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Category: National

National Ordinance Day: NOA Charges Nigerians to Honour National Symbols

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to show greater respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols as the nation commemorates National Ordinance Day 2025. Speaking in Abuja, the DG reminded citizens that the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, Pledge, Constitution, and other emblems of sovereignty represent the unity, dignity, and identity of Nigeria. He stressed that giving proper recognition to these symbols is both a civic duty and a mark of patriotism. “Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself. Each time we hoist the flag correctly, recite the pledge sincerely, or sing the anthem with pride, we affirm our loyalty and commitment to the ideals of our nation,” Issa-Onilu said. The DG noted that September 16 is set aside annually as National Ordinance Day to commemorate the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence. He urged Nigerians to use the day as a reminder to live out the values of unity, discipline, and service embedded in the ordinances. Issa-Onilu further encouraged schools, communities, organizations, and government institutions to consciously integrate respect for national symbols into their daily practices, saying this will help deepen national identity and strengthen social cohesion. The NOA reaffirmed its commitment to continuous nationwide sensitization and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian understands and upholds the dignity of the country’s symbols.

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Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Accuses President of Indifference Amid Rising Violence

Pervasive Hunger, Poverty in Nigeria Unacceptable -Atiku

Fola Badmus04 mins

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has decried the increasing spate of hunger currently ravaging the country, especially the underprivileged poor and downtrodden. He remarked that whereas the primary objective of any government is the security and welfare of its citizens, the masses of Nigerians are progressively wallowing in misery and poverty under the watch of the Tinubu-led APC administration. According to Atiku, the current situation does not give cause for cheers as it engenders an increasingly progressive propensity for criminalities in form of high-wire fraud, terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, drug addiction and ritual sacrifice, among others. The Waziri Adamawa recalls that the most violent socio-political eruptions and revolutions all over the world had often been powered by pervasive hunger and unbearable material conditions – especially the paradox of squalor amidst plenty in our land. Counselling that the current unacceptable situation offers an opportunity for reflection, the former Vice President cited the French Revolution, the 1917 Russian Revolution and the Arab Spring in which a young man caught in the maelstrom of unbearable frustration set himself ablaze in a development which occasioned violent socio-political eruptions starting out from Tunisia to engulf the Middle-East and North Africa. “Back home here in Nigeria, it may not be out of place to argue that even the “ENDSARS” protest was fuelled by the traumatising frustration of hunger and insensitivity on the part of the government.” He also lamented that two years after assuming the reins of government, there are still no manifest signs that this government is capable of addressing the grim issue of severe hunger staring the poor in the face. “Whatever reform the Tinubu government might claim to be undertaking, the point remains that food insecurity is a daily occurrence nationwide. There is no government worth its salt that does not place priority on the welfare and security of the people.” He stressed further that since reforms are made for citizens and not the other way round, the reforms of this administration should have a human face. “Whether the present powers accept it or not, the reality of our existence is that the poor are increasingly dying of hunger while the majority of the living poor exists at the mercy of the ill-advised policies of this government.”

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DG NOA Advocates Strong Family Values for National Security

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called for the reinforcement of strong family values as a foundation for national security, stressing that the stability of the home directly influences the stability of the nation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Haske Biyu 2025 in Jaji, Kaduna state, Onilu described the family as the first school of citizenship where values, discipline, empathy, and responsibility are first instilled. He noted that when families are grounded in love and structure, they nurture responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation. He warned that the breakdown of family systems often leads to societal instability, with consequences such as youth delinquency, drug abuse, cultism, and even recruitment into extremist groups. According to him, moral neglect, poverty, and lack of parental guidance can become a breeding ground for insecurity if not addressed from the home. The event in jaji drew the participation of critical security stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), reflecting a broad-based commitment to strengthening national security.

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Tinubu Ends Vacation, Returns to Abuja on Tuesday

Fola Badmus01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has concluded his work vacation ahead of schedule and will return to Abuja on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to resume official duties. The President departed for France on September 4, 2025, to spend part of his annual holiday and was initially scheduled to divide the period between France and the United Kingdom. Last week in Paris, President Tinubu held a private luncheon with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, at the Élysée Palace. Both leaders reviewed key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France and agreed to deepen the partnership for mutual prosperity and global stability.

