Television Nigerian

On Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 68 ambassadorial candidates were ratified by the Nigerian Senate.

Recall that President Tinubu ultimately delivered the names of sixty-eight (68) nominees for confirmation as Nigeria’s ambassadors to the National Assembly, which was a major step toward the country’s diplomatic representation abroad.

More than two years of Tinubu’s administration functioning without designated envoys to lead Nigeria’s missions, embassies, and consulates in various nations are essentially over with the eagerly anticipated submission.

It was recalled that stakeholders and foreign observers had put tremendous pressure on the Federal Government to appoint ambassadors quickly, particularly during a period when some US senators, congressmen, and foreign lobbyists had accused Nigeria of Christian persecution and genocide.

In order to further Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, improve bilateral and multilateral ties, and protect the country’s reputation and strategic interests in the international system, it is anticipated that the new ambassadorial appointments will be extremely important.

The 68 nominees are chosen from governments in each of the six geopolitical zones, with 34 of them being career diplomats and the remaining 34 being non-career appointees.

Three nominees, Ayodele Oke, Kayode Are, and Aminu Dalhatu, who were among the initial group President Tinubu sent to the Senate, were reviewed and approved by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs earlier on Wednesday. After a long meeting at the National Assembly, they were screened.

Below is the whole list:

34 CAREER AMBASSADORS: 1. Mwaobiola Ezeuwo Chukwuemeka, Ambassador of Abia
2. Maimuna Ibrahim Adamawa
3. Enpeji Monica Okochukwu, Anambra
4. Bauchi: Mohammed Mahmoud Lele, Ambassador
5. Endoni Sindup, Bayelsa
6. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno, Ambassador of Borno
7. Ambassador Jen Adams Ni Okun Michael from Cross River
8. Ambassador Clark Omeru Alexandra of Delta
9. Chima J. Leoma Davies of Ebonyi
10. Oduma Yvonne Ehinose, Edo
11. Wasa Shogun Ige in Edo
12. Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel, Ambassador of Ekiti
13. Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley, Ambassador of Enugu
14. Magaji Umar, Ambassador to Jigawa
15. Mohammed Saidu Dahiru, Ambassador of Kaduna
16. Abdul Salam Abus Zayat, Ambassador to Kano
17. Katsina: Shehu, Ambassador
18. Katsina: Aminu Nasu, the ambassador
19. Abubakar Musa Musa, Kebbi
20. Haidara Mohammed Idris, Ambassador of Kebbi
21. Ambassador Bako Adamu Umar of Kogi
22. Kwara: Sulu Gambari, the ambassador
23. Romata Mohammed Omobolanle, Ambassador, Lagos
24. Shaga John Shama, Ambassador of Nasarawa
25. Salau Hamza Mohammed in Niger
26. Niger: Ibrahim Dan Lamy, Ambassador
27. Ogun: Mopolola Adjola Ibrahim
28. Ruben Abimbola Samuel, Ondo
29. Akonde Wahab Adekola, Ambassador of Osun
30. Oyo: Ariwani Adedokun Esther, the ambassador
31. Plateau: Gedagi Joseph John, Ambassador
32. Rivers: Luther Obomode Ayokatata, the ambassador
33. Danladi Yakubu Yaku Taraba
34. Bidu Dogondagi Zamfara NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS (31):
35. Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia
36. Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu of Abia
37. Senator Grace Bent from Adamawa
38. Senator Eta Enang from Akwa Ibom
39. Nkechi Linda Okocha, Anambra
40. Mahmoud Yakubu in Bauchi
41. Philip K. Ikurusi, Bayelsa 42. Paul Olga Adiku, Benue
43. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.) at Cross River 44. Reno Omokri at Delta
45. Hon. Abbasi Brahma, Edo
46. Erelu Angela Adebayo Ekiti 47. Barrister Olumilua Oluwayemika Ekiti
48. Rt. Hon. Ugwanyi Ifeanyi in Enugu
49. Imo: Mrs. Chioma Ohakim Barr
50. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.) in Kano 51. Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari in Katsina
52. Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Aliu, Kogi
53. Olufemi Pedro, Lagos 54. Barr. Mohammed Obanduma Aliu, Nasarawa
56. Ondo: Ambassador Joseph Yusuf Shara’aji 55. Ondo: Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, PhD
57. Fani-Kayode Osun
58. Ajimobi Fatima Florence, Oyo
59. Lola Akande, Oyo
60. Yakubu N. Gambo, Plateau
61. Plateau: Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, Senator
62. Onweze Chukwudi Rivers
63. Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar of Sokoto
64. Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe of Taraba
65. Adamu Garba Tarba-Nagri of Yobe
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs cleared the first batch (3).

