National Archives | Page 5 of 11

Atiku, Peter Obi Mourn Buhari’s Demise

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar and Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi has mourned the passing of former Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari breathe his last on Sunday in London after losing battle to an undisclossed illness. According to Atiku, he said; “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our great nation. “President Buhari was not just a former Head of State, he was a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will. “His death is not just a loss to his immediate family and the people of Daura, it is a profound national tragedy. Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come. “To his beloved family, I offer my deepest condolences. I pray for strength and comfort in this time of grief. To the people of Katsina State and the entire nation, I mourn with you. May we all take solace in the knowledge that he gave his life to the service of Nigeria and never wavered in his belief in her promise. “May Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.” -AA In a similar vein, Peter Obi took to his Twitter handle now X to express his sadness of the former president’s demise. “I have just received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole. “President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader. “To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians I extend my deepest condolences. “May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. “Ameen,” the former Anambra State Governor prayed.

VP Shettima to Accompany Buhari’s Body Back Home

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari died today (Sunday) in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness. President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences. President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023. He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Former President Muhammdu Buhari is dead. His former aide, Bashir Ahmad, announced the passing of the former president on X. He wrote: “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin.” President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after previously leading the country as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, was known for his stance on anti-corruption and efforts to stabilise the economy. Further details regarding burial arrangements are expected to be released by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.

Ganduje Inaugurated as FAAN Board Chairman

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago12 mins

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, the immediate past National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, has been officially inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). His appointment was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January 2025, with the formal inauguration taking place on July 9, 2025, in Abuja. The inauguration ceremony was conducted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and included other board members such as FAAN Managing Director Ms. Olubunmi Kuku, Ms. Dorothy Duruaka, Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman, Nasiru Muazu, Omozojie Okoboh, TP Vembe, and Bridget Gold. Dr. Ganduje assumed this new role shortly after resigning as APC National Chairman, a position he held from August 2023 until his resignation in mid-2025, citing urgent personal matters. His resignation cleared the way for his full assumption of duties at FAAN, aligning with President Tinubu’s directive that board chairpersons maintain non-executive roles without interfering in daily management. This appointment marks a significant transition for Dr. Ganduje from partisan leadership to a strategic role in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where he is expected to enhance oversight and operational efficiency within FAAN.

NECO Releases 2025 BECE Results, Sets July 23–24 for Re-sit Exams

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), according to a statement by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. The statement, issued on Wednesday and obtained by News360 Nigeria, revealed that a total of 179,201 candidates registered for the examination, which spanned 12 subjects and was conducted nationwide from May 12 to May 23, 2025. While specific performance data was not disclosed, NECO confirmed that the results were released after the successful conclusion of the 2025 BECE Award Committee Meeting, held at the Council’s headquarters in Minna. During the meeting, the Chairperson of the Award Committee, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David — Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education — expressed satisfaction with the integrity of the processes leading to the release of the results. Also present at the meeting were NECO management and selected secondary school principals from across the country. NECO further announced that the BECE re-sit examinations for candidates needing to retake English Studies and Mathematics will be held on July 23 and 24, 2025, respectively. The council urged candidates, schools, and parents to prepare accordingly and consult the official timetable.

Tinubu Lands in Rio De Janeiro for BRICS Meeting

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). The President’s flight touched down at the Galeao Air Force Base tarmac at 8:45 pm on Friday, where the Galeao Air Force Base Commander coordinated the Guard of Honour. Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture, received President Tinubu. President Tinubu is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva. The Nigerian leader will attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula today, July 5, ahead of the summit on June 6 and 7. At the BRICS Summit, the President will participate in a plenary session and deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness. He will also attract investors to capitalise on the country’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy. The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Deliberations will centre on health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and Climate Change issues. Ahead of the Leaders’ Summit, the political negotiators of BRICS brainstormed over aligning more commitments to combat socially determined diseases, artificial intelligence governance, and climate finance. Their focus was on providing concrete solutions to the structural challenges faced by the Global South. State Governors participating in the summit with the President are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).

