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Tag: Abuja

  • Minister Of Defence Engages Brazilian Counterpart To Strengthen Bilateral Defence Cooperation.

    Minister Of Defence Engages Brazilian Counterpart To Strengthen Bilateral Defence Cooperation.

    Felicia Asuquo, Abuja 

    The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar,on 25 August 2025, held a high-level bilateral meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Mr José Múcio Monteiro Filho, in Brasília on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.

    Also present in attendance was General Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces.

    The meeting focused on strengthening defence relations, advancing defence-industrial cooperation, and enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, among other defence-related issues.

    The Minister underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the Nigeria-Brazil Defence Agreement signed on 24 June 2025.

    He described the agreement as a strategic instrument for expanding collaboration, deepening technology transfer, and building industrial partnerships.

    Abubakar stressed that effective implementation is essential for both nations to maximise the value of the partnership, particularly in developing Nigeria’s local defence production capacity.

    He also underscored that closer collaboration on maritime awareness, joint exercises, and interoperability will help both countries protect vital sea routes and grow their blue economies.

    Speaking during the meeting, Minister Badaru said: “Nigeria is determined to build a resilient defence industry that reduces dependence on imports and positions our country as the defence-industrial hub in Africa.

    He added. “Brazil’s experience and technological depth make it a trusted partner, but our priority is to move from agreements to action, with clear timelines and measurable results that benefit both nations.”

    Badaru Abubakar also commended Brazil’s support in securing the Gulf of Guinea, a maritime corridor central to Nigeria’s economic lifeline, and acknowledged its constructive role in advancing the objectives of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS).

    He highlighted that sustained cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and defence-industrial innovation aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places national security and self-reliance at the core of Nigeria’s development strategy.

    Both ministers agreed to establish a structured defence dialogue framework to ensure continuity, accountability, and tangible outcomes.

    Investigator news gathered that the engagement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a forward-looking partnership with Brazil, reinforcing bilateral ties and Nigeria’s leadership in regional and transatlantic security cooperation.

     

  • AEDC Disconnects 24 Federal Government Agencies Monday.

    AEDC Disconnects 24 Federal Government Agencies Monday.

    Felicia Asuquo, Abuja.

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced its decision to disconnect 24 federal government establishments, including the Federal Ministry of Finance as well as Kogi and Niger States over unpaid electricity bills.

    The company emphasised the importance of timely bill payments for maintaining and improving its infrastructure, which is essential for delivering reliable electricity services to the community, noting that various ministries, departments, and agencies collectively owe the company over N100 billion.

    The AEDC’s statement reads: “This is to inform the general public that AEDC will disconnect all customers with outstanding electricity bills on June 3, 2024. Timely payment of electricity bills is crucial for the continued operation and enhancement of AEDC’s infrastructure, ensuring we can deliver efficient and reliable service to our community. We therefore urge all customers with debts to pay all outstanding bills before the deadline to avoid service interruption.”

    The organisations facing disconnection on Monday include: Nigeria Army; Nigeria Air Force; Defence Headquarters; Federal Capital Development Authority; Kogi State Government; Niger State Government; Nigeria Police Force Headquarters and Nigerian Army Barracks.

    Others are: Power House; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) House I; Head of Service; Federal Ministry of Education; Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Federal Ministry of Interior; Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

    Also pencilled down for the Monday disconnection are: National Stadium; Goodluck Jonathan Athletics Hall; Federal Ministry of Finance; Federal Ministry of Education; Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (Budget); Federal Ministry of Works; Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Abuja and all other customers owing AEDC

    It will be recalled that last week the AEDC reiterated its call for all customers with outstanding debts to settle their bills before the deadline on Monday to avoid disconnection.

    This move by the AEDC underscores the significant financial strain that unpaid bills can place on utility providers, potentially affecting the quality and reliability of essential services. The company urges all indebted customers to act swiftly to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

    Last week, the Chairman of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp Group, part owners of the AEDC), Mr. Tony Elumelu, pleaded with the Federal Government to prevail on the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) to repay the over N2 trillion it owes to power generation companies (GENCOs).

    Elumelu explained that despite the substantial debts, GENCOs continue to produce electricity, thereby effectively subsidizing the sector. “This situation hampers their ability to pay gas suppliers, leading to reduced and unreliable gas supplies, which are crucial since 80 percent of Nigeria’s power comes from gas-fired plants” he said.

     

  • Union Bank Commemorates International Children’s Day With Barnyard Children’s Fiesta

    Union Bank Commemorates International Children’s Day With Barnyard Children’s Fiesta

    Yetunde Oni, Managing Director, Union Bank of Nigeria; (Centre) and other senior bank executives commemorating International Children’s Day with various kids at Union Bank’s Children’s Barnyard Fiesta held at The Stable, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos recently.

