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Tinubu Govt Poised to Seal 30 MoUs as Nigeria-Brazil SDM Opens in Abuja

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Nigeria is ready to sign more than 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil as the second Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) session began Tuesday, June 24 in Abuja.
The arrival of Brazil’s vice president, Geraldo Alckmin, who is starting a three-day state visit, was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
According to the statement, the visit’s goal is to improve bilateral ties between the two countries. The Memorandums of Understanding are expected to cover a wide range of strategic areas, including cultural and educational exchange programs, trade facilitation, industrial development, energy cooperation and transition initiatives, agricultural technology transfer, defense and security collaboration, and more.

The Brazilian delegation, along with Alckmin and his spouse, Maria Lúcia Alckmin, were welcomed at the State House Conference Center by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Governors, ministries, presidential aides, representatives of the Nigerian and Brazilian diplomatic corps, and Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the President’s deputy chief of staff, were also in attendance to welcome Alckmin.

In addition, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, were in attendance.

Read Also: Breaking: SDP National Chairman Gabam, Auditor, Youth Leader Suspended with Immediate Effect

The three-day gathering will provide President Bola Tinubu’s administration with a forum to draw in fresh investment, encourage technical collaboration, and open doors for more strategic corporate interactions.

The visit is “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda,” Senator Hadejia said during the airport reception, emphasizing the strategic importance of fortifying relations with Brazil.

“This dialogue mechanism represents our commitment to leveraging South-South partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our citizens,” Hadejia said.

“Brazil’s expertise in agribusiness, energy transition, and industrial development aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s transformation priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At the end of the three-day summit, more than thirty Memorandums of Understanding will be signed in key areas, such as energy cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, defense cooperation, and cultural exchange programs, Hadejia stated.

Highlights of the visit include: “Vice President Kashim Shettima will host Alckmin throughout his visit, which will feature several joint events, including the opening ceremony of the Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday morning at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

On Tuesday afternoon, the foreign ministers of Brazil and Nigeria will hold a joint press conference at the State House.

The visiting delegation will be honored with a Brazil Gala Dinner later that evening, hosted by Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Breaking: SDP National Chairman Gabam, Auditor, Youth Leader Suspended with Immediate Effect

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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has declared that Shehu Gabam, the Party’s national chairman, and two NWC members—National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu—will be suspended immediately.
Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s national publicity secretary, reportedly revealed in a statement released on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, that party members had been suspended due to accusations of serious financial wrongdoing, theft, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds. Mobile phones that are accessible
The National Chairman and other involved NWC members have been suspended in order to allow for a comprehensive inquiry, according to Aiyenigba.

The SDP leader claims that in accordance with the party’s Constitution, Sadiq Umar Abubakar, the Deputy National Chairman (North), has taken over as Acting National Chairman in the interim.
Aiyenigba also stated that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and all other pertinent agencies had been informed of these officers’ suspension.

Read Also: El-Rufai Screaming for Relevance, Embarking on Revenge Tour — PDP’s Okai

“The decision followed resolutions made by members of the National Working Committee (NWC), wherein overwhelming evidence was presented that connected the suspended officials to a number of unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and the transfer of funds from the party’s accounts without the NWC’s approval,” the statement reads.

This initially became apparent when it was found that the National Chairman had submitted an unauthorized financial statement to INEC, as required of all political parties.

The newspapers also carried a synopsis of the bogus account. Upon learning about this, the NWC decided to notify law police of the bogus anomalies.

“The NWC’s decision to suspend the National Chairman and two NWC members implicated in the egregious financial misconduct will also show the public that the Party, which is widely regarded by Nigerians as a disciplined party and a legitimate alternative political platform for national redemption, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of power.” Our political party’s integrity must always be maintained.

To examine all financial documents and suggest additional disciplinary or legal measures, an interim investigating panel has been established.

“The resources and donations realized from the sale of nomination forms in the general elections of 2023, as well as other funds from the party accounts, total hundreds of millions of naira in misappropriated funds.”

“Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and Uchechukwu Ogbonna Chukwuma are suspended with immediate effect.”

El-Rufai Screaming for Relevance, Embarking on Revenge Tour — PDP’s Okai

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The head of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Usman Okai Austin, has claimed that Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, is traveling on a vengeance tour against President Bola Tinubu.
Okai’s remarks were said to coincide with El-Rufai’s assertion that Tinubu will not be able to win the 2027 presidential election. Smartphones with accessibility features
On Tuesday, Okai wrote on Facebook that El-Rufai should let Nigerians, not him, who is speaking like a deity, decide Tinubu’s fate in 2027.

The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Okai, was described as “ego-driven” and “pure sour grapes,” emphasizing that his replacement, Governor Uba Sani, had methodically undermined his political significance.

In his own words, El-Rufai used his childhood friend Uba as a weapon against Shehu Sani after manipulating him into becoming his chief administrator.
According to him, El-Rufai is more concerned about Nasir El-Rufai than with Nigeria. Instead of El-Rufai, who attempts to take the people’s power and speaks like God, let Nigerians decide Tinubu’s fate in 2027.

“Even if Uba and Shehu Sani are siblings, this is the same El-Rufai who used Uba as a weapon against Shehu Sani after manipulating his childhood friend into becoming his chief of staff. Blood was more compelling than water.

“He used to be a kingmaker, but now he is a pawn being used, dumped, and left fuming with anger.”

Okai claims that El-Rufai has been entirely marginalized by President Tinubu and is frantically attempting to defend himself.

Read Also: Nigeria Targeted for Ruin by Organised Urban Bandits — El-Rufai

El-Rufai’s role in making Kaduna Nigeria’s first Muslim-Muslim ticket state was also criticized by the PDP chieftain, who charged him with directing rampant instability and fostering religious imbalance.

“No calls, no reconciliation,” he continued. Just calculating, cold disrespect. Currently, El-Rufai is on a tour of retaliation, giving interviews, accusing others of treachery, and frantically attempting to defend himself.

He was so bold as to suggest that Tinubu should adopt his polarizing approach. However, Tinubu beat him. VP Shettima was chosen. The aspiration of become a minister fell through.

If Uba Sani had continued to be his puppet or Tinubu had appointed him a minister, El-Rufai would be praising him now. However, now? Another resentful former governor, he is flailing in the political mud and yelling for attention.

Nigeria Targeted for Ruin by Organised Urban Bandits — El-Rufai

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Nigeria is being targeted for destruction by a group of urban bandits, according to Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State.
He said this in an interview that aired Monday night on Arise News. El-Rufai claimed that the anti-Tinubu alliance is concentrating on a single objective and that the leadership’s stance has given him a sense of empowerment and encouragement.

No coalition leader, at least not yet, “is talking about his aspiration,” according to the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Well, I’m sure they would [discuss aspiration later] because we are politicians and power-hungry students,” he remarked. So, sure, they will do that, but no one is saying things like, “Leave this for me, or I want to be president,” etc.

Read Also: El-Rufai Urges Nigerians: Consider a New Leader if Tinubu Hasn’t Improved Your Life

We have an issue, everyone is saying. An assemblage of urban criminals is out to destroy this nation. Come united, send them home, and help this nation get back on track.

“It is about repairing the nation.” So far, his desire has been well received, and no one is discussing it. I am also encouraged.

A major contributor to Tinubu’s ascent to the presidency in 2023, El-Rufai has now defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Tin.

El-Rufai Urges Nigerians: Consider a New Leader if Tinubu Hasn’t Improved Your Life

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Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has indicated that President Bola Tinubu has a 91% disapproval rating in the Northern and Southeastern areas, and hence he does not see him returning to office in 2027.
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to give other candidates a chance to lead the country if their livelihoods have not improved since his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
El-Rufai, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emphasized Tinubu’s substantial failures in security, economics, and trade during the last two years.
According to sources, the former Governor made the revelation during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday evening. POCO smartphones.