Ex-Nigerian President Buhari Discharged From UK Hospital

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been discharged from a London hospital after spending days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to an undisclosed ailment. The news, first reported by Empowered Newswire, has sparked widespread concern and renewed public attention on the health status of Nigeria’s former leader. Sources close to the former president confirmed that Buhari fell ill while in London for a routine medical check-up. According to reports, the condition was serious enough to warrant his admission into intensive care unit. He has since been discharged and is now recuperating in London under close medical supervision. There is no official word yet on when he will return to Nigeria, but sources say he is expected back home once he fully recovers. Although details of the illness remain undisclosed, the development has fueled discussions across Nigeria, particularly as Buhari had previously spent extended periods abroad during his presidency for medical reasons. Buhari’s absence was particularly noted during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Lagos on May 28, 2025. His failure to attend the high-profile event raised eyebrows, especially given his status as a former Head of State who played a role in regional diplomacy. In a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari explained that his inability to attend was due to ongoing medical appointments in the United Kingdom.

MRA Calls for Stronger Legal and Institutional Protections for Whistleblowers in Nigeria

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and concrete steps to strengthen legal and institutional protections for whistleblowers in recognition of their critical role in exposing corruption, human rights abuses and other wrongdoing, describing them as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and good governance. In a statement issued today in Lagos to mark this year’s World Whistleblowers’ Day, MRA stressed that whistleblowers serve the public interest by courageously disclosing information that would otherwise remain hidden, often at great personal risk, noting that in Nigeria, they continue to operate in a climate of fear, retaliation, and legal uncertainty, which deters many others from coming forward with information about wrongdoing. Ms Ayomide Eweje, a Programme Officer at MRA, said in the statement: “We note that the current whistleblower protection framework in Nigeria remains weak, fragmented, and largely ineffective. The Federal Government continues to threaten whistleblowers with prosecution despite the whistleblower protection provisions in Section 27(2) of the Freedom of Information Act. Besides, the Whistleblower Policy adopted by the Government in 2016 was not designed to provide protection for persons who risk everything to expose corruption, misconduct, human rights violations, threat to public safety, or other wrongdoing, but is merely aimed at assisting the government to recover looted public funds.” According to her, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers has left them vulnerable to threats, harassment, job losses, and physical harm, adding that successive governments in Nigeria have failed to acknowledge the immense value that whistleblower bring to the society and the important role that they play in combating corruption, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Ms Eweje argued that whistleblowers are often motivated by a patriotic duty and a commitment to the greater good, noting that “whistleblowers are the eyes and ears of our society; they step forward so that the rest of us can see and act. When whistleblowers speak up, everyone benefits; public funds are better managed, there is more efficient delivery of public services, trust in institutions grows, and we have better governance. Yet without reliable channels to report wrongdoing, we risk enabling critical information about wrongdoing to stay hidden.” She lamented that despite the essential role that such courageous individuals play in ensuring that powerful actors in the society are held accountable, they continue to face harassment and intimidation, legal hurdles, retaliation instead of protection, sometimes paying for their selfless acts with their lives or liberty. Ms Eweje therefore urged the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of a robust whistleblower protection legislation that guarantees confidentiality in reporting in appropriate cases, shields whistleblowers from reprisals, and establishes secure reporting channels while also establishing an independent whistleblower protection agency with the mandate to investigate reprisals, support whistleblowers, and enforce sanctions against those who retaliate against them. She highlighted the importance of public education and awareness in fostering a culture that values and protects whistleblowing and called on civil society organisations, the media, and professional bodies to work collaboratively to de-stigmatise whistleblowing and ensure that those who speak out are not isolated or vilified. Ms Eweje said: “On this World Whistleblowers Day, we stand in solidarity with whistleblowers in Nigeria and around the world who have paid a high price for speaking out, particularly against powerful individuals in society. We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for their rights and working towards a society where exposing wrongdoing is not only protected but also celebrated as a courageous act of public service.” The theme of the 2025 World Whistleblowers’ Day is “Protecting the Truth-Tellers”, and the Day focuses on raising awareness about whistleblowing, combating corruption, and encouraging a positive culture of speaking up within organisations. This year’s campaign, “we’re all ears,” seeks to highlight the importance of whistleblowing and support those who speak up against wrongdoing.