The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Okumagba commends Oborevwori’s bold, promising 2026 budget proposals

    Okumagba commends Oborevwori’s bold, promising 2026 budget proposals

    Prominent Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba has described the 2026 budget proposals presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as bold, promising and designed to unlock the growth potential of Delta State.

    In a statement where he reviewed the highlights, Okumagba said he was delighted at the continued dedicated funding of infrastructure in the state, noting that under the Oborevwori administration, capital projects at 70 percent continue to take a huge chunk of budget allocation. 

    In his words: “The allocation of 70 percent of the ₦1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill to capital expenditure indicates continued commitment to fund the infrastructure developments currently underway in Delta State. The impact on economic activities in the state will evidently be huge, especially as these projects are delivered from 2026. Governor Oborevwor’s focus on delivering comprehensively on the MORE Agenda will definitely improve on the economy of the state and impact lives.

    ” Also commendable is the allocation to agriculture, a sector where the state has massive potential. The increased allocations to the economic and social sectors will undoubtedly drive more growth and development in Delta State.”

    The 2026 budget proposal of ₦1.664 trillion is an increase of ₦685 billion or 70 percent over that of 2025. Commenting on the ongoing development projects in the state, Okumagba said with the projects including the flyovers in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli and Effurun; drainage systems in Warri–Uvwie and Asaba; and road rehabilitation across the state; “Gov Oborevwori is capturing critical needs in the state at this time.”

    Okumagba also commended the allocations to education and health. Other areas that attracted the attention of Olorogun Okumagba include the social intervention program D-Cares under which 307,600 beneficiaries and 10,000 widows will receive monthly stipends and free health insurance.

    On security, which had been a knotty issue in recent years, Okumagba commended the launch of a security trust fund and increased allocation to the sector which will provide for drone surveillance, border control, support for security services and strengthening vigilante networks. If followed through, Okumagba says, it should address the pockets of insecurity that need to be taken care of.

    Okumagba urged Gov Oborevwori to stay the course which he has charted since his election in 2023, noting that “In two years the impact of the administration is unfolding brightly.” He commended the governor’s vision to “build the Delta State of our dreams where no one is left behind.”

  • BREAKING: Popular Islamic Cleric Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi dies at 98

    BREAKING: Popular Islamic Cleric Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi dies at 98

    Renowned Islamic scholar and revered cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is dead.

    He was 98.

    The highly respected Dariqa scholar, born on June 29, 1927, died on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

    Confirming his passing, a close associate, Daha Azhary Bauchi, announced, “Innaa lillahi wa innaa ilaihi raji’un… Maulana Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi has passed away (Wafaty).

    “May Allah bless us with his blessings.”

    Another close disciple, Abubakar Ibrahim Wunti, also confirmed the scholar’s death on Thursday morning.

    Sheikh Dahiru was widely regarded as one of the most influential Islamic figures in Nigeria and beyond.

    He spent his life promoting Islamic teachings, advancing Quranic education, and mentoring students in the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

    For decades, he led thousands of disciples and made remarkable contributions to Islamic scholarship and spiritual development.

  • Group urges Wike to reactivate environmental courts, tribunals across FCT

    Group urges Wike to reactivate environmental courts, tribunals across FCT

    The CRUX Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to urgently reactivate and strengthen dedicated Environmental Courts and Tribunals to tackle Abuja’s escalating sanitation and waste-management crisis.

    In a letter dated November 26, 2025, and addressed to the Minister, the organisation requested the establishment of a central Environmental Court within the High Court of the FCT, alongside corresponding tribunals across the six Area Councils — AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali.

    CERADF noted that although the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) introduced mobile courts in May 2022 to address environmental infractions, the mechanism has become inadequate due to the growing scale and complexity of violations in the territory.

    According to the foundation, recent field assessments in Gwarinpa, Utako, Mpape, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, Kuje, Apo Mechanic Village and parts of the Central Business District revealed widespread waste accumulation, blocked drainages, recurrent flooding, rodent infestation and mounting public-health risks.

    The organisation warned that these challenges not only overburden waste-management agencies but also contribute to pollution, pervasive foul odours and reputational harm to the nation’s capital.

    While acknowledging ongoing public sensitisation efforts, CERADF argued that such initiatives must be complemented by a specialised judicial framework capable of ensuring speedy trials, consistent enforcement of environmental laws and stiffer penalties for offenders.

    The group recommended the reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals in all FCT Area Councils, collaboration with the Chief Judge of the High Court of the FCT to designate specialised judges, and the development of practice directions to guide environmental litigation.

    CERADF also urged the FCT Administration to empower NESREA, AEPB, the FCTA Environmental Task Forces and Area Council authorities to file charges directly before the proposed courts.

    Additionally, it called for the establishment of a multi-agency environmental enforcement and monitoring framework involving the Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, AEPB, the FCTA, Area Councils and accredited civil-society groups.

    The foundation pledged its support through stakeholder engagement, research, environmental reporting and community mobilisation to promote sustainable environmental practices.

    According to the letter, signed by Ms. Iviakpellas Mercy (Country Director), Mr. Koko Ademuyiwa (Project Director) and Mr. Eswati Luka Ikpi (Director of Communications), reactivating the courts would strengthen environmental governance, safeguard public health and align Abuja with international standards.