“We have to ask the people to make up their minds; do you like what is going on?” This is only two years. If your life has improved since Tinubu was sworn in on May 29, 2023, great; if not, why not give someone else a chance?” El-Rufai asked.

He continued, “We conducted polling in many sections of the country, particularly in the southeast and north. President Tinubu has a 91% unfavorable rating nationwide, including 78% in Lagos.

“He is performing slightly better in states in the Southwest, Ondo and Ekiti, where he has a disapproval rating of more than 78%, but he is not doing better than 50% anywhere, even in the Southwest.

“The individual is gone; he did poorly. The economy has stalled, the security architecture has collapsed, there are no clear trade and investment policies, and everything is going wrong.

“They are raising lots of revenues, but we don’t know where the revenues are going because there are no results.”

Brazilian Vice President Visits Nigeria for High-Level Strategic Talks

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The Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, alongside his wife Maria Alckmin, arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to participate in the Second Session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) — a crucial platform aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The delegation touched down at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where they were warmly received by top Nigerian officials, including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha; and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

The visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach within the Global South, with expectations of major breakthroughs across sectors such as agriculture, energy, defence, and culture.

Speaking during the reception, Senator Hadejia described the visit as “a pivotal moment in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.” He underscored Brazil’s strategic importance to Nigeria, noting:

“This dialogue underscores our dedication to building South-South partnerships that deliver real benefits to our people. Brazil’s strengths in agribusiness, energy transition, and industrialization align perfectly with Nigeria’s transformation goals.”

The high-level engagement is set to conclude with the signing of more than 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), covering vital areas such as defence collaboration, agricultural technology exchange, energy cooperation, and cultural partnerships.

Trump Condemns Medvedev’s Nuclear Threat as Tensions Rise Over Iran Strikes

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President Donald Trump has strongly criticized former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev for suggesting that Russia and its allies could supply Iran with nuclear warheads following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Medvedev, who led Russia between 2008 and 2012 and served as prime minister until 2020, condemned the U.S. military action targeting Iran’s Fordow, Esfahan, and Natanz nuclear sites. In a statement, he warned that certain countries were prepared to “directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads” in response to what he described as American aggression.

President Trump, posting on his Truth Social account, expressed alarm at the remark:

“Did I hear Former President Medvedev, from Russia, casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!), and saying that he and other Countries would supply Nuclear Warheads to Iran? Did he really say that or, is it just a figment of my imagination? If he did say that, and, if confirmed, please let me know, IMMEDIATELY.”

He further criticized the casual reference to nuclear weapons, adding:

“I guess that’s why Putin’s ‘THE BOSS.’”

Trump highlighted the strength of America’s military capabilities, praising the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine fleet as among the most advanced in the world. He indicated that the fleet had played a significant role in the strikes:

“They are the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built, and just launched the 30 Tomahawks — all 30 hit their mark perfectly.”

The recent U.S. strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear infrastructure reportedly caused significant damage. Satellite images showed craters and blocked tunnel entrances at key sites, although not all claims of destruction have been independently verified.

Iran has since vowed to retaliate. On Monday, the country launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. airbase in Qatar, further raising regional tensions.


 

Iran Attacks U.S. Air Base; No Casualties as Qatar Intercepts Missile Barrage

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Iran launched a missile attack on Monday against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the region. However, Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the missiles, and no casualties or damage were reported at the American base.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after explosions were witnessed in the skies over Qatar. The missile strike followed U.S. airstrikes on Saturday that targeted three key nuclear facilities in Iran, prompting expectations of retaliation.

A U.S. defense official confirmed the incident:

“I can confirm that Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran today. At this time, there are no reports of U.S. casualties. We are monitoring this situation closely and will provide more information as it becomes available.”

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack in strong terms. Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated:

“The State of Qatar strongly condemns the attack that targeted Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter. We affirm that Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law.”

