Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Ambassadorial Appointees

Foreign Affairs Ministry Confirms Nigerian Ambassadors-Designate Acceptance 



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that Nigeria's Ambassadors-designate have been accepted in their countries of posting.

Countries that have granted agreements include the U.K, France, U.S, Ireland, Qatar, Benin Republic, Ethiopia/Djibouti, Senegal, Sierra Leone among others.

This comes amid ongoing doubts over their acceptance due to the time constraints of their postings.



Vandalism

Ondo State Government Warns Against Destruction Of Campaign Advertisements



The Ondo State Government has condemned the alleged vandalism of political campaign materials across the state, warning that those involved would be identified and prosecuted.

Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Signage and Advertisement, Yomi Oyekan, in a statement accused some political actors of deliberately destroying campaign materials belonging to rival aspirants.

The agency described the development as a criminal act and a threat to democratic principles.


Airport Security Breach

14-Year-Old Lagos Airport Stowaway In Police Custody 





 A 14-year-old boy who attempted to stowaway at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos has been intercepted by the police.

Investigations by the Airport Police Command in a statement by the command’s spokesperson Mohammed Adeola the minor had unlawfully gained entry into a restricted zone of the airport without authorisation, in violation of existing aviation safety regulations. 

The teenage boy was nabbed on the airport tarmac an incident that questions the viability of the country’s airport security.

Adeola further said that the boy's actions contravened Sections 2 and 3 of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria byelaws, which prohibits unauthorised access to restricted airport areas.

He has since been taken into protective custody, with due consideration given to his age and welfare.

The command disclosed that the case would be handled in line with juvenile justice procedures.


NAPTIP

Begins Investigation Into Viral Assault Video Of Schoolgirl 




The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has waded into the investigation of a viral video of female students stripping and harassing a peer at a school reportedly located in Benue State.

Reacting to the development via its official X handle the agency said it has mandated its Benue State Command to take swift action; describing the incident as a sad development. 

The agency’s intervention followed widespread public outcry after the footage went viral where a group of about five girls in school uniform humiliated a fellow schoolgirl.


Political Appointments

President Tinubu Approves Ibrahim Ida As Chairman CAC

  

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Senator Ibrahim Ida as the Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and nominated seven individuals as Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC), pending confirmation by the National Assembly.

Ibrahim Ida, a former senator who represented Katsina Central had served as Commissioner for Finance in Katsina State and later as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.




In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga the nominations are part of efforts to fill existing vacancies as well as strengthen key federal institutions.

The nominees for the National Population Commission are Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi, Nasiru Mu’azu, Usman Abubakar Tuggar, Isaka Alada Yahaya, Professor Sadiq Isah Radda, Suleiman Umar, and Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo.

The President expressed confidence in the ability of the appointees to contribute meaningfully to his administration’s agenda of improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

PDP

Turaki Led Faction of PDP To Appeal Court Judgment 


The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP says the National Convention of the Wike-backed party was conducted in contempt of the Court of Appeal judgment, where parties had entered appearances and agreed with the court on how to proceed on the matter.



In a statement signed by its National Publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party explained that the convention was conducted despite being aware of an appeal filed at the Supreme Court challenging the Court of Appeal’s judgment.

While it described the convention as a pre-Easter jamboree of APC sympathisers and members of Wike’s Autocratic Party which it said was mischievously tagged PDP convention, it condemned yesterday's judgment in favour of the Wike-backed PDP.

 The Turaki group disclosed it has directed its lawyers to immediately file an appeal and other relevant applications against the judgment.

Political Realignment

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Dumps NNPP For ADC

   



Former Kano State Governor and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kwankwaso registered as a member and received his party card on Monday March 30th in Kano.

He had announced his resignation from the NNPP on Sunday March 29th 2026 citing a need for political realignment.

Resignation:

Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns In Pursuit Of Political Ambition



The Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has resigned his position from the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu.

This was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

 Tuggar's resignation, effective March 30th 2026 comes as he prepares to contest the Bauchi State governorship race in the 2027 general elections.

The move follows a presidential directive which requires all political appointees with elective ambitions to step down. 

Tuggar, a seasoned diplomat and former Ambassador to Germany, is expected to return to his home state to consolidate his political structure under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

President Tinubu is expected to announce a successor for the Foreign Affairs portfolio in the coming days.

