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Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace peace, foster unity

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Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace peace, foster unity

Yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his appeal for peace and unity as his government works to address urgent political and socioeconomic issues.

According to him, only on the basis of peace and unity can the foundations of progress be built.

The president also urged Nigerians to avoid violence and polarizing behaviors, which stand in the way of the country’s development into a successful and peaceful one.

Nigerians should become ambassadors of peace, President Tinubu, who is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for this year’s “Sustainability Week,” said in his message on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He emphasized that working together would open the door to a hopeful and optimistic future.

The 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hosted solemn events to honor personnel of the armed forces who gave their lives in defense of Nigerian sovereignty.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who served as the President’s honorary guest, laid wreaths at the National Arcade across from Eagle Square in Abuja alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Nigerian Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Minister of Defense Abubakar Badaru, and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.

In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu reminded Nigerians of the ultimate sacrifices made by the nation’s former service members and emphasized the need of maintaining peace on a national and international level.

According to him, the commemoration event provided a chance to consider the military’s coordinated efforts to protect the nation’s territorial integrity in addition to expressing thanks.

He urged a fresh commitment to the principles that the Armed Forces stood for and praised the personnel for their patriotism.

President Tinubu posted on Twitter: “We may show our appreciation and honor our former service members who gave their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and other countries on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Peace is desperately needed in the world and in our country.

As we commemorate this sad day today, keep in mind that many people have sacrificed their lives—and continue to do so—to ensure that we can live in peace with one another.

For a peaceful and flourishing country, let us therefore avoid violence and polarizing tendencies. All of us should become peace ambassadors.

“With each other, we can create a bright future where harmony and peace are paramount.”

The service, which began in Abuja at 10.07 am, included prayers for the nation and the slain heroes’ surviving families as well as a minute of silence in remembrance of them.

Additional dignitaries who laid wreaths included Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawale.

Wreaths were also laid by Maj Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion; Mrs. Olubunmi Okiti, the representative of the Military Widows Association; and Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, the cameroonian ambassador to Nigeria and dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, three volleys were fired, and the vice president signed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Anniversary Register before releasing pigeons into the air.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSoF), Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim were among the other dignitaries present.

The sacrifices made by the dead heroes should not be forgotten, Badaru told reporters, adding that they paid the ultimate price for protecting the nation.

He promised active military personnel that their sacrifices would always be remembered and emphasized the value of togetherness.

President Tinubu was thanked by Major Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, for signing the Revised Terms and Conditions of Service for officers and personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to him, the updated terms and conditions will improve the wellbeing of active and retired military members.

Better welfare, he said, will eventually encourage soldiers to put their best effort into protecting the nation.

“This is a great indication to them that Nigerians will remember them and will continue to support them despite their service and sacrifices,” he said.

But Jibrin asserted that there’s always space for development.

He emphasized how the Nigerian Legion coordinates activities to guarantee the well-being of retired military men.

“The Minister of Defense, through the Nigerian Legion, makes any official statements regarding the general well-being of retired members of the Armed Forces,” he stated. Every other sound, whether from left or right, is merely a show.

The Federal Government and Nigerians have been hailed by Mrs. Bunmi Okiti, National President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), for continuously remembering the sacrifices made by dead heroes.

Remembrance Day, according to her, is a time to honor the memory of departed loved ones and provide assistance to their families.

On the subject of widows’ rights, Okiti recognized that her association was still working to help widows deal with the bureaucratic system.

“Anyone who has trouble receiving their entitlements, we forward the paper, go to the authority to find out, and ensure the process moves along,” she stated.

The resolution of unresolved life insurance claims for Army officers was another demand made by Mrs. Okiti.

Final-Year Akwa Poly student shot dead by gunmen

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Final-Year Akwa Poly student shot dead by gunmen

Gunmen suspected of being cultists have shot and killed Prince, a Higher National Diploma (HND2) student at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Osurua.

The event happened on Abuja Street in Ikot Osurua, the neighborhood where the institution is located, early on Wednesday morning, at around one in the morning.

