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Category: National

Presidency Unveils Profiles of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs

Kamal Yalwa06 mins

The Presidency has released the official curriculum vitae of the newly appointed Service Chiefs, highlighting their academic credentials, military experience, and distinguished service across the Nigerian Armed Forces. According to a statement from the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the profiles detail the backgrounds of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Defence Intelligence. Chief of Defence Staff — Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun OluyedeBorn on June 21, 1968, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Lt. Gen. Oluyede was commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1992. A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics. Throughout his career, he has commanded several formations, including the 27 Task Force Brigade and 6 Division, and served as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He became the 29th Chief of Army Staff in 2024 before his elevation to Chief of Defence Staff. He has participated in national and international operations such as ECOMOG, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, and Operation HADIN KAI. His leadership is credited with modernising equipment, improving troop welfare, and restructuring army formations to meet evolving security challenges. Chief of Army Staff — Major General Waidi ShaibuBorn on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro, Kogi State, Maj. Gen. Shaibu is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 41st Regular Course. He holds master’s degrees in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington D.C. He has commanded various army formations, including the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 7 Division, and served as Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI. His awards include the Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, and Purple Heart Medal for Counter-Insurgency Operations. Chief of Naval Staff — Rear Admiral Idi AbbasRear Admiral Idi Abbas, born on September 20, 1969, hails from Kano State and was commissioned as a midshipman in 1992. A member of the 40th Regular Course, he has served as Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, leading key operations against oil theft and maritime piracy. He is widely respected for his professionalism and leadership in maritime security and defence policy. Chief of Air Staff — Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin AnekeBorn on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, AVM Aneke is from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1988 and was commissioned into the Air Force in 1993. He holds a B.Sc. in Physics, multiple master’s degrees—including in International Affairs and Diplomacy and Political Economy—and a PhD (in view). AVM Aneke has commanded several operational units, served in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, and logged over 4,300 flying hours. His medals include the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and Field Command Medal. Chief of Defence Intelligence — Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker UndiandeyeBorn on September 2, 1968, in Obudu, Cross River State, Maj. Gen. Undiandeye is a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He holds a Master’s in Strategic Security Studies and has trained at top global institutions including Harvard Kennedy School and the National Defence University, Washington D.C. He has served in various UN missions, including in Liberia, New York, and Abyei, and became the 17th Chief of Defence Intelligence in June 2023. The Presidency emphasized that the newly appointed Service Chiefs bring decades of operational experience, strategic insight, and proven leadership to their new roles in strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.

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Tinubu Lauds Nigeria’s Delisting From FATF Grey List

Kamal Yalwa04 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a “major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic reform, institutional integrity, and global credibility.” The FATF, the world’s leading body for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, announced Nigeria’s delisting at its plenary session held in Paris, France, on Friday. The move officially removes the country from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the grey list. A statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the decision followed Nigeria’s successful completion of its FATF Action Plan after more than two years of sustained effort and reform. Tinubu credited the achievement to strong inter-agency coordination aimed at fortifying Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. “In February 2023, the FATF placed Nigeria on the grey list. The message from the global community was clear — we needed stronger enforcement, better coordination, and more transparency. Rather than view it as a setback, Nigeria took it as a call to action,” the president said in the statement. Under Tinubu’s leadership, the government introduced sweeping legal, institutional, and operational reforms. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), working closely with the Ministries of Justice, Finance, and Interior, spearheaded the implementation process that led to this outcome. President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the NFIU’s Director/CEO, Ms. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and her team for their diligence, noting that their commitment was instrumental in the recognition Nigeria received from the international community. He also thanked ministers, agencies, and the private sector representatives who participated actively in the National Task Force on AML/CFT. The president acknowledged the support of key government institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others. He also expressed gratitude to international partners — including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations, and the European Commission — for their technical support throughout the process. Tinubu described the delisting as not merely a technical accomplishment but a strategic victory for Nigeria’s economy and a renewed vote of confidence in the nation’s financial governance. He emphasized that the government would sustain ongoing reforms, deepen institutional collaboration, and build a financial system that inspires global trust.

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MRA Announces Call for Entries for Goodluck Jonathan FOI Awards 2026

Fola Badmus05 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today announced the formal opening of its Call for Entries for the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards 2026, designed to recognize and celebrate journalistic excellence in promoting transparency and accountability through the effective use of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.   Named in honour of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, who signed the FOI Act into Law on May 28, 2011, the first category of the awards will celebrate a journalist who has made the highest number of information requests under the Act, while the second category will honour a journalist who has made the most outstanding contributions in promoting the Act since its enactment by raising awareness among citizens, government officials and the media about it, including its provisions, how to use it, its benefits, and the rights it grants as well as advocating for its effective implementation.   In a statement announcing the opening of the call, MRA called on all eligible Nigerian journalists working across print, broadcast, online, and multimedia platforms to submit their entries for consideration in two distinct categories as follows:   Category 1: Most Active User of the FOI Act. This award will be given to a journalist who has made the highest verifiable number of information requests under the FOI Act between May 28, 2011, and December 31, 2025. This category aims to celebrate and encourage the active and consistent use of the Act as a tool for journalistic investigation as well as for promoting and ensuring transparency and good governance.   Category 2: Most Outstanding Promoter of the FOI Act. This award will recognize a journalist who has made the most outstanding contributions in promoting the FOI Act since its enactment in 2011. This includes raising public awareness about the Act, its provisions, how to use it, its benefits, and the rights it confers on individuals, as well as advocating for its effective implementation through news stories, feature articles, opinion pieces, or other media outputs.   Applicants must be journalists of Nigerian nationality, working in any print, broadcast, online, or multimedia outlet, and should not be under any legal constraint and must not have been adjudged by an appropriate regulatory or judicial body to be guilty of professional misconduct.   All interested journalists are required to complete an application form and attach relevant, verifiable documentation for their claims, which may include acknowledged copies of FOI requests or copies of published media outputs, depending on the category.   The deadline for all submissions is 23.59 (WAT) on January 31, 2026.   According to MRA, the winner in each category will receive a plaque, a certificate, and a prize. The Awards will be formally presented at a public ceremony to be held in Abuja on May 28, 2026, coinciding with an event to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Act.