Friday, March 20, 2026

"CHUK NORRIS"

Hollywood Star Actor And Martial Artist  Dies At 86.


Legendary American martial artist author and Hollywood actor Carlos Ray Norris popularly called"Chuck" Norris has died Friday March the 19th 2026; aged eighty six.

The late actor's family in a statement said he died in the early hours of Friday after being hospitalized Thursday in Kauai, Hawaii and they would like to keep the circumstances private, noting Chuck Norris was surrounded by his family and was at peace until the breathed his last.



The Ryan, Oklahoma United States born actor, martial arts champion became an iconic action star who led the hit series “Walker, Texas Ranger.

He served in the United States Air Force and won numerous martial arts championships and from there he founded his own discipline, "Chun Kuk Do". 



Back in the days, actors tended to appear either solely in movies or TV shows but Chuck Norris defied all odds and conquered both.

However as he got older Norris cut down on the number of film and TV roles he took on.

He became known to new audiences; a big thanks to a cameo appearance in 2004's "Dodgeball" starring Vince Vaughan and Ben Stiller and 2012's "The Expendables 2".

In his lifetime Chuck Norris held black belts in Karate, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Maiduguri Terror Attacks

President Tinubu directs Service Chiefs to relocate to Borno State.


Nigeria's service chiefs have been directed to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the security situation following Mondays terrorist attacks in the state.




President Bola Tinubu gave the directive yesterday in a statement issued by the state house where he commiserated with the people of Borno, mourned those who lost their lives and sympathised with the injured.

Tinubu described Monday's attacks as “desperate acts of evil-minded terrorist groups” attempting to spread fear, noting that they have remained under pressure from the nation’s armed forces and security agencies.



He lauded the courage and the fighting spirit of Nigerian troops and civilian task forces for successfully repelling coordinated attacks on military positions, calling their actions patriotic and commendable.

The president noted that following a recent security meeting with leaders of the security and intelligence agencies he had approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities.

He therefore directed emergency response agencies to provide proper care for those injured, reaffirming that Nigeria will not tolerate terrorist activities anywhere in the country. 

2027 General Elections

President Tinubu gives political appointees March 31st deadline to resign 



President Bola Tinubu has given political appointees in his administration who may wish to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31st 2026.

The directive was disclosed yesterday in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Dewan Goshit.

According to the statement, the order is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

A circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated that the directive affects all categories of presidential political appointees seeking elective positions.

Those affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions and government-owned companies.

The statement added that all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the OSGF on or before the stipulated deadline.

President Tinubu said the move is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency in the political process as well as providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

He urged concerned officials to strictly adhere to the directive, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions while ensuring credible elections in the country.

Tinubu U.K Trip

Nigerian President and Wife On 2-Day State Visit



President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu are in the United Kingdom on a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

The visit scheduled for today March 18th and tomorrow the 19th will see President Tinubu being hosted by the royal majesties, King Charles the third and Queen Camilla, at the Windsor Castle.


It is the first State Visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in about 40 years.

The Nigerian leader is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with U.K Prime Minister Keir Starmer with discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence and cultural exchange. 



President Tinubu would also participate in engagements showcasing Nigeria's rich culture, the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, as well meet with business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora in the U.K.

He is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the visit.

Saturday, March 14, 2026

CITAD

 Condemns Continued Detention of Two Nigerians Over Social Media Commentary.




‎The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of Sani Waspapping and Abubakar Adamu by the Department of State Services (DSS) over social media commentary relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

‎‎In a statement dated March 14, 2026, the organisation says the situation raises serious concerns about the protection of freedom of expression in Nigeria.

‎CITAD explains it considers the actions deeply troubling and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.

‎The organisation therefore warned that equating the criticism of the policies of the United States or Israel with incitement poses a threat to democratic freedoms.


Tinubu Iftar With The Media

President Tinubu Promises Review of Media Tariffs.



In an effort to support Nigeria's media industry President Bola Tinubu has promised to review tariffs on newspaper production materials and broadcasting equipment to enable the media discharge its responsibilities seamlessly.

The assurance was given yesterday at a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Press Organisation, Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists at the State House Abuja.



