Nigeria has secured the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to host the first-ever Category-2 International Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in the world. The landmark decision was adopted at the 43rd General Conference of the Communication and Information Commission (CI Session) of UNESCO, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. With this approval, Nigeria takes a historic step toward global leadership in the fight against misinformation and disinformation, positioning itself as a hub for international research, policy dialogue, and capacity building in digital communication and information literacy. Delivering Nigeria’s address at the conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation.” According to the minister, the Institute — to be based in Abuja — will serve as an international observatory and hub to equip individuals and communities worldwide with the skills to navigate the digital age responsibly. “The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to fostering a society where responsible free speech drives national progress,” Idris said. “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratization of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver.” The minister explained that this milestone marks the fulfillment of a process initiated in October 2022, when Nigeria hosted the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy and Feature Conference in Abuja and pledged to establish a UNESCO International MIL Institute. “I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this achievement, which reflects his commitment to the Nigerian project encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a big win for all Nigerians and for the African continent,” Idris stated. He further pledged Nigeria’s continued collaboration with UNESCO to develop the Institute’s infrastructure and governance structure, noting that a multidisciplinary team of experts would be assembled to deliver on its global mandate. Idris also announced that the formal launch of the Institute will take place in February 2026 in Abuja, with UNESCO officials, member states, and international partners expected to attend. The Nigerian delegation to the 43rd UNESCO General Conference included Senator Kenneth Eze, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation; Hon. Olusola Fatoba, Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Ethics and Values; Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), who represented the Minister; Malam Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos, Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON); and Dr. Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO, among other officials.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has called on Nigerians to uphold unity and mutual understanding as the foundation for lasting peace and national progress. Speaking during a press briefing on national issues at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Bishop Adegbite stressed that Nigeria’s peace cannot be achieved through divisive narratives or religious antagonism. The NCPC boss was reacting to recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and hinted at possible foreign military intervention. “While we appreciate global concern for the welfare of Christians, we must clarify that the security challenges confronting Nigeria should not be misconstrued as a religious war,” Bishop Adegbite said. “It is a national security crisis driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminality that have affected citizens of all faiths.” Citing reports from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), he noted that between 2020 and 2025, more than 20,000 civilians—both Christians and Muslims—lost their lives in various violent conflicts across the country. “These figures show that Nigeria’s challenge is not genocide against a particular religion but a multifaceted security emergency,” he explained. Bishop Adegbite commended the Federal and State Governments for their sustained efforts in combating insurgency and restoring stability, noting that substantial progress has been recorded in recent years. “The government has never sanctioned violence against any faith group,” he emphasized. “What Nigeria needs from the international community is partnership, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and humanitarian assistance — not threats of military intervention.” He cautioned that any foreign military action could destabilize the entire West African sub-region, potentially triggering widespread humanitarian and economic crises. “Nigeria is a complex, multi-ethnic democracy with over 220 million citizens and more than 250 ethnic nationalities,” the NCPC Executive Secretary stated. “What we need is cooperation and solidarity, not coercion or divisive rhetoric.” Bishop Adegbite also praised the ongoing collaboration between Christian and Muslim leaders under the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing it as a critical platform for fostering peace and dialogue. “We, as religious leaders, stand united against violence,” he said. “Our calling is to heal, not to divide — to build bridges, not walls.” He concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria’s struggle is not a clash of religions but a collective fight against terror and insecurity. “The battle is not Christians versus Muslims; it is Nigerians versus terror,” he declared. “Our nation’s strength lies in our shared humanity, faith, and hope for a peaceful future.” Bishop Adegbite urged the media, international observers, and advocacy groups to rely on verified facts and support initiatives that promote healing, justice, and national reconciliation.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kangar, Mallam Fatori, Borno State. According to the Army, the terrorists launched the assault around 4:30am on Tuesday, employing drones and mortars in an attempt to overrun the base’s defensive positions. In a statement, the Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the soldiers, supported by reinforcements from the Battalion under Sector 3, displayed exceptional bravery and tactical superiority in fending off the attackers. Despite heavy bombardment, the troops held their ground and engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, with close air support provided by Nigerien fighter aircraft. “Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordination of the joint force, the terrorists fled in disarray into the waterways of the Tumbuns, evacuating several of their dead and wounded,” Uba said. A post-battle clearance confirmed the neutralisation of six terrorists, while recovered items included five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five RPG bombs, four armed drone bombs, five hand grenades, two bandoliers, and one Android phone. Follow-up air interdictions by Nigerian and Nigerien air forces targeted the fleeing insurgents, killing additional fighters, the statement added. The Army said a few personnel of the Joint Task Force and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries and were evacuated by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) aircraft for medical attention. All were reported to be in stable condition. “The MNJTF also provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support during the operation. Exploitation efforts are ongoing in the waterways and surrounding areas to track down fleeing terrorists and prevent further movement,” the statement read. Lt.-Col. Uba noted that troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, with the Military High Command commending their gallantry and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and security in the North East through sustained and coordinated operations.

