Sector

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Tinubu Approves 3,252 PTA Teachers to Strengthen Education Sector

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 3,252 verified Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers into the Federal Civil Service.

The move is intended to address the teacher shortage in Federal Unity Colleges and improve the quality of education in the country.

The approval was made known in a press statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, Ikharo Attah.

The Minister added that priority would be given to verified PTA teachers, many of whom have served in Federal Unity Colleges and Federal Technical Colleges for close to 25 years.

He said the approval was one of the most significant interventions by the administration to strengthen the teaching workforce while recognizing the commitment of thousands of PTA teachers who have sustained learning in federal schools over the years.

Read Also: UK Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Gets New Deputy High Commissioner

“This is a president that has a deep passion for Nigeria and for the future of our country. The President has sanctioned the recruitment of teachers.

Preference will be given to the absorption of verified PTA teachers, many of whom have served in our Federal Unity Colleges and Federal Technical Colleges for almost 25 years. “This approval gives them the opportunity to become part of the mainstream public ‘service’,” he said.

Alausa also said the recruitment was following a comprehensive verification exercise conducted by an inter-ministerial committee, which screened eligible PTA teachers across Federal Unity Colleges.

“Bringing experienced PTA teachers into the federal public service would retain institutional memory, strengthen teaching in the classroom and improve learning outcomes,” he added.

“The recruitment is part of Government’s drive to improve teacher quality and reposition the colleges as centers of academic excellence,” he said.

UK Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Gets New Deputy High Commissioner

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UK Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Gets New Deputy High Commissioner

Ms Vicky Seymour has been appointed as the new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, a new chapter in the UK’s diplomatic engagement with Nigeria.

Seymour replaces Mrs Gill Lever OBE who completed her posting in June 2026.

She has now taken up her post and will work to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria in areas including economic growth, security, migration, development, international cooperation and people-to-people relations.”

This was made known in a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja.

The UK Government says “Seymour is bringing more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service to her new role.”

It further noted that prior to her appointment, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held since 2023.

She was previously Head of the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and Development Director in Mozambique. Her career has also included senior leadership assignments in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Afghanistan, with expertise across climate, security and economic development.

Read Also: Tinubu Channeling Borrowed Funds Into Impactful Projects Nationwide – Onanuga

Before moving to the UK civil service, she worked in the non-profit sector on migration.

Seymour said on her appointment: “I’m looking forward to taking our relations to the next level.”

I am very happy to be taking up the position of Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja. “I look forward to exploring this extraordinary country, to meeting people from all of Nigeria’s many communities and to building on the strong partnership that exists between our two countries,” she said.

“I hope that together we can continue to create opportunities for greater collaboration and links between our people in the years ahead,” said Seymour.

The appointment comes as the UK and Nigeria continue to deepen co-operation in trade, investment, security, education, development, climate action and migration – reflecting the broad scope of the bilateral relationship.

Seymour will work closely with Nigerian government officials, the private sector, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to further strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.

Tinubu Channeling Borrowed Funds Into Impactful Projects Nationwide – Onanuga

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Tinubu Channeling Borrowed Funds Into Impactful Projects Nationwide – Onanuga

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed the ongoing criticisms against President Bola Tinubu’s borrowing policy, insisting that the funds were judiciously deployed into developmental infrastructural projects across states in the country.

Onanuga justified the administration’s decision to raise funds for developmental projects, saying that the ongoing investments in roads and bridges are confirmations that borrowed funds are channeled into infrastructure to boost economic activities, improve connectivity and open up previously isolated communities.
He spoke on the media tour of Projects in Benue State by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHAs) in collaboration with the Presidential Media team to showcase the projects executed by the federal and state governments under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

While inspecting Buruku Federal Government Bridge project, Onanuga defended the borrowing, saying the various projects were a practical response to pessimistic Nigerians questioning the administration’s borrowing strategy.