President Tinubu commended media owners, editors, and journalists for keeping Nigerians informed and providing employment for thousands of citizens. 

He also encouraged the press to continue demanding accountability from all tiers of government.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris lauded the President’s leadership and urged media practitioners to carry out their constitutional responsibilities responsibly while holding the government accountable.

The Grand Patron of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria, Olusegun Osoba who attended the ceremony gave kudos to the Tinubu led administration’s policies and reforms, emphasising the need for continued collaboration between the government and the media.

On behalf of the Nigeria Press Organisation; the President Frank Aigbogun called on government intervention to review import tariffs on newsprint and broadcast equipment, as well as measures to protect journalists’ jobs from the uncompensated use of editorial content by foreign technology companies.

Looted Drum

 Ivory Coast receives sacred talking drum looted during colonial era from France.




A sacred drum looted by French forces during its colonial rule in Ivory Coast has been returned to the country, more than a century after it was taken.

‎The drum was seized by colonial authorities in 1916 before being taken to France in 1929, where it was put on display at the Trocadéro Museum and later at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.






The Djidji Ayôkwé (Panther Lion), as the talking drum is called, was welcomed home by members of the Ebrié community, its original owners.

It arrived aboard a specially chartered plane but was not removed from its large wooden crate marked "fragile".

A traditional group of dancers and several local chiefs were at Abidjan International Airport to receive it.

 It is more than three metres (10 feet) long weighing about 430kg and it is carved from iroko wood.





Director of the Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan, Francis Tagro said the drum would be exhibited "in a place of honour in the heart of the national museum".

The return is part of a wider French effort to repatriate African cultural artefacts, a process which began in 2017.


Airport Cashless Access Policy.

 Aviation Minister Threatens To Sack Airport Officials Who Fail To Comply With Directive.




The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, has threatened to sack airport officials than risk being removed by the President for failing to fully implement the airport cashless access policy.

The minister made this threat during an on-the-spot assessment of the implementation of the hybrid payment system, which began Friday, March the 13th, 2026.

To fast-track the transition, concessionaires have been engaged to modernise airport access gates, with a subcommittee reviewing proposals from multiple operators.

The minister emphasised that once the system is fully automated, no individual including VIPs will be exempted from payment at airport gates, underlining the government’s commitment to fairness and accountability.

He assured that a massive sensitisation campaign will be carried out across the country, to educate travellers and airport users on the new cashless system, as Nigeria moves toward a fully automated and modernised airport payment process.


Ozekhome Trial

Nigeria Immigration Service denies issuance of passport used in purchase of alleged London Property.



The court hearing the document forgery case against senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome has been told that the passport used for the alleged London property purchase was not issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service.


The prosecution’s first witness, Aridegbe Akim, told the court that investigations conducted by the NIS revealed that a passport with the name Tali Sha and 

number- A07535463 did not originate from the service. 

Akim explained that the immigration service received correspondence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting verification of two passports said to belong to a Ponfa Useni and Tali Shani. 

After reviewing their records, the service discovered that while the passport issued in Useni’s name was authentic, the one associated with Shani had no trace in the NIS system.

During the proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, tendered both EFCC’s request to the NIS and the response from the immigration authorities through the witness. 

Counsel representing the defendants, Tayo Oyetibo, S.A.N and E. R. Onoja (S.A.N), did not oppose the admission of the documents.

Akim told the court that when officials attempted to verify the name Tali Shani in the immigration system, no data or personal record associated with the name could be found, stating that the service also had no record indicating that a passport with the referenced number was ever sold or processed by the NIS.



During cross-examination by Ozekhome’s counsel, Oyetibo, the witness stated that he assumed the position of principal staff officer in December 2023 but had been on an overseas posting before July of the same year, noting that Nigeria was fully admitted into the Public Key Directory and Public Key Infrastructure systems, as the country carried out an ICAO upgrade in 2025.

The case has been adjourned to April 15th 2026 for continuation of trial.

APC National Convention

Senate President inaugurates APC Convention Sub-Committee on Programmes and Events.



President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Convention Sub-Committee on Programmes and Events, charging members to work diligently to ensure the success of the party’s forthcoming national convention.

Akpabio, who also serves as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Ceremonies, Programmes and Events, said the committee is committed to delivering a seamless convention that will further strengthen the ruling party ahead of future political activities.