66. Ayodele Oke of Oyo State
67. Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, Jigawa
68. Ogun: Lateef Kayode, a retired Colonel Are

Chris Ngige, a former minister of labor and employment, was placed under detention in Kuje Correctional Center by an Abuja High Court on Friday while his bail plea was being considered.

Ngige was charged with N2.2 billion fraud on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Former Anambra governor Ngige is accused with eight charges of receiving bribes and committing fraud.

From May 29, 2003, until March 17, 2006, the defendant held the position of governor of Anambra under the PDP platform.

From 2015 to 2023, he was a minister in the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ngige was taken into custody by the EFCC on Wednesday.

He is being tried for allegedly committing fraud while serving as the Minister of Labor and Employment.

He was charged by the EFCC of giving seven contracts totaling more than N366 million “for consultancy, training and supply by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)” to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a business owned by his partner Ezebinwa Charles.

According to the EFCC, Ngige gave another business owned by Mr. Charles eight contracts totaling more over N583 million.

Additionally, the EFCC said that the defendant gave Nwosu Chukwunwike’s company, Jeff & Xris Limited, eight contracts totaling more than N362 million by using his position to grant preferential treatment.

He also gave contracts worth N668 million to Olde English Consolidated Limited and N161 million to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, all of which are owned by Uzoma Igbonwa.

Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000 is violated by these offenses, according to the EFCC.

Additionally, Ngige was charged by the anti-graft agency of using “his organization, called Senator (Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organization from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119)” to obtain compensation from NSITF contractors.

Additionally, the EFCC said that Ngige received N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited.

Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 was violated, according to the EFCC, and this is punishable under section 17(c) of the same Act.

However, he entered a not guilty plea to every accusation.

Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the EFCC’s attorney, asked the court to remand Ngige to Kuje Custodial Center and requested a trial date.

However, Ngige’s attorney, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, pointed out that they were only made aware of the arraignment yesterday and were unable to submit an application for bail.

Ikwueto pleaded with the judge to grant Ngige conditional bail due to her health.

Additionally, he tried to move for the defendant’s oral bail request on self-recognition.
Tahir pointed out that both an oral and written application could not be submitted to the court.

Additionally, he pointed out that Ngige has not yet turned up his international passport, which was a requirement of his prior bail.

However, Ikweto stated that the EFCC has been notified via letter that Ngige’s foreign passport was stolen.

Tahir denied being aware of the report.

Judge Maryam Hassan ordered his remand to the Kuje Correctional Center after hearing their arguments.

Justice Hassan postponed the hearing and decision regarding his bail request until Monday.

Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has pledged to assist and work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug misuse in the nation.

During a courtesy visit to Marwa at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the esteemed traditional ruler led two other royal fathers: Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola, and Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyan Olatoye.

Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chairman of the NDLEA, was given a renewed mission to combat substance misuse and illicit drug trafficking, and the monarch promised him assistance and cooperation.

“To be kind with you, we are proud of you,” he says. It is not by accident that you are in this position right now; rather, it is a result of your commitment and dedication. You’re such a friendly person. You have always been a performer, which is why you are able to lead Lagos State and Borno. The legacy of Keke Marwa that you brought to Nigeria is another aspect of you that I will always remember.

In direct response to the NDLEA chief’s request that traditional leaders assist the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat drug misuse, the Alaafin pledged to organize his peers to collaborate with the Agency.