According to reports, Prince, a senior studying computer science, was assaulted while his girlfriend was around.
According to witnesses who spoke to The Nation, Prince had just finished his final exams and was getting ready to defend his project before being enlisted in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

The attackers broke into the property, went straight to Prince’s room, and shot him in the abdomen, leaving him in a pool of blood, according to sources.
The victim’s fiancée sounded the alarm, so the neighbors hurried him to the hospital for treatment, according to a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous.
Although the attack’s motivation is yet unknown, the incident has increased local concerns about cult-related violence. Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests connected to the crime or offered any comments on the situation.

Nothing was taken from the residence by the gunmen. Not a single person in the compound was robbed. They simply shot him and ran off.

“The victim and his girlfriend met me yesterday at around 4 p.m. They both had on facemasks. I asked them jokingly why they were wearing that outfit. We all chuckled.

The victim was a prominent member of his church’s choral group and well-liked in the neighborhood. The manner in which he passed away startled us.

Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa DSP Timfon John confirmed the occurrence, stating that cult activities and robberies occurred in the vicinity of the victim’s compound, where the students were shot dead.

Read Also: Timileyin Ajayi Breaks Silence on Killing Girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

“We have information that there were cult activities and robberies in the vicinity. Someone who was later identified as a student was shot during their invasion and robbery. However, the inquiry is still ongoing,” he stated.

Timileyin Ajayi Breaks Silence on Killing Girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

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Timileyin Ajayi Breaks Silence on Killing Girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

Gospel musician Timileyin Ajayi, 32, claims he has no regrets about killing Salome Eleojo Adaidu, his lover.

Ajayi is being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa Police Command in Lafia.

He was taken into custody on suspicion of killing his alleged lover, Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who works at Nicon Insurance in the capital city of Abuja.

While visiting the suspect at his residence on the Papalana axis in New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Salome was reportedly slain.

Ajayi and the machetes and knife he used to carry out the crime were presented Tuesday at the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters.

After killing the woman and mutilating her body parts, he was apprehended on January 12 while attempting to dispose of her head.

In an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Ajayi admitted to the crime while responding to questions.

We don’t always have each other, therefore I killed her; it wasn’t something I had planned.

“It took place on that particular day. She was cheating, therefore I don’t have the strategy in mind,” he stated.

The majority of the time, she keeps most things from me. I learned about it from her phone. I made the decision because I noticed she was talking to other males on the phone,” he claimed.

Read Also: Ndidi Calls on Super Eagles Teammates to Prepare for World Cup 2026 Campaign

He responded, “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal,” when asked if he regretted what he had done. I believed that if you have to do something to someone, you must do the same to them.

I don’t regret anything since we were genuinely compatible. “You have to understand what that person is going through in order to actually put yourself in that person’s position.”

Ndidi Calls on Super Eagles Teammates to Prepare for World Cup 2026 Campaign

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Ndidi Calls on Super Eagles Teammates to Prepare for World Cup 2026 Campaign

Wilfred Ndidi, a midfielder for the Super Eagles, has given his teammates the assignment to give the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualification ticket a boost and make sure they focus all of their energy on the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Not making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be a huge blow to Nigerian football and the players, who would not have the opportunity to do so again, Ndidi said, acknowledging that the players put themselves in a risky scenario.

In a discussion with his Super Eagles teammate Kenneth Omeruo on X (previously Twitter), Ndidi made this statement while reflecting on the team’s challenging qualifying situation.

Ndidi said, “We know we’re in a tough and important situation, and we cannot let this slip because if some players get left out of this World Cup, there might not be another guaranteed opportunity to go for the next World Cup.”

The Super Eagles are presently four points behind joint leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and the Benin Republic in fifth place in Group C after three points from four games. Nigeria will next play at home against Zimbabwe in Uyo seven days later and away to Rwanda in Kigali on March 17.

Ndidi added, “We put ourselves in this situation because we didn’t do well in the previous games, but I feel like the AFCON qualifying games and qualifications have already created a new confidence in the team to actually push towards qualifying for the World Cup.”

The Leicester City midfielder, who missed out on qualifying for Qatar 2022, emphasized how urgent it is to turn things around in order to avoid missing another World Cup.

“I didn’t have the chance to go to the World Cup in Qatar; my last World Cup was in 2018.” “A number of the players who competed in 2018 are no longer even on the national team,” he suggested.