    The letter reads in part: “The CRUX Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) respectfully presents this formal request for the reactivation and strengthening of dedicated Environmental Courts and Tribunals within the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Specifically, we request the establishment of a central Environmental Court within the High Court of the FCT, as well as Environmental Tribunals across all six Area Councils. This call is made pursuant to relevant constitutional and statutory provisions and in recognition of the urgent environmental challenges confronting the nation’s capital.

    “The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), established in 1997, introduced mobile courts in May 2022 to address environmental infractions. However, these measures have proven inadequate given the scale and complexity of the environmental crisis now facing the FCT.

    “Recent CERADF field monitoring across communities in Gwarinpa, Utako, Mpape, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, Kuje, Apo Mechanic Village and even parts of the Central Business District revealed widespread waste accumulation and poor sanitation.

    “These conditions have resulted in overburdened waste-management agencies, blocked drainages and recurrent flooding, increased rodent infestation, heightened public-health risks, escalating pollution and offensive odours, and reputational damage to Abuja as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic capital. Weak enforcement, slow court processes and insufficient deterrent penalties continue to worsen the situation.

    “While public sensitisation efforts are ongoing, they cannot succeed without a dedicated judicial framework that ensures speedy trials, consistent application of environmental laws and firm sanctions for violators.”

    CERADF listed its recommendations to the Minister, including: Reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals across all six Area Councils to handle environmental offences and provide accessible avenues for justice.

    Collaboration with the Chief Judge of the FCT to designate specialised judges, develop practice directions, assign dedicated courtrooms and strengthen judicial capacity on environmental law.

    Empowerment of enforcement agencies, including NESREA, AEPB, FCTA task forces and Area Councils, to file charges directly before the specialised courts.

    A multi-agency enforcement and monitoring framework involving federal, regional and civil-society stakeholders.

    Comprehensive community-sensitisation campaigns to promote behavioural change.

    An annual FCT Environmental Compliance Assessment to track progress and guide reforms.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the FCT Administration through community mobilisation, research and environmental stewardship initiatives.

    “The reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals in the FCT is timely, necessary and transformative,” the letter concluded. “It will strengthen enforcement, safeguard public health, elevate Abuja’s environmental standards and align Nigeria with international best practices,” the letter added.

  • Barau urges states, citizens to back Tinubu’s push to defeat insecurity

    Barau urges states, citizens to back Tinubu’s push to defeat insecurity

    Senate Deputy President, Jibrin Barau, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as decisive and sustained efforts toward curbing insecurity across the country, urging states, corporate bodies and citizens to actively support the ongoing fight.

    Barau, answering questions from journalists at the National Assembly, said Nigeria’s security challenges are not the responsibility of the Federal Government alone and require collective action to achieve lasting results.

    “Mr President is doing extremely well. All his efforts should be complemented by all Nigerians—state governments, private organisations, even ordinary citizens,” he said.

    “This is an issue for every Nigerian to admit and confront. With the trend and effort the President is putting in, we shall surmount this problem.”

    He particularly called on state governments to invest in surveillance infrastructure, intelligence channels and operational logistics to support federal security agencies.

    According to him, insecurity can be defeated faster if every state builds systems to monitor forests and communities within their jurisdiction.

    “State governments should help with necessary hardware and surveillance. If each state creates facilities to monitor activities in forests and local areas, the military can respond more effectively,” Barau explained.

    “When this is replicated nationwide, the results will come quickly.”

    Describing Tinubu as “a leader working daily to secure the country,” Barau referenced the President’s decision to shelve his trip to South Africa for the G20 Summit to focus on national security—an action he said contributed to the recent rescue of abducted victims in Kebbi State.

    “The President is serious about ending insecurity. He inherited this problem, but he is committed, and with collective support, this challenge will be addressed in a short time,” he added.

    On the Senate’s resolutions regarding national security, Barau said the leadership of the Senate would meet with the President to convey the urgency of the decisions taken.

    He expressed confidence that Tinubu would give full attention to the recommendations.

    Barau also weighed in on renewed calls for state police, stating that the priority should be funding, training and equipping security personnel rather than the label attached to the structure.

    “It is not about the nomenclature. Even the federal police need better training and funding—which the President has begun addressing. What matters is capacity, not just naming,” he said.

    He assured that the National Assembly remains committed to supporting ongoing reforms to strengthen policing and internal security.

    Barau concluded with a firm appeal: “The President is doing his best. Now everyone must come on board to help him.”

  • Sylva writes EFCC, seeks date for appearance

    Sylva writes EFCC, seeks date for appearance

    A former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has written to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) asking the commission to give him a date for his appearance.

    The former Governor of Bayelsa State in a letter he personally signed and addressed to the chairman of the commission particularly frowned on the move by the EFCC to declare him wanted over an alleged $14.8million fraud.

    Sylva in the letter dated November 24th but was received and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26th, however, informed the commission that he was currently receiving an urgent medical care for a life-threatening condition.

    He said he was in constant consultation with his medical team to know whether he could discontinue his treatment to enable him present himself to the