We see that the government has been accused of borrowing money as Nigerians. But we also see where the money goes; to develop infrastructure, to link people who had been forgotten, to ensure commerce flows freely and to enable farmers to move their produce straight to the markets,” he defended.

Buruku Bridge is one of the five bridges being constructed by the Federal Government in Benue State to greatly enhance movement between Benue, Taraba and Adamawa states, Onanuga said.

“The bridge would reduce travel time between rural communities and urban centers and also create a strategic economic corridor linking the North-Central and Northeast. The pace of work has been good, officials confirmed, adding that funding is not an issue as the project is funded from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund. “This project is going to be beneficial to everybody economically,” he added.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Mukaila Danlandi, told the delegation that the 854-metre dual carriage bridge that began in 2023 is expected to be completed by December 2027.

Read Also: President Tinubu Receives Outgoing ECOWAS Commission President in Abuja

He added that all the substructures including piles, pile caps and pillars were completed and precast beams were ready to be installed after the water level goes down following the rainy season.

“There is no problem with the funding. The project is part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund. “The compensation issues which initially slowed the work had been resolved following the intervention of the Benue State government,” he noted.

On his part, Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr Samuel Ode, called the bridge a landmark intervention that would permanently end decades of dangerous crossings on the Katsina-Ala River.
He was reminded of all the lives that had been lost to the river over the years thru many boat mishaps, but described the project as “a golden gift to the people of Benue State.”

The bridge connects Buruku, Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas and extends into Taraba State, thus it is a vital transport corridor for agricultural produce.

“The project would especially benefit Sankera, which is considered Benue’s major yam-producing belt, by giving trucks carrying yams and other food crops direct access to markets in southern Nigeria.

“This is a very important connecting road between the North-Central and the Northeast. “It is going to be a major economic hub in this sub-region,” Ode said.

The RHAs media team also inspected the High Level Underpass in Makurdi, a Benue State government project built to decongest one of the state’s busiest traffic intersections, the Buruku Bridge across Katsina-Ala River, the Abuja-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-9th Mile highway, the Wurukum Flyover, the High Level Underpass in Makurdi and Gboko Township.

Other projects include the N15 billion Food Basket Brewery located along the Makurdi-Gboko road where ZEVA Premium Lager Beer and ZEVA Premium Malt are produced.

President Tinubu Receives Outgoing ECOWAS Commission President in Abuja

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President Tinubu Receives Outgoing ECOWAS Commission President in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the outgoing President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray at the State House, Abuja.

Dr. Touray, accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, paid the visit as he winds down his four-year term as President of the ECOWAS Commission, a position he has held since 2022.

Details of the closed-door meeting were not immediately revealed but comes weeks before the Gambian diplomat is ‘due to formally hand over the leadership of the executive arm of the regional bloc.

Read Also: Nigeria, Burundi Strengthen Military Ties to Boost Regional Security Cooperation

Touray, a career diplomat, was unanimously nominated by the Government of The Gambia and endorsed by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for the 2022-2026 term, and assumed the presidency of the ECOWAS Commission on July 3, 2022.

He replaces Ivorian diplomat Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, who had headed the Commission since 2018.

Prior to his appointment to the ECOWAS Commission, Touray served as The Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and subsequently as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under former President Yahya Jammeh. He was dismissed from the job in September 2009 and then served with the Islamic Development Bank before returning to diplomatic service.

Nigeria, Burundi Strengthen Military Ties to Boost Regional Security Cooperation

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Nigeria, Burundi Strengthen Military Ties to Boost Regional Security Cooperation

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has re-affirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army toward the expansion of defense collaboration aimed at strengthening regional peace, enhancing military professionalism and improving Africa’s collective response to terrorism and other transnational security threats.

The commitment was made when the Army Chief received the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Nigeria, His Excellency Edouard Nduwimana, on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Read Also: Osun Residents Welcome Tinubu’s Order to Unfreeze State Government Accounts

In a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu described Nigeria and Burundi as longstanding partners united by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to continental peace and security.