Iranian state media portrayed the attack as a successful response to U.S. aggression. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on social media:

“We were neither the initiators of war nor its seekers; but we will not leave aggression against Great Iran unanswered. With all our being, we will stand for the security of this Dear Nation and respond to every wound inflicted on Iran’s body with faith, reason, and resolve.”

About 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed at Al Udeid Air Base. American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had anticipated possible Iranian retaliation.

“They’ll attack our bases. And those are our bases, and we’re going to defend our personnel,” Rubio said in a television interview. “We’ll impose costs on Iran if they attack American personnel, whether they do it directly or through proxies.”

 

Fidelity Bank’s Essential Items Donation Brings Relief to Old People’s Home in Lagos

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Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading player in Nigeria’s banking sector, has reinforced its commitment to corporate social responsibility with the donation of food items and other essentials to the Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos.

The impactful gesture was driven by the bank’s Nexus Inductees Class, under its flagship CSR platform, the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP). Through the FHHP, staff across the bank’s branches identify pressing needs within their communities, pool resources to address them, and receive matched funding support from the bank’s management.

During the presentation, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank, highlighted the importance of supporting senior citizens who have contributed to society.

“This donation is a token of our appreciation for the remarkable parents and guardians who raised individuals that trust us with their banking needs. It reflects our deep commitment to ensuring our senior citizens enjoy the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve,” Nwagboh stated.

Expressing gratitude, Adetutu Ipaye, Director-in-Charge of the Old People’s Home, praised the bank’s intervention.

“Initiatives like this are crucial for sustaining our mission and improving the quality of life for our residents. We encourage other organizations to take a cue from Fidelity Bank’s kind gesture,” she said.

One of the elderly beneficiaries, Mr. Kamoru Adeyetu, shared his appreciation:

“Your visit has brought us great joy. Beyond the gifts, your presence means so much to us. We hope you will visit us again.”

Fidelity Bank continues to stand out for its commitment to community development. The bank serves over 9.1 million customers via its digital channels, 255 business offices nationwide, and FidBank UK Limited, its UK subsidiary. The institution has also earned several prestigious awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award (BAFI) and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence).

 

184 Million Passwords Leaked in Massive Data Breach – What You Need to Know

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Users of popular services including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more have been impacted by the disclosure of over 184 million unique account credentials due to a significant cybersecurity attack. Usernames, passwords, emails, and URLs connected to government, banking, and health accounts in addition to social media platforms were contained in the breach.

According to cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, the database was discovered to be an unencrypted plain text file with no password protections or encryption, making it accessible to everybody. Infostealer malware, a tool frequently used by hackers to gather private information from infected devices and sites, was the source of the data, according to Fowler.

Fowler found the file and notified the hosting company, which quickly blocked the database’s public access. Nevertheless, it is still unclear who was responsible for the leak. Attempts to check the legitimacy of the data showed that a large number of people validated the disclosed credentials.

Read Also: Okanga: Building Bridges, Moving People Forward

The breach presents significant hazards, such as:

Attacks known as “credential stuffing” occur when hackers gain access to other accounts by using stolen information.

takeovers of accounts for identity theft and fraud.

Business credentials were among the stolen data, along with ransomware and corporate espionage.

Several credentials linked to state entities were exposed, indicating government targeting.

Social engineering and phishing can be used to commit scams since they expose emails.

Fowler cautioned that people frequently save private information in their emails, such as tax returns or medical records, without being aware of the security hazards. He advised people to exercise prudence by doing the following:

updating passwords on a regular basis.

utilizing distinct, challenging passwords for every account.

enabling MFA, or multi-factor authentication.

Think about password organizers.

checking accounts for unusual behavior.

use HaveIBeenPwned and similar services to check for leaks.

utilizing up-to-date security software to prevent infection.

The event serves as a reminder of the increasing risk of data breaches and the importance of being vigilant when it comes to safeguarding private and corporate data online.