    Emmanuel lkpeama

    As part of activities marking this year’s celebration of International Children’s Day and further to the financial institution’s support for the growth of the Nigerian child, Union bank of Nigeria recently hosted kids to a special Barnyard Fiesta at its multiple-purpose Sports complex, the Stable, located at Bode Thomas, Surulere.

    The Barnyard Children’s Fiesta, held on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, entertained kids of various ages with video games, face painting, dancing, and singing contests.

    The program also organised a talent show that showcased the creativity of the children who were in attendance on the day.

    The event, which was also well attended by parents and other fun seekers, played host to some of the Bank’s senior executive team, including Yetunde Oni, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, who was on hand to cheer and interact with various children as they engaged in the different fun activities lined up for them.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the fiesta, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, Yetunde Oni, re-emphasised the bank’s commitment to empowering and supporting Nigerian Children.

    She said: “As a responsible corporate organisation, we recognise our obligations to support the next generation of Nigerian youths, who are represented by our current set of intelligent and talented children, in achieving their full potential through effective and sustainable positive engagement, even at this early stage of their development. Our ultimate goal is to continue being lifelong partners in facilitating success for our future great Nigerian citizens, as well as advocates for empowering and encouraging positive growth in our communities all around.”

    Over the years, Union Bank has consistently championed and advocated for the rights of children within the country through its special interventions, such as the Edu360 initiative, the Awarri Innovation programme, and various products and services that have equipped them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to thrive in the present global environment.

    Union Bank pledges to continue to assist Nigerian children in achieving and fulfilling their dreams.

    It will be recalled that Union Bank Plc,was established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971.

    Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions as the bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria.

    The Bank currently offers a variety of banking services to both individual and corporate clients including current, savings and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing and trade finance.

    The Bank also offers its customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs and POS Systems as more information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com
    Media Enquiries: mediarelations@unionbankng.com

     

  • May 29:Hon Engr. Wuraola Owolabi Congratulates President Tinubu, Sanwolu On Their One Year Anniversary.

    May 29:Hon Engr. Wuraola Owolabi Congratulates President Tinubu, Sanwolu On Their One Year Anniversary.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The President, Coalition of Professional Women in Politics (COPWIP),Hon. Engr Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his one year in office.

    Engr. Owolabi in a congratulatory message signed to mark the 25th year of uninterrupted democracy in the country and the first year anniversary of the Tinubu administration, said the president is committed to building a country that Nigerians will be proud of.

    She noted that President Tinubu leadership and dedication over the past year is highly commendable as the nation is inspired by his unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s progress and prosperity of its citizenry.

    Owolabi,who is also the President,APC Professional Women Network went further to state that the government’s measures and policies are geared towards revamping our economy and ensuring sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians, noting that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and Nigerians are confident that he will continue to shape the future of the nation

    She said,”No doubt, all the reforms have not been without their challenges but in spite of these challenges , several efforts at mitigating the impact are being put in place by your administration,we must understand that every desirable development program often requires a temporary period of pain and adjustment.”

    I’m sure that the policies of this administration would ultimately bring smiles to the face of Nigerians, because good governance was our campaign promise, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration and positive strides toward fostering inclusive and sustainable development,” she stated

    In the same vein Engr. Owolabi also extended her felicitations to the Governor of Lagos State,Mr Babajide Sanwolu on his 5th year anniversary in office, stating that Governor Sanwolu’s administration has made significant strides in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure,road network and economic development as the governor’s efforts have positively impacted the lives of Lagosians, and his leadership has brought hope and prosperity to the state.

    Hon Owolabi Atinuke,who was the Coordinator lfako ljaye Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Grassroot Engagement & Orientation,Convener,Tinubu/Shettima Professional Ambassadors and Director lCC, Tinubu/Shettima/Sanwolu’/Hamzat Campaign Council in the last general election opined that the governor unwavering dedication to the people of Lagos has earned him the respect and admiration of the citizens, including non indigenes in the state, while expressing confidence that the governor will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the state’s progress and development.

     

     

  • Effective Local Government Administration, Critical To Nigeria’s Development.—-Pres. Tinubu

    Effective Local Government Administration, Critical To Nigeria’s Development.—-Pres. Tinubu

    ……Says Nigeria is no longer bleeding, will now move to prosperity.

    …….As he played host to Yoruba leaders of thought

    Felicia Asuquo,Abuja.

    President Bola Tinubu has called for a more effective local government system that will  fosters community development and delivers the essentials of governance within a strengthened federal structure.