The Army Chief assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to expand military cooperation thru expanded training opportunities, institutional capacity development, personnel exchange programs and strategic exposure visits tailored toward enhancing the operational capabilities of both armed forces.

He said continued cooperation in military education, sharing operational experience and regional security initiatives is still key to countering terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging cross-border threats.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also acknowledged Burundi’s progress in advancing peace, stability and national reconciliation, underlining the significance of ongoing military engagements and strategic communication in deepening bilateral defense relations and strengthening mutual confidence between the two countries.

In his remarks Ambassador Edouard Nduwimana extended the goodwill of the President of the Republic of Burundi, General Évariste Ndayishimiye, while commending the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, operational achievements and contributions to regional peace, counter-terrorism operations and security across Africa.

The Ambassador requested increased access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions thru scholarships, specialized training and other capacity-building initiatives.

He also called for extended instructor exchange programs, joint military exercises and closer cooperation in peace support operations and counter-terrorism which he described as important steps toward consolidating the long standing defense partnership between both countries.

DR Congo Blocks Copper and Cobalt Concentrate Exports to Spur Industrial Growth

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DR Congo Blocks Copper and Cobalt Concentrate Exports to Spur Industrial Growth

Miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been banned from exporting copper and cobalt concentrates, in a bid to encourage them to process and refine the product at home.

Government reports said this was part of the country’s attempt to keep more revenue from its huge mineral wealth.

The order also lays down new taxes on economically important by-products of mining.

The ⁠ban comes into force immediately but the new by-product tax regime has a three-month ​transition period.

Read Also: President Tinubu Steps In, Orders EFCC to Unfreeze Osun State Bank Accounts

The Congo is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and the second largest supplier of copper, both highly sought after worldwide.

They are used in many different products such as electronics, rechargeable batteries, motors and generators.

The mining sector is the engine of the DRC’s economy accounting for some 50% of the country’s estimated GDP of $10.9 billion.

President Tinubu Steps In, Orders EFCC to Unfreeze Osun State Bank Accounts

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President Tinubu Steps In, Orders EFCC to Unfreeze Osun State Bank Accounts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unfreeze the accounts of the Osun State Government as directed by a court order.

This directive is considered vital to the preservation of public confidence and the maintenance of the integrity, credibility and fairness of the democratic process in the run-up to the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The President in a statement to State House Correspondents on Thursday, said with the Osun gubernatorial election around the corner, no action by any federal institution should give the impression that the Federal Government or itAgencies are trying to influence the electoral process.

President Tinubu said he was not briefed ahead of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to seek a court order on August 5 but expressed considerable embarrassment over the timing of the move. “The President is often blamed for the decisions made by federal institutions, and that has an impact on the public perception of his administration,” he said.

“As President, I will allow the institutions of State to function freely and take any action they deem necessary in the interest of proper governance without any prior approval. Indeed, that is why institutions are established by law with explicitly defined powers. I am yet to be fully apprised with the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, but I am not in the least doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious and therefore I feel compelled to intervene.

“Osun State’s governorship election is just around the corner. So, nothing should be done to create an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election.

Read Also: House Committee Praises Reforms to Boost Military Welfare

President Tinubu added, “Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility and fairness of our democratic process.”

President Tinubu stated that since he assumed office, he has allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to perform their statutory functions independently, professionally, and without political interference.

He stressed the importance of strong democratic institutions operating within the framework of the law as essential to good governance and the maintenance of the rule of law.

The President also said that he has deliberately not interfered in the operational activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other investigative agencies, insisting that institutions created by law should operate within their clearly defined powers without seeking presidential approval.

President Tinubu said the EFCC had not yet given him a full briefing on the decision to seek the freezing order.

“I was concerned with the timing of this action and had to intervene for the welfare of the public,” he said.

“Thus, I have directed the EFCC to go to court immediately to vacate the order and stop whatever action it has filed against the Osun State Government concerning this matter,” President Tinubu said.

