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President Tinubu Receives Outgoing ECOWAS Commission President in Abuja

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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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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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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 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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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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coic
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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.

Gov Uzodimma Taunts Adeleke With Jab About Davido

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Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State, has addressed Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over allegations that an unnamed politician from Imo State planned to interfere in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Earlier, it reported that Davido, who is the head of the youth mobilisation team for the re-election campaign of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, had urged the politician to allow a peaceful, free and fair election.

The singer did not name the individual but alleged that he wanted to use the poll as a political battleground to show his influence.

He is the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the election, Uzodimma, who responded in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu.

He said Davido should address his appeal to the Osun electorate who would determine the outcome of the election and not the governor.

Uzodimma said the singer’s remarks were misplaced, saying his family connection to Imo State did not warrant the appeal to the governor.

“Davido’s appeal to the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum is quite pedestrian considering that his wife is from Imo State.

“Instead, he should appeal to the people of Osun State, who will ultimately decide the outcome of the election through their votes.”

The governor insisted he had always been for a peaceful and credible electoral process.

“The governor of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the governorship election in Osun State has been consistent in preaching peace and has reiterated his commitment to a peaceful, free and credible election,” the statement added.

Uzodimma said the APC would continue to canvass support for its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, by reaching out to the people across the state.

Uzodimma Faults Adeleke’s Performance
The Imo governor also lambasted Adeleke’s administration, saying the Osun governor had not kept the promises made to residents.

He said that the growing dissatisfaction with the administration would lead to a victory for the APC candidate.

“The reality is that Governor Ademola Adeleke has, in the opinion of many, woefully failed in the discharge of his responsibilities”, Uzodimma said.

“This is why many Osun voters are determined to vote him out in the August 15, 2026 governorship elections.”

He said he had heard from voters across the state that they were ready for a change in leadership.

All over Osun State, the signals are clear. “There is increasing evidence that a great many voters have rejected the current administration and are ready to accept a new direction,” he added.

The governor did not give specific polling figures or other evidence to support his assessment of voters’ preferences.

Uzodimma further advised Davido to concentrate on preparing Adeleke for life outside government rather than making what he described as emotional appeals.

“Davido should rather than trying to influence Governor Hope Uzodimma with emotional appeals, focus on helping his uncle prepare for life after office as the people of Osun seem prepared to vote massively for the APC candidate,” he said.

The governor also mocked Adeleke’s well-publicized love of dancing, inviting Davido to join his music group if he lost the election.

“Maybe Davido should also start making plans to formally sign his uncle as a dancer in his musical band because going by the mood of the electorate, he may as well be out of a political job after the August 15, 2026 governorship election,” the statement added.

Abducted Poly Students Rescued as NANS Applauds Ogun Government, Security Agencies

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has applauded the Ogun State Government and security agencies for the safe rescue of all the five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade who were abducted last week.

The student body in a Thursday statement signed by NANS National Secretary General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, expressed “profound joy and relief” that the students were rescued alive and unharmed.

The development was recalled to have happened just a day after NANS gave a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government and security agencies to rescue the students.

“We are very happy that the students have been rescued alive and unharmed, and that the anxiety experienced by their families, colleagues and the entire Nigerian student community has ended,” NANS said.

The national student body specifically commended the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for what it described as his “unwavering dedication to the security of lives and properties” and for providing the needed support that paved the way for the operation.

Read Also: Federal Government Urges Calm After Abuja Tremor

The association also applauded the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni for “exemplary leadership, strategic coordination and commitment.”

The operation was successful because of his professionalism, determination and effective use of security resources. NANS said, “It is yet another demonstration of the commitment of the Ogun State Police Command to the protection of lives of citizens and restoration of confidence in the public.

NANS also commended the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, local security outfits and all those involved in the rescue mission.

It said their “bravery, intelligence gathering and teamwork ensured the students were rescued unharmed.”

“This successful operation shows that with effective collaboration, intelligence-led policing and strong government support, criminal elements can be decisively confronted,” the association added.

NANS called on security agencies to maintain efforts to protect students and schools across the country. It also repeated its plea for “continuous strengthening of security around campuses and student host communities to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

The association also congratulated the rescued students and their families, and thanked all those who contributed to the successful operation.

Federal Government Urges Calm After Abuja Tremor

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The Federal Government has appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory to stay calm following the record of an earth tremor in parts of Abuja, assuring the public that there is no imminent danger to lives and property.

The assurance was given on Wednesday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, after reports that several buildings in the nation’s capital experienced light shaking on Tuesday, reported.

The minister also directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to give him hourly updates on seismic activities around Abuja for continuous assessment and possible action by other relevant government agencies, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise.

Alake, who is currently in Washington, DC, United States, holding talks with American investors on joint venture opportunities in the solid minerals sector of Nigeria, said safety of residents remained a priority.

He directed the NGSA to step up monitoring of the situation and keep him regularly updated of any developments.

The minister said the government has already activated proactive steps to ensure the safety of residents and safeguard public and private property.

He called on the residents of Abuja to remain calm and go about their normal daily activities without fear.

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency stated that the earth tremor was recorded on August 4 by the agency’s Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako, Abuja.

Read Also: Ex-Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband

The agency said the tremor was recorded at 11:23:27 a.m. and said it originated from a depth of about one kilometre below the earth’s surface.

It explained that the seismic movement travelled about four kilometres in about five seconds and caused light vibrations that were felt in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

The event was described by the NGSA as a light earth tremor with a Mercalli Intensity Scale rating between I and II, a level not usually strong enough to cause structural damage.

The agency said the quake might have caused temporary discomfort and fear among residents but poses no danger.

“This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,” the agency said.

He assured the public that the NGSA would continue to keep a close watch on seismic activities in and around Abuja and give timely updates as required.

He said there was no need to panic and residents should continue with their lawful activities while experts monitor the situation.

The minister reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to public safety, saying relevant agencies would remain on alert and respond promptly should there be any change in the situation.

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