Read Also: Chelle Visits Super Eagles in Ikenne Before CHAN Draw

“We must treat this seriously. Every athlete aspires to compete in the World Cup; we cannot ignore this. We are unable to accept that.

The players must give their best performances in the remaining games, according to Ndidi, who also thinks the team has the talent and mentality to go back on track.

“There is no justification moving forward. We just need to demonstrate our strengths and make as many points as we can,” he said in closing.

Chelle Visits Super Eagles in Ikenne Before CHAN Draw

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Chelle Visits Super Eagles in Ikenne Before CHAN Draw

In his first public appearance since his unveiling on Monday, new Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle and his agent Sidibe Abraham Brehima arrived at the Super Eagles B’s Ikenne-Remo camp yesterday with Coach Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigeria Football Federation’s technical director.

The three traveled directly to the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in the legendary Ogun State town after taking a plane from Abuja to Lagos.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau had made it clear during Monday’s unveiling that Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who helped the Eagles B qualify for the African Nations Championship, would essentially continue to be in charge of the team’s preparation and tournament participation, while Chelle would only be with the Eagles B in a supervisory capacity.

In the meantime, the Confederation of Afican Football (CAF) stated that the tournament would be postponed until August. This evening, the draw for the final event of the 8th African Nations Championship will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.

Read Also: Reps Committee Declares FG’s Envelop Budgeting for MDAs Unconstitutional

Dayo Enebi Achor, the team administrator for the Super Eagles, is in Nairobi in advance of the event, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Nigeria time at the Kenyatta International Convention Center. Kenyan icon McDonald Mariga, Tanzanian Mrisho Ngasa, and Ugandan Hassan Wasswa will support CAF’s Director of Competitions, Mr. Samson Adamu, at the draw.

At the draw ceremony, the names of 19 nations—common hosts Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda; Nigeria; Morocco; Guinea; Senegal; Mauritania; Burkina Faso; Central African Republic; Algeria; Niger Republic; Congo; Sudan; Rwanda; Democratic Republic of Congo; Zambia; Angola; and Madagascar—will be put into pots.

Reps Committee Declares FG’s Envelop Budgeting for MDAs Unconstitutional

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Reps Committee Declares FG’s Envelop Budgeting for MDAs Unconstitutional

The Federal Government’s envelope budgeting method for its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies was deemed insufficient by the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, which also rejected the N286 million allotted to support Nigeria’s 109 overseas missions.

According to documents the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided to the Committee, which was presided over by Representative Busayo Oluwole Oke, the Ministry had suggested a budget of almost N1.5 trillion based on an evaluation of the embassies’ needs.

Rep. Oke, the committee chairman, stated, “I have not seen anywhere in our laws where envelope budgeting is mentioned,” during an interactive session with the Ministry and the Federation’s Budget Office on Tuesday during the 2025 Budget defense. He also described the budget as being too inadequate for missions that were meant to represent the nation’s image.
We are concerned that your submission to Mr. President violates the law and was not founded on a needs assessment,” he continued.

Tanimu Yakubu, the Director General of the Budget Office, clarified in his presentation that the 2025 budget increased the budgetary allotment for the missions by 25%. In order to increase the country’s revenue generation, he also asked the National Assembly to approve the tax reform proposals.

Yakubu suggested that until the nation improved its revenue generation, fewer foreign missions should be established. He said, “Why don’t we think about drastically cutting back on our overseas missions until we can increase our revenue?”

“We have 109 diplomatic missions abroad, which include 11 consulates, 22 high commissions, and 76 embassies,” he said. As you correctly pointed out, the issue is as pervasive as Nigeria’s current international circumstances.Three years ago, when Nigeria’s debt servicing took nearly all of its revenue, the situation was undoubtedly worse. But when debt financial engineering decreased debt service from as high as 100 percent to 55 percent in the first year, we began to see improvement under this administration.

Read Also: USSD Debt Crisis: NCC Orders Disconnection of Nine Banks

“If you speak with our missions overseas, they will tell you that they began to feel some respite last year. We haven’t arrived yet. The present administration has instituted bold reforms, beginning with the abolition of the PMS and other product subsidies and the deregulation of the foreign currency rate.

With these two models, we anticipate saving roughly N11 trillion. Although the savings began to appear in October of last year, the primary recipients—state governments in particular—collected the funds and remained mute. We do know, though, that they took a lot more than they had in a number of years.