“I’ve heard your message, and several of my traditional rulers and colleagues here are also prepared to work with you. I must admit that we are at the grassroots level and have close ties to the locals. We have a thorough understanding of the situation. I’m using this chance to let you know that we are prepared. We are more than happy to collaborate with you and provide you with all the assistance you need to succeed in this position. We can assure you that we will always be available to you in times of need,” Oba Owoade said.

Marwa congratulated the Alaafin on taking his ancestors’ throne in his welcome speech. He accused him and other traditional leaders nationwide of using their local power to collaborate with NDLEA to eradicate drug usage in communities.

According to him, “nearly 15 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use drugs, according to the drug use survey report of 2018. The drug scourge in Nigeria is at an unacceptable limit.” It’s a serious issue, and President Tinubu has ordered us to take action, combat the drug problem, apprehend the traffickers, prosecute them, and confiscate their property. And because conventional institutions are so crucial to this responsibility, we would like to call on them.

Nigerians hold traditional institutions in high regard. No matter who you are in Nigeria, you still have a place of origin. When you return to that location, you honor the community leader. As a result, the traditional leader’s words have weight. We also urge traditional authorities to actively advocate against drug usage by engaging the religious leaders in charge of the churches and mosques in their respective domains. The NDLEA is always ready to collaborate with the conventional organization.

Because drug traffickers pose a threat to many young people and their families, he said the Agency will also value information from traditional leaders on drug dealers in local areas.

“We truly value this partnership, and I can assure you that if we are able to curb drug use, even criminal activity will decrease because all kidnappers, insurgents, terrorists, and bandits use drugs to get high,” he continued.

He thanked Alaafin for the visit and wished him a long and prosperous reign filled with health, peace, growth, and prosperity for the entire Oyo Kingdom.

Alhaji Shuaibu, 40, was successfully rescued by Taraba State troops in a quick operation in Lau Local Government Area (LGA).

Alhaji Shuaibu, a Fulani who lived in Yelwata Community in Ardo-Kola LGA, was identified as the victim.

The individual was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at approximately 0905 hours, close to Yaja village in Lau LGA, according to security expert Zagazola Makama.

The deployed troops promptly began pursuing the kidnappers based on reliable human intelligence.

With a quick response time of less than two hours, the victim was saved uninjured at approximately 1100 hours that same day.
The security situation in the area is confirmed to remain calm, with security personnel maintaining vigilance and alertness to prevent any further incidents.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old man, Abubakar Hassan, sustained gunshot injuries during a raid conducted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Ngurore Market in Yola North Local Government Area of Yobe State.

According the reports that the incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on December 10, 2025, during a raid targeting a suspected drug den within the market.
According to those who spoke with Zagazola Makama, a security specialist, the NDLEA agents rushed a market neighborhood and started firing intermittently.

The source claims that Hassan, a member of the Jambutu village, was struck by a stray bullet in the right leg and stomach as a result of the NDLEA agents’ actions.

Shortly after the event, the Ngurore Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was reported to have visited the spot. The sufferer was transported right away to Banene Hospital in Ngurore, where he is still undergoing treatment and is reportedly doing well.

Citing mounting worries over operational inefficiencies and security dangers, the Defense Headquarters has ordered the immediate removal of all unauthorized checkpoints and non-essential static obstacles along the nation’s key roadways.

The directive, which was included in a memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of Defense Minister Christopher Musa, cautioned that the growth of unauthorized checkpoints was impeding personnel’s mobility and putting them in unnecessary danger.

“Headquarters has observed a growing proliferation of non-essential static roadblocks and checkpoints along several routes within the JOA (Joint Operations Area),” the statement said.

It further noted that while securing roadways remains crucial, the unchecked spread of fixed posts has begun to “undermine operational efficiency and disrupt freedom of movement for both security forces and civilians.”

The communication added that troops manning these checkpoints were being placed at unnecessary risk, especially along high-traffic corridors such as:

Abuja–Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Idah–Otukpa–Obollo Afor–Enugu;

Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana–Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti–Ikole Ekiti;

Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Okpella–Auchi–Benin;

Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and

Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge.

The statement said, “In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the services Headquarters hereby instructs all TCS/FCs to ensure the immediate dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints within their respective JOA.”