House Committee Praises Reforms to Boost Military Welfare

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House Committee Praises Reforms to Boost Military Welfare

The Federal Government on Thursday officially presented Miss Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as the country’s representative to the 75th Miss World Pageant with a call on Nigerians to rally behind the country’s quest for global glory, declaring confidence that she has what it takes to make the country proud on the global stage.

At a colorful national send-off ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said the beauty queen was more than a pageant contestant, adding that she represented the resilience, intelligence, cultural richness and leadership potential of Nigerian women.

Karibi-George will represent Nigeria at the Miss World competition, scheduled to take place in Vietnam between 9 August and 5 September, when contestants from some 130 countries and territories will compete.

The minister said Nigeria’s participation in the global pageant presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, creativity and youthful talent while strengthening its international image.

The Miss World platform has evolved from a physical beauty pageant to a worldwide movement that promotes humanitarian service, leadership, advocacy and social impact through its world-renowned “Beauty With a Purpose” initiative, she said.

“As our queen goes out to represent Nigeria, we do so with confidence. “We have faith in her abilities, we have faith in her preparation and we know she will be an excellent ambassador for our country,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said.

She charged Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations, to throw their weight behind the country’s representative, insisting that representing Nigeria on the world stage was already a laudable feat deserving of national support.

The minister also carried goodwill messages from President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, assuring the beauty queen of the Federal Government’s support during the entire competition.

She linked Nigeria’s participation in the pageant to the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on youth development, women’s empowerment, inclusion and national development.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Esuabana Asanye, congratulated Karibi-George on her emergence as Miss Nigeria 2026 and charged her to remain focused in her projection of the country’s values with dignity and excellence throughout the competition.

Guy Morris-Bruce, Miss World Nigeria National Director and President of the Silverbird Group, presented the queen to the Federal Government, describing the Miss World competition as a platform that rewards intelligence, compassion, leadership and purposeful service, and not beauty alone.

The organisation is still committed to providing opportunities for Nigerian women to excel at the international level while encouraging the citizens to give the country’s representative their full support,” he said.

Also speaking, the President and Founder of God’s Citizens Worldwide, Wisdom Okoye, commended the minister for her personal commitment to ensuring the success of the national send-off.

Read Also:Federal Government Bids Farewell to Miss Nigeria for 75th Miss World Pageant

He said her hands-on role in the organization of the event was a testament to her passion for empowering young Nigerian women and projecting a positive image of the country.

I was particularly impressed with the commitment and dedication of the Honourable Minister. She made sure everything was organized and all invited guests were well taken care of personally,” he said.

Okoye, who was optimistic about Nigeria’s chances, added, “I believe, by the grace of God, our representative will return victorious and we shall gather again to celebrate her success and our great nation.

A tearful Karibi-George thanked God, her family, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Miss World Nigeria Organisation and Nigerians for believing in her dream.

She pledged to fly the nation’s flag with pride and represent Nigeria with dignity, humility and excellence while presenting the country’s diverse cultural heritage to the global audience.

She said, “I promise to represent Nigeria with dignity, with grace, with excellence and with purpose.

Top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, development partners, captains of industry, cultural organisations and other stakeholders, who expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the international pageant, attended the ceremony.

Guests were entertained with vibrant cultural performances by the National Youth Service Corps Cultural Troupe, a colorful display of Nigeria’s rich ethnic diversity and artistic heritage.

Goodwill messages were equally received at the event from the Niger Delta Development Commission, Akwa Ibom State Government and other partners, all pledging support for Nigeria’s representative.

One of the high points of the event was the presentation of a special appreciation gift to the minister by the Miss World Nigeria Organisation as a recognition of the ministry’s commitment to the empowerment of women and support for Nigeria’s participation in international platforms.

The Team Lead of the event, Iwefa Aganaba thanked government officials, sponsors, development partners, members of the diplomatic community and the media for their contribution to the successful send-off.