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#FreeNnamdiKanuProtest: Police Bar Sowore, Others From Aso Rock

Fola Badmus05 mins

By Bunmi Ogunyale   The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions. This follows the subsisting Order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, given on 17th October, 2025, by Honourable Justice M.G. Umar, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others. The Order, in a press statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way. “In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups — whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order. The directive remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings. “The Nigeria Police Force recognises and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, particularly where public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens are concerned. The Court’s intervention is therefore a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms. “Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order. The Force will ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens. “Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively.   “Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws — including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable. Those who incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions,” the statement read. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has also directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and relevant operational commands to ensure strict enforcement of the Court’s Order, maintain visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations, and ensure the safety of residents and lawful activities in the FCT.   All organisers and participants are therefore advised to avoid the restricted areas specified by the Court; refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law; and channel grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than the streets.   The Nigeria Police Force however assured law-abiding Nigerians that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect lives and property. Non-participants should go about their lawful businesses without fear. Anyone found to be in breach of the Court’s Order or in contempt of the law will be arrested and prosecuted.

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Tinubu Returns After Heads of Government Meeting in Rome

Fola Badmus03 mins

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja today after participating in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-level Meeting in Rome, Italy. The Aqaba Process, in a press statement by the President’s Media aide, Bayo Onanuga, is a counter-terrorism initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015. It is co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy. The Rome edition focused on strengthening regional and international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, with particular attention to West Africa. The high-level meeting was held on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. Many heads of State and Government attended, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Azouz Nasri, President of Algeria’s Upper House, delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, special envoys, and security experts were also in attendance. The meeting was held behind closed doors. On the sidelines of the event, President Tinubu held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Senior Adviser on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos. President Tinubu also met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to discuss religious harmony in Nigeria. The meeting addressed the widespread disinformation campaigns that falsely portray the country as intolerant of religious diversity. Since its establishment in 2015, the Aqaba Process has convened 33 meetings at various levels, from Heads of State summits to technical expert sessions. It is built on three core pillars: prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism efforts.

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10,000 Constables Pass Out of Police Training Institutions

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully passed out 10,000 newly trained Constables, following the completion of their intensive training across various Police Colleges and Training Institutions nationwide. The Passing Out Parade, which took place on October 7, 2025 simultaneously across all designated training institutions, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Force to strengthen its manpower base and enhance operational capacity in line with global policing standards. Addressing the new recruits, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended their commitment and perseverance throughout the rigorous training process. He charged them to carry with them the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism that have been instilled during their course of instruction.   During their training, the recruits were exposed to modern policing standards, ethical values, and practical field operations designed to prepare them for the complex realities of 21st-century law enforcement. The curriculum emphasised community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicious use of authority, all aimed at promoting professionalism and public trust in policing. The passing out of this set of Constables forms part of the Force’s strategic manpower development plan under the current administration, geared towards enhancing security presence, improving response capacity, and reinforcing public safety across the nation. Earlier in January 2025, a set of 10,000 constables passed out of various Police Training Institutions. IGP Egbetokun reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous training, welfare improvement, and institutional reforms that would sustain the gains of modern policing and ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria for all.

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Presidency Awaits Court Verdict on Minister Uche Nnaji’s Alleged UNN Certificate Forgery

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

Abuja, Oct. 7, 2025 — The Presidency has said it will take action only after the court delivers its verdict on the alleged certificate forgery case involving the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this while addressing inquiries about the controversy surrounding the minister’s alleged forged degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Onanuga stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will respect the judicial process and refrain from making any comments on the matter while it remains before the court. “This matter is already in court. We should await the verdict of the court,” Onanuga told Leadership Newspaper. The presidential aide’s remarks come amid growing pressure on Nnaji to resign pending the outcome of the case, which has generated significant public and political attention. Minister Speaks on His UNN Certificate In a recent statement, Uche Nnaji addressed the allegations, saying he had not yet collected his degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His explanation, however, has further fuelled controversy, with critics arguing that the minister’s acknowledgment implies that the certificate he presented to the Senate during his ministerial screening may have been fake or forged. The University of Nigeria has reportedly denied issuing the said degree certificate, stating, “UNN never issued a degree certificate to him.” As the case proceeds in court, the federal government maintains that it will withhold any decision or disciplinary action until a judicial determination is made.

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