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Resident Doctors Suspend Warning Strike, Give FG Two-Week Deadline

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its five-day warning strike, effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, following talks with the Federal Government. In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by NARD Publicity Secretary, Dr. Amobi Omoha, the association said the decision was made to ease the burden on Nigerians dealing with health challenges and to allow the government a two-week window to meet its demands. “Following the commitment of the Federal Government to address the issues outlined in our strike communiqué, as well as the commencement of payment of the 2025 MRTF to members who were hitherto owed, the Association convened a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on the 13th of September,” the statement read. The strike, which began on September 12, was intended to press home demands including the release of Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF), welfare improvements, and implementation of previous agreements. Ultimatum to Oyo State Government NARD also issued a strong call to the Oyo State Government to resolve the ongoing issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, in line with a 15-day ultimatum already given by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo branch. “Failure to do so will compel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike,” the statement warned. State-Level Actions to Continue In addition, NARD directed members in state-owned tertiary hospitals to continue industrial action in states where governments have not shown a “genuine commitment” to resolving welfare challenges. Strike Suspended, But Not Over While the nationwide strike is being paused, NARD made it clear that this is a temporary suspension, and failure to meet the outlined demands within two weeks could result in further action. “NARD remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all,” the statement concluded. The Federal Government is yet to issue a formal response to the doctors’ conditions or timeline as of the time of reporting.

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Tax ID not mandatory for ordinary Nigerians to open bank accounts – FG

Tax ID not mandatory for ordinary Nigerians to open bank accounts – FG

Fola Badmus04 mins

The Federal Government has moved to calm public anxiety over reports that every Nigerian must obtain a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) before opening or maintaining a bank account. Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that the new policy applies only to taxable persons and businesses — not to ordinary citizens without taxable income. In a statement posted on his official X handle, Oyedele said the recently enacted Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) simply consolidates existing provisions and does not impose fresh obligations on low-income Nigerians. He stated that banks and financial institutions are required to request a Tax ID from taxable persons. However, individuals who do not earn income and are not taxable are not required to obtain one. The NTAA builds on the Finance Act of 2019, which first introduced the requirement for businesses to present a Tax Identification Number when opening accounts. According to Oyedele, the NTAA now replaces multiple identifiers with a single, harmonised Tax ID to reduce duplication and loopholes. He explained that individuals’ National Identification Number (NIN) and companies’ Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers will automatically serve as their Tax IDs. Existing TINs remain valid, while new applicants can obtain theirs online or at tax offices free of charge. Oyedele emphasised that the Tax ID is not a physical card but a unique number linked to your identity, cautioning Nigerians to avoid touts or unofficial agents claiming to issue Tax ID cards. The law also covers non-resident companies doing business in Nigeria, as well as government-owned enterprises and agencies. Nigerians in the diaspora may also obtain a Tax ID using their NIN for banking or investment purposes. From January 1, 2026, taxable persons who fail to register may find themselves unable to operate bank accounts, insurance policies, pension accounts, or investment portfolios. Penalties will also apply under the NTAA for non-compliance. He added that for most ordinary Nigerians, there is no extra burden because their NIN or CAC number will serve as their Tax ID. The goal is to ensure that those who earn taxable income contribute their fair share while low-income citizens remain protected. The committee advised citizens to rely strictly on official government channels for updates on the new tax laws to avoid misinformation and exploitation. The Federal Government hopes the new system will improve compliance and transparency, while protecting citizens outside the tax net from unnecessary bureaucracy.