In order to increase our revenue collection, we anticipate you to make improvements to the tax measures that we have presented to the National Assembly for your consideration.

“Mr. President has made a special effort to insist on 2.12 million barrels per day, which is an extremely ambitious goal for oil production. He understands that in order to meet these needs, we must look for revenue. The budget for this year is ambitious as a result. It is about N50 trillion this year, compared to roughly N36 trillion last year.

“We must keep managing scarcity, whether we refer to it as envelope budgeting,” he stated.

USSD Debt Crisis: NCC Orders Disconnection of Nine Banks

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USSD Debt Crisis: NCC Orders Disconnection of Nine Banks

Due to outstanding payments, the Nigerian Communications Commission has given telecom operators permission to disconnect the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data codes linked to nine financial institutions.

Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs of NCC, signed a public notice on Tuesday that contained this directive.

According to the telecom authority, impacted banks face losing their USSD codes if they don’t pay their outstanding debts by January 27, 2025.

If the debts are not settled, these codes—which are necessary to provide mobile banking services—may be transferred to other applicants.

According to the commission, nine of the eighteen financial institutions had failed to comply with regulatory requirements as of Tuesday’s close of business.

Although other banks have paid off their obligations, it was reported that the financial institutions owed more than N200 billion in total.

Read Also: NLC commends Gov. Eno as Akwa Ibom verification reveals 2,000 ghost workers

The regulator did not, however, reveal the exact amount of debt that the impacted banks currently owe.

A protracted financial dispute between the banks and telecom carriers is indicated by the NCC, which claims that some of the outstanding invoices have not been paid since 2020.

The notice stated in part that “the nine institutions listed below have failed to significantly comply with the directives in the Second Joint Circular of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the commission dated December 20, 2024, for the settlement of outstanding invoices due to MNOS, some since 2020,” based on information provided to the commission as of close of business on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, of a total of 18 financial institutions.

The regulator pointed out that banks cannot meet the good standing conditions for the renewal of the USSD codes that the commission has assigned them if they do not follow the CBN-NCC joint circular.

“The commission wishes to notify consumers that they may not be able to access the USSD platform of the affected financial institutions starting on January 27, 2025, in accordance with its consumer protection mandate,” it continued.

Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank, Jaiz Bank Plc, Polaris Bank Limited, Sterling Bank Limited, United Bank for Africa Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc are among the financial institutions that are impacted.

Among other USSD codes, 770, 919, and 822 are impacted.

The NCC emphasized that the financial institutions had received adequate notice of the urgent compliance requirement and cautioned that if the problems are not fixed, customers may experience service interruptions.

This move underscores the persistent conflicts that have existed for years between financial institutions and telecommunications firms over outstanding obligations related to the USSD.

According to CBN data, between January and June 2024, 252.06 million transactions totaling N2.19 trillion were made via USSD.

Compared to 2023, when 630.6 million transactions totaling N4.84 trillion were made using USSD codes, this indicates a notable increase.

USSD, which was first created by telecom companies for purposes such as airtime subscriptions and purchases, has grown to be a vital instrument in the banking industry, providing consumers with financial services without the need for an Internet connection.

NLC commends Gov. Eno as Akwa Ibom verification reveals 2,000 ghost workers

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NLC commends Gov. Eno as Akwa Ibom verification reveals 2,000 ghost workers

Governor Umo Eno has received commendation from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State chapter, for the effective physical verification of civil servants, which has so far uncovered more than 2,000 ghost workers.

During an interview on Tuesday’s Super Breakfast Show, “The Talk,” on XL106.9FM, NLC State Secretary Comrade Alpha Marshall revealed this.

According to Comrade Marshall, little more than 51,700 civil servants have been confirmed out of the 55,120 that were listed before to the process.

The verification report is presently prepared for submission to the Governor, he added, characterizing the process as smooth and open.

Marshall stated that plans are underway to reschedule the exercise for federal personnel who have not yet been validated because of things like incorrect information on their National Identification Number (NIN).

Read Also: Breaking: CBN Imposes N1.35bn Fine on Nine Banks for Cash Hoarding

He made it clear that this would not cause a delay in Governor Eno receiving the verification report.