Arne Slot’s men climb into the Champions League top eight; Real Madrid suffer first group defeat Liverpool earned a deserved 1–0 victory over Real Madrid at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister’s header proving decisive on a dramatic Champions League night that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold booed by sections of the home crowd on his return. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the visitors’ standout performer, producing a string of outstanding saves to deny Dominik Szoboszlai and later tipping over headers from Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike. Despite several close calls, the Spanish champions eventually cracked when Szoboszlai’s pinpoint cross found Mac Allister unmarked to nod home from close range. The first half also brought controversy when Liverpool were denied what appeared to be a strong penalty appeal. However, their persistence paid off after the break, as Xabi Alonso’s LaLiga leaders struggled to find rhythm or create meaningful chances. Madrid’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham were effectively contained throughout the contest. Alexander-Arnold, whose mural outside Anfield was defaced in the buildup to the match, received a hostile reception from some fans. He was booed during the warm-up, again when his name was announced before kick-off, and most loudly when introduced as a late substitute. The England international appeared composed but subdued as he re-entered the pitch where he once shone as a local hero. In stark contrast, his replacement at right-back, Conor Bradley, delivered an outstanding display and was later named Player of the Match. The Northern Irishman handled Vinicius superbly, earning cheers from the crowd with his confident tackles and forward runs that even forced the Brazilian into a yellow card. Manager Arne Slot made just one change to the side that defeated Aston Villa, bringing in Florian Wirtz for Cody Gakpo on the left wing. Alonso fielded the same XI that triumphed in El Clasico, meaning Alexander-Arnold began the match on the bench. It was a cathartic performance from Liverpool, who seem to have rediscovered their energy and defensive discipline after a run of disappointing domestic results. The win lifts them into the top eight of the Champions League standings, level on points with Real Madrid, whose perfect start to the campaign came to an abrupt end. The two European heavyweights may yet cross paths again in the knockout stages next spring — by which time Alexander-Arnold will hope to have re-established himself as a key figure in Liverpool’s evolving lineup.

Says some pundit remarks have been “over the top” and urges ex-players to show perspective Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk challenged Wayne Rooney over recent criticism of his leadership during an awkward post-match interview following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield. Standing beside Rooney, Van Dijk addressed the pundit’s comments directly after Liverpool secured back-to-back wins, ending a four-game Premier League losing streak. Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header sealed the victory, continuing Liverpool’s return to form after defeating Aston Villa on Saturday. Rooney had previously claimed Van Dijk’s body language was a “concern” after last month’s defeat at Brentford and questioned whether the defender’s leadership had declined following his new contract. Van Dijk responded after the Villa match by calling the criticism “lazy,” prompting Rooney to double down — before the pair were brought face-to-face live on TV. During his interview with Prime Video, Van Dijk said the criticism directed at Liverpool had been “over the top,” adding: “It would be good if ex-players that played at the highest level, that dealt with difficult moments as well, would put things in perspective.” Rooney, visibly taken aback, replied: “I think what I’ve said is fair. The response [to their struggles] has been great from Virgil and the team.” Van Dijk, however, disagreed, stating: “I think if you would watch games, then I would definitely take the responsibility. The comment that I signed my new deal and then let things slide — I think that was a bit much, but that’s my personal opinion.” The exchange came after Van Dijk reflected on Liverpool’s internal team meeting following their loss to Manchester United. He said the squad had focused on staying calm amid the “noise” surrounding their poor run. “In a world of chaos, you have to try and stay calm,” he said. “At times, the noise was a lot. Of course, some criticism is fair when you lose four or five games, but it’s also been over the top.” Van Dijk emphasized that while outside opinions don’t affect him personally, he remains mindful of how such comments could influence his teammates. “As captain, I deal with players that might be affected by it. It’s important to stay focused, work hard, and keep perspective.” Rooney concluded the segment by joking that his remarks might have helped motivate the Reds: “I’m not saying anything more because I think I’ve spurred them on! We’ve put them on a winning streak!” Van Dijk ended on a composed note, reaffirming his commitment to Liverpool: “I want to perform for the team, for the club, and for everyone who supports us through thick and thin. When we lose, it hurts me deeply — and I’ll always do everything to turn it around.”