The committee, which has 98 members, has the Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila serving as its Secretary. 



Other members include the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Ismael Ahmed, who serves as Assistant Secretary.

Akpabio commended the leadership of the party, for assembling what he described as experienced hands to manage the programmes and events of the party’s national convention scheduled for March 26, 2026.

He assured that the sub-committee would work closely with the National Convention Committee Chairman and Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, to ensure that the event is well organised and hitch-free.

State House Press Release

 President Tinubu Sets Up Presidential Taskforce On Petroleum Sector Reforms.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the establishment of a Presidential Petroleum Reform and Value Optimisation Taskforce to design and sequence the next phase of structural reforms in Nigeria's petroleum sector.

Mr Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and founder and chairman of the Fate Foundation, is the Task Force's chairman. As chairman, he will coordinate the group's work and ensure the timely delivery of its mandate.



Other members of the Taskforce are: Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Osagie Okunbor, Abubakar Suleiman, Adaeze Aguele, Farouk Gumel, Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye and Seyi Bella.

Mofoluwasho Fadayomi will serve as secretary.

As constituted, the Taskforce is a time-bound, high-level executive working group tasked with producing execution-ready reform blueprints that will consolidate ongoing reforms, unlock capital within the petroleum sector, and strengthen Nigeria's position as a leading global energy investment destination.

The initiative reflects the President's commitment to transforming Nigeria's petroleum industry into a more competitive, transparent, and value-maximising sector capable of driving long-term economic growth, macroeconomic resilience, and industrial development.

It will operate as a technical reform body rather than a representative committee, engaging industry operators, regulators, investors, and civil society as consultees while focusing on actionable policy design and implementation strategies.

The Taskforce will report directly to the President and provide monthly progress memoranda. An interim report will be submitted after three months, while the final outputs are expected within six months of inauguration.

President Tinubu expects the Task Force to deliver three major reform blueprints.

One of the deliverables is the Implementation Toolkit for Immediate Structural Fixes – including draft legislative amendments, executive instruments, and institutional restructuring proposals.

The second deliverable is the Capital & Liquidity Acceleration Blueprint, aimed at unlocking $5–10 billion in sectoral liquidity while safeguarding Nigeria's sovereign interests.

The third blueprint will focus on the National Energy Transformation Strategy – a ten-year roadmap with measurable targets for production, foreign exchange earnings, GDP contribution, and cost competitiveness.

President Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, regulators, and relevant institutions to provide full technical support to the Taskforce and to submit inventories of ongoing initiatives to ensure alignment with the emerging reform framework.

In furtherance of this directive, President Tinubu has also directed all existing committees, teams, and working groups established under various reform initiatives within the sector to align their activities, reporting structures, and work programmes with the new Task Force.

The streamlining will ensure coordination, avoid duplication of mandates, and provide institutional clarity, thereby ensuring coherence in the petroleum sector reform architecture.

The President has also directed that all relevant documentation, institutional knowledge, and ongoing workstreams should be made available to the Taskforce to support the development and implementation of its comprehensive reform framework.

The creation of the Taskforce represents a strategic presidential instrument to accelerate petroleum sector reforms, strengthen governance architecture, optimise national energy assets, and position Nigeria's petroleum resources as a foundation for sustainable economic transformation.

The Taskforce will automatically dissolve upon submission and acceptance of its final report.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

March 13, 2026

Friday, March 6, 2026

Political Appointment


President Tinubu Nominates Taiwo Oyedele As Minister Of State For Finance.


President Bola Tinubu has nominated Taiwo Oyedele as the Minister of State for Finance; to replace Doris Anite-Uzoka.


Anite-Uzoka is to move to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning as Minister of State which marks her third portfolio in the present administration. 

President Tinubu conveyed Oyedele’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.





In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga the nomination is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s fiscal and economic management framework.

Until his nomination, Oyedele, a native of Ikare in Akoko, Ondo State, served as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he spearheaded sweeping reforms that overhauled Nigeria’s tax system.





The 50 year old Oyedele is an economist, accountant and public policy expert. 

He holds a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Accounting from the Oxford Brookes University.

Ambassadorial Appointees

Foreign Affairs Ministry Confirms Nigerian Ambassadors-Designate Acceptance  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that Nigeria's Amb...