Additionally, the NLC Secretary praised Governor Eno for keeping his word and conveyed confidence that the reviewed report will clear the path for the increased minimum wage to be paid.

Governor Eno had previously promised to begin paying all state public employees a minimum wage of N80,000 as soon as the physical verification process was finished, beginning in November 2024.

Breaking: CBN Imposes N1.35bn Fine on Nine Banks for Cash Hoarding

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Breaking: CBN Imposes N1.35bn Fine on Nine Banks for Cash Hoarding

Nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have been fined a total of N1.35 billion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for their failure to guarantee sufficient Naira note availability through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) during the Yuletide season.

Following spot checks at their branches, the banks were fined N150 million for failing to comply with the CBN’s cash distribution standards.

The CBN affirmed the enforcement action in a statement, emphasizing the apex bank’s dedication to ensuring smooth cash flow, especially during times of increased demand. The apex bank disclosed that the impacted banks’ accounts will be immediately debited for the fines.

Read Also: AGF announces recovery of over $110M in assets

“Maintaining smooth cash flow is crucial to preserving public trust and economic stability,” said Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications. Any institution found to be in violation of the CBN’s currency circulation standards will face additional fines without hesitation.
The CBN also revealed that it is still looking into bank branches and Point-of-Sale (POS) operators’ rationing and hoarding of cash.

Ali stated that in order to combat illicit cash sales and enforce the POS operators’ daily cumulative withdrawal cap of ₦1.2 million, the CBN was working with security agencies.

At the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Annual Bankers’ Dinner in November 2024, Governor Olayemi Cardoso issued a dire warning to financial institutions: carefully follow cash distribution laws or risk harsh fines.

He reaffirmed the CBN’s dedication to preserving stability, confidence, and effective cash flow in the financial system.

Details in a Moment…

AGF announces recovery of over $110M in assets

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AGF announces recovery of over $110M in assets

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has attested to the recovery of assets worth more than $110 million from multiple nations.

He made this revelation on Tuesday when the Ministry’s 2024 budget defense and 2025 proposal were presented by the House of Representatives Committee on Justice, which is chaired by Hon. Olumide Osoba.

Fagbemi acknowledged the recovery but did not go into detail, except the $52.88 million in assets that the US government had recently retrieved that were connected to former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Fagbemi disclosed that in order to assist state governments in contract assessments, the Ministry has created templates that address problems that have previously resulted in risks and damages.

Citing the contentious Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) case as an example, he pointed out previous errors, such as hiring unqualified legal counsel in well-known cases.

It has been expensive to hire attorneys only on the basis of patronage. We now place a higher priority on competency, making sure that attorneys possess the education and expertise needed for commercial arbitration,” he stated.

During the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) procedure, the Federal Government retains the right to deduct any ensuing obligations from state allocations, even if State Governments are free to engage in overseas transactions, the AGF emphasized.

Fagbemi promised that stronger measures are now in place to guarantee deals with foreign firms conform with Nigerian regulations in order to prevent future problems.

He emphasized how Nigeria’s legal position in arbitration has been strengthened by the 2023 Arbitration and Prosecution Act.

When conducting business here, foreign organizations are required to abide by our laws. They cannot prescribe arbitration rules and locations outside of Nigeria while taking use of our resources,” Fagbemi said.

Osoba praised the Ministry’s major accomplishments, such as the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, which upheld local governments’ administrative and financial independence and prohibited state governors from arbitrary dissolutions or seizing funds.

He also praised the Ministry for winning the P&ID Case, stating that Nigeria’s assets and economic stability were preserved when the court decided to overturn the earlier ruling, sparing the country from significant financial obligations.

Read Also: Abiru: Tinubu’s reforms, Insurance bill key to aviation growth

“These results show our judiciary’s strength and dedication to justice and the rule of law,” Osoba said.

However, Osoba accused the Ministry of reallocating allocated funds without parliamentary consent and chastised it for not disclosing the N4.7 billion spent on legal services in 2024.

Legislators were reassured by Fagbemi that measures are being taken to improve openness and adherence to supervision.

In order to strengthen Nigeria’s legal system and economic stability, the Committee recommended the Ministry to prioritize reforms and increase accountability.

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