Commanders have been directed to ensure compliance only with control points deemed operationally essential.

Instead of stationary deployments, the military will now rely on “aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering” to dominate strategic routes.

The statement emphasised the importance of maintaining only checkpoints approved for specific operational or security purposes.

“Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with the approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational, security purposes and dominate the expanses of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering,” the statement said.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has been named the first Chairman of the recently formed ECOWAS Business Council (EBC) by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The nomination was reportedly announced by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray on Wednesday in Abuja during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

The EBC was founded as a stand-alone, private sector-led organization with the vital mission of promoting integration and economic progress throughout the subregion.

According to Dr. Touray, the Nigerian millionaire was selected because of his “vast business experience,” which extends beyond the ECOWAS subregion to the entire African continent.

He emphasized that the appointment is in line with ECOWAS’s new emphasis on raising regional capital as opposed to waiting for outside assistance.

He mentioned a few economic investment forums that were held in West Africa this year, including the Forum Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the “Invest in District Savanes” forum in Côte d’Ivoire.

“This appetite for intra-regional investment underscores the necessity of mobilizing capital within our region to build our community instead of waiting for precarious foreign investments,” Touray stated.

“If given the right incentives and opportunities, I am confident that our regional private sector actors can lead the way in the development of our community with the kind of investments we have seen from people like Alhaji Dangote.”

He stated that ECOWAS would bring together business sector players to talk about regional development and economic integration through the EBC.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has been instructed by President Bola Tinubu to lead the National Economic Council’s (NEC) efforts to locate and restore grazing reserves around the country so they can be turned into ranches.

According to the President, the action was essential to resolving ongoing disputes between farmers and herders as well as to releasing the economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu assigned the NEC the responsibility of investigating potential grazing areas in different states that might be developed into livestock communities.

Tinubu stated, “I believe the Vice President should first get the NEC to see which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches, livestock settlements, especially livestock reform.”

The President emphasized that workable solutions that also provide financial benefits are needed to resolve the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders.

“We need to make the cattle reform economically viable and remove any potential for confrontation. There is an opportunity. Let’s make use of it,” he said.

Tinubu added that the NEC must operate within the constitutional framework to ensure states that are willing to participate in the conversion process since land belongs to the states.

“And it’s in NEC. Let’s stop this conflict area and turn it into economic opportunities and prosperity if we exercise the constitutional requirement which states that the land belongs to the states, whichever one they can salvage and convert to a livestock village,” he continued.

The US government, led by President Donald Trump, is about to enact a new law requiring foreign visitors who are not required to have a visa to provide their social media history prior to entering the US.

According to an official notice published on Tuesday in the Federal Register, the proposed rule will apply to visitors from 42 visa-waiver nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Japan, who currently do not need a visa to enter the US.

It was reported that at present, travellers from these nations only need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which requires the provision of basic personal information.

However, the current proposal aims to make it “mandatory” for ESTA applicants to disclose their social media accounts and activities from the previous five years.

The notice states that visitors would be required to provide “social media histories from the last five years,” marking a significant expansion of the data the US demands from visa-free entrants.

The Trump administration plans to gather what it refers to as “high-value data fields” in addition to social media data.
Among them are:

phone numbers from the previous five years
Email addresses used in the past 10 years
Family members’ personal information

Biometric data
Before the draft rule is finalized, the public has been given sixty days to provide feedback.

The program constitutes part of the administration’s broader, years-long crackdown on migration and border security. In the guise of national security and integrity of vetting, the Trump administration has consistently increased entrance rules.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is anticipated to attract millions of tourists from all over the world, will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The latest proposal is likely to affect large numbers of football fans planning to travel for the global tournament, it was reported.

Following their meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, at least seven candidates running for governor of Osun State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform resigned.

In the upcoming primary, they have unanimously decided to back Bola Oyebamiji as the unanimous candidate for governor.
Iyiola Omisore, one of the candidates, abstained from the meeting that President Tinubu held at the Presidential Villa.

Prior to this, Omisore had called his main disqualification a joke.

Former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Dotun Babayemi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, and Mulikat Abiola Jimoh are among the candidates that resigned.