    President Tinubu stated this when he received a delegation of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House on Friday, President Tinubu emphasized that governance must be transformative and must address the critical needs of citizens.

    According to the President, his administration has been able to stop Nigeria from bleeding which will propel it to prosperity.

    He said the past 12 months have been fulfilling for his administration despite the presence of some challenges that are being addressed frontally.

    According to the President, his administration has been able to stop Nigeria from bleeding which will propel it to prosperity.

    “It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we have stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity. That is the promise that I made to you all, and it is also the charge that you gave to me.

    “We are managing to swim through the pond. The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over for Nigeria. We will prevail.

    “I thank the team who have been working really hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We are determined, and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance,” the President said.

    The President went further to reassured Nigerians that his administration will ensure they get value for every kobo spent, and that his government will leave a lasting legacy of prosperity to future generations, while removing the yoke of poor governance and expanding access to qualitative public goods.

    “We will get value for our money, and it is not for ourselves, but for our children. Our children will not inherit the burden of bad governance. Yet, they will enjoy the prosperity of Nigeria as a blessed nation from our very hands; from our sweat. We will bequeath to them a nation full of pride and prosperity” he submitted

    He went ahead to call for the deepening of governance and the reinforcement of leadership across all levels of government and institutions, adding that his administration is committed to encouraging fiscal federalism and strengthening the system to enhance inclusion and equity for all Nigerians.

    “Healthcare upgradation is ongoing. Road rehabilitation and construction is ongoing. Education development is ongoing. I am charging you to look at what is going on in the states. Pay attention to your state governors. Tell them to take their responsibilities seriously and make the people the focus of their development plans. Once there is synergy, then I can assure you that Nigeria will be one of the best nations that you will see anywhere on earth.

    “Local government administration is being suffocated. People are looking at the opportunity to ensure that they survive and become more purposeful through community development programmes. What I will not support is any effort to make the local government a unitary system by handing all core responsibilities to the federal government. That is criminal when there is a federal system.

    “We have a federal system. There is state and federal administration. We have two components. States must do whatever is in the best interest of their own process of administration. There is no one-size-fits-all. That is what we should do by looking at the revenue formula, and we must be consistent with federalism; fiscal federalism. Those are the things you should expect from me, not the knee-jerk reactions ahead of elections.

    “Our population is growing. It is getting larger. The geographical requirement is getting bigger, so we still want more space for housing. The population is growing. So that is the basis for flexibility at the local government level. We must grow and expand,” the President said.

    While thanking the delegation of eminent Nigerians, President Tinubu urged continuous support for and faith in Nigeria, assuring them that his government would live up to expectations.

    “I can tell you that Nigeria is no longer printing paper money and deceiving itself that it has a base for survival. Nigeria went through terrible labour pains, but we have seen the baby coming out alive,” the President concluded.

    Earlier,Honourable Bayo Aina, the National Secretary, who spoke on behalf of Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Convener of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, commended the President for his prioritization of investment in infrastructure across various sectors.

    “We salute your timely initiative to upgrade, construct, and modernize the infrastructure of our nation in health, aviation, transportation, as well as the education sector. We commend you for your commitment to providing responsible, responsive, and accountable governance in this country.

    “At this point, we state without equivocation our total commitment to the vision of greatness that you have articulated, which is the destiny of Nigeria, not only within Africa, but globally and among the comity of nations before the end of the 21st century,” the National Secretary of the group concluded.

     

  • ECOWAS Parliament Gets First Female Speaker

    ECOWAS Parliament Gets First Female Speaker

    Francis Emem,Abuja

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has elected the first female speaker in the history of the regional legislative arm.

    The new Speaker of the Community Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, from Togo was elected at the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of the Community Parliament in Kano.

    She emerged speaker due to the rotation of the speakership of the Community Parliament in alphabetical order in accordance with the provision of Supplementary Act on Enhancement of Power,as the position of the fifth Legislature of ECOWAS Parliament was held by Sierra Leone.

    Ibrahima was the third Deputy Speaker in the fifth Legislature of ECOWAS Parliament. She has been in the ECOWAS Parliament since 2021.

    She is taking up the baton from the Nigerian leader of delegation, Senator Barau Jubrin, who was elected the First Deputy Speaker at the inauguration of the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament on April 4, 2024, and had to act as the Speaker to avoid creating vacuum of leadership at the Community Parliament,

    During the inauguration of the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS on April 4, 2024, the delegation of the Republic of Togo was not present because they had not conducted election to enable the country send their representatives to the Community Parliament.

    Ibrahima was announced as Speaker after her parliamentary colleagues from Togo presented her as the choice for the position from their country. She was subsequently returned unopposed and was elected.