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NIDCOM Dismisses Allegations of Ethnic Bias as Spurious and Fabricated

NIDCOM Dismisses Allegations of Ethnic Bias as Spurious and Fabricated

Fola Badmus05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | Abuja, Nigeria The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly denied allegations of ethnic bias in its operations, describing recent claims that the agency discriminates against the Igbo community abroad as “spurious and fabricated.” In a statement issued on Thursday, NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the allegations—made by one Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who claims to be the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo—are “mere conjecture based on a calculated machinery aimed to distract the NIDCOM boss.” The statement defended the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, calling her leadership “dynamic” and her track record “unprecedented” in promoting the welfare of Nigerians abroad regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. “NIDCOM was established to engage and see to the welfare of all Nigerian citizens abroad—irrespective of sex, age, ethnic group, religion, or political affiliation,” the Commission stated. “The false and ignorant claims of selective treatment toward Ndigbo are not only misleading but dangerously divisive.” NIDO Chairman Backs Dabiri-Erewa Also reacting to the allegation, Chief Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, described the claims as unfounded and harmful. “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is affectionately known in the diaspora community as Mama Diaspora, a name earned through her consistent care and advocacy for Nigerians abroad, regardless of tribe or state of origin,” Ubochi said. He added that the reshared post by Isiguzoro risks sowing unnecessary division within the diaspora community. “Speaking from direct experience, I can affirm that she has always championed unity, inclusion, and the empowerment of all Nigerians in the diaspora,” he said. NIDCOM’s Record of Engagement The Commission listed several instances where it had intervened on behalf of Nigerians in distress across various countries—regardless of ethnic or regional origin. These include rescue and repatriation missions in the Central African Republic, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq, South Africa, the UK, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Sudan, among others. The Commission also emphasized that it celebrates Nigerians excelling globally and does not shy away from highlighting crimes committed by Nigerians where necessary—stressing that crime “has no federal character.” Call for National Unity Quoting American writer Mark Twain—“A lie can make its way around the world before the truth can even put on its shoes”—the Commission warned against the dangers of ethnic bigotry, calling on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives. “We cannot remain trapped in archaic ethnic rivalries and divisions,” the statement read. “We are not crabs in a barrel—we are proud Nigerians, at home and abroad, with a duty to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a united and prosperous nation.” NIDCOM reiterated its commitment to serving all Nigerians in the diaspora with fairness and dignity, while urging citizens to focus on what unites the nation rather than on ethnic or regional differences. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo group has yet to issue a formal response to the statement at the time of this report.

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VP Shettima Urges National Council on Skills to Embrace Unity, End Fragmentation in Skills Development

Fola Badmus04 mins

By: Kamal Yalwa: September 10, 2025 Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the National Council on Skills (NCS) and all relevant stakeholders to work collectively in advancing the federal government’s skills acquisition drive, declaring that the era of working in silos is over. Speaking during the 7th meeting of the NCS held Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima emphasised that building a future-ready workforce requires unified action across government agencies, ministries, and the private sector. He described skills development as a core pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “Let me be clear about what this means. The era of operating in silos is over. We must move towards a new streamlined workflow that embeds collaboration directly into the process of curriculum development and funding,” the Vice President stated. He noted that the ongoing “skills revolution” is a national commitment and must be driven with purpose and synergy to unlock opportunities for Nigerian youth and workers nationwide—from the aspiring artisan in Kaura Namoda to mid-career professionals in Ebute-Metta. Shettima lauded Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for establishing and chairing the state’s first Council on Skills, calling it a model for other subnational governments to emulate. “We cannot build a future-ready workforce on a foundation of division,” Shettima stressed, urging the council to enforce a unified structure and eliminate institutional friction within the country’s skills ecosystem. He further emphasized that sustainable funding and implementation of the national skills agenda depend on strong inter-agency collaboration, not isolated action. Earlier in the meeting, Governor Uba Sani revealed that over 30,000 students were recently admitted into the Kaduna Vocational and Skills Development Institute. He thanked the Vice President for his continued support and dedication to job creation and skills development. Also speaking, Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa praised the Kaduna State Government’s efforts and announced that technical colleges have been directed to focus solely on relevant, practical courses for the upcoming academic year—aligning with the administration’s skills acquisition strategy. The council meeting reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to building a coordinated and inclusive framework to equip Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy.

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