Federal Government Bids Farewell to Miss Nigeria for 75th Miss World Pageant

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Federal Government Bids Farewell to Miss Nigeria for 75th Miss World Pageant

The Federal Government on Thursday officially presented Miss Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as the country’s representative to the 75th Miss World Pageant with a call on Nigerians to rally behind the country’s quest for global glory, declaring confidence that she has what it takes to make the country proud on the global stage.

At a colorful national send-off ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said the beauty queen was more than a pageant contestant, adding that she represented the resilience, intelligence, cultural richness and leadership potential of Nigerian women.

Karibi-George will represent Nigeria at the Miss World competition, which will be held in Vietnam from 9 August to 5 September, when contestants from some 130 countries and territories will be competing.

The minister said Nigeria’s participation in the global pageant presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, creativity and youthful talent while strengthening its international image.

The Miss World platform has evolved from a physical beauty pageant to a worldwide movement promoting humanitarian service, leadership, advocacy and social impact through its world-renowned “Beauty With a Purpose” initiative, she said.

“We go out with confidence, as our queen goes out to represent Nigeria. “We have faith in her abilities, we have faith in her preparation and we know she will be an excellent ambassador for our country,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said.

She urged Nigerians, regardless of political, ethnic or religious affiliations, to rally behind the country’s representative, insisting that it was already a commendable feat for Nigeria to be represented on the world stage and deserved national support.

The minister also carried goodwill messages from President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, assuring the beauty queen of the Federal Government’s support during the entire competition.

She linked Nigeria’s participation in the pageant to the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on youth development, women’s empowerment, inclusion and national development.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Esuabana Asanye, congratulated Karibi-George on her emergence as Miss Nigeria 2026 and charged her to remain focused in her projection of the country’s values with dignity and excellence throughout the competition.

Miss World Nigeria National Director and President of the Silverbird Group, Guy Morris-Bruce, who presented the queen to the Federal Government, said the Miss World competition is a platform that rewards intelligence, compassion, leadership and purposeful service, and not beauty alone.

The organisation still believes in giving Nigerian women opportunities to excel internationally, while appealing to the citizens to give the country’s representative their maximum support,” he said.

Also speaking, the President and Founder of God’s Citizens Worldwide, Wisdom Okoye, commended the minister for her personal commitment to ensuring the success of the national send-off.

He said her hands-on role in the organization of the event was a testament to her passion for empowering young Nigerian women and projecting a positive image of the country.

I was very impressed with the Honourable Minister’s commitment and dedication. “She saw to it that everything was in order and that all invited guests were well taken care of personally,” he said.

Okoye, who was optimistic about Nigeria’s chances, said: “I believe, by the grace of God, our representative will return victorious and we shall gather again to celebrate her success and our great nation.

Read Also: Gov Uzodimma Taunts Adeleke With Jab About Davido

A tearful Karibi-George thanked God, her family, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Miss World Nigeria Organisation and Nigerians for believing in her dream.

She pledged to fly the nation’s flag with pride and represent Nigeria with dignity, humility and excellence while presenting the country’s diverse cultural heritage to the global audience.

She said, “I promise to represent Nigeria with dignity, with grace, with excellence and with purpose.

Top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, development partners, captains of industry, cultural organisations and other stakeholders who expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the international pageant, attended the ceremony.

The National Youth Service Corps Cultural Troupe entertained guests with vibrant cultural performances, a colourful display of Nigeria’s rich ethnic diversity and artistic heritage.

The event equally received goodwill messages from the Niger Delta Development Commission, Akwa Ibom State Government and other partners, all pledging support for Nigeria’s representative.

One of the high points of the event was the presentation of a special appreciation gift to the minister by the Miss World Nigeria Organisation as a recognition of the ministry’s commitment to the empowerment of women and support for Nigeria’s participation in international platforms.

The Team Lead of the event, Iwefa Aganaba thanked government officials, sponsors, development partners, members of the diplomatic community and the media for their contribution to the successful send-off.

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