    Ibrahima was immediately presented with the instrument of authority, the gavel, by the Acting Speaker, Nigeria’s Senator Jibrin.

  • House Of Representative Passes Bill To Revert To Old National Anthem 

    House Of Representative Passes Bill To Revert To Old National Anthem 

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

    The bill was quickly passed through first second and third reading within minutes.

    The lead debate for a return to the old anthem by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, pointed to the need for Nigerians to see the anthem as a national symbol and sign of authority, one which does not deny the realities.

    The old anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was replaced with the current one “Arise, O Compatriots in 1978.

    The Minority Leader, kingsley Chinda, however, opposed the bill, saying the old anthem has a colonial tag which was the reason for the new anthem.

    He highlighted that the old anthem was authored and composed by Britons. Mr Chinda questioned the importance of the anthem change at a time of more important challenges in the country.

    However, the bill was given expedited passage and subsequently passed by the lawmakers.

    At the Senate, the bill scaled through first and second reading.

    It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to report back to the house in two weeks.

    The Senators, who appeared unanimous in support of the bill, argued that it would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity, compared to the current one.

     

  • UGHELLI – OHORO FOREST KILLINGS: Police Operatives Recover Police Arms Carted Away By Attackers, Arrest Suspects, Neutralize Bandits.

    UGHELLI – OHORO FOREST KILLINGS: Police Operatives Recover Police Arms Carted Away By Attackers, Arrest Suspects, Neutralize Bandits.

    ....As lGP Reaffirms Commitment to Reduce Crime to Barest Minimum

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    Leveraging on the recent charge on succinct intelligence gathering and sharing for effective operational deployments by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) has made significant strides in the ongoing efforts to combat crime and restore security in Delta State and beyond.

     

    In a Press release,signed by the Force Public Relation Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the recent tragic events in Ohoro Forest, Ughelli Delta State, where some police operatives were ambushed and gruesomely murdered leading to the loss of thirteen (13) police rifles to the criminal suspects, the FID-IRT have successfully recovered ten (10) of these arms.

    According to the release,during a coordinated operation, the gallant operatives of the FID-IRT engaged the suspects in a gun duel which led to the neutralization of some of the suspects while the police operatives successfully reclaimed ten (10) of the stolen weapons, and recovered some arms used by the assailants.

    The Force spokesperson went on to say that the Nigeria Police has effectively addressed the kidnapping crisis that has plagued the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with the arrest of six (6) members of the notorious kidnapping gang terrorizing the area and the suspects are currently in custody, cooperating with ongoing investigations.

    The IGP Egbetokun went further to reassured the public that the Police will continue to employ all necessary measures to combat criminal activities across the nation as the safety and security of Nigerian citizens remain the top priority, noting that the Force is committed to maintaining peace and order through diligent and proactive efforts.

    He reiterated the determination of his leadership to creating a safe and secure environment for all citizens while appreciating their support and cooperation.

     

  • Late Pres. Raisi: Tinubu Condoles With Iran Government.

    Late Pres. Raisi: Tinubu Condoles With Iran Government.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi; Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in a helicopter crash.

    In a release signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale,President Tinubu expresses his profound grief over this disturbing tragedy while describing President Raisi as a leader who was passionately committed to the development of Iran.

    Tinubu commiserating with the bereaved families,prayed for the continuous peace, stability, and prosperity of the Iranian nation.

    He said “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, the President assures the Islamic Republic of Nigeria’s support and prayers in this moment of grief.”he submitted

     

  • You Are To Remain ln DSS Custody, Judge Tells Kanu.

    You Are To Remain ln DSS Custody, Judge Tells Kanu.

    ……As Nnamdi Kanu’s plea to leave DSS custody denied.

    Felicia Asuquo,Abuja.

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the request by the detained leader of the Biafra nation agitators, Nnamdi Kanu, for the restoration of his revoked bail and his removal from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, to either house arrest or prison custody.

    On Monday, the judge noted that the same request had previously been brought before her by Kanu and was dismissed for lack of merit.

    In her ruling on Kanu’s request, Justice Nyako stated that she found Kanu had indeed jumped bail earlier and fled the country.

    The Judge also held that the sureties who stood for him in the earlier bail had applied to be discharged and had been discharged on the ground that they could not locate Kanu and did not know his whereabouts.

    Justice Nyako said that the only option left for Kanu was to go to the Court of Appeal and exercise his right of appeal.

    The Judge disagreed with Kanu’s lead counsel that the Supreme Court held that the earlier bail granted him ought not to have been revoked, adding that she had perused the Supreme Court judgment copy and did not see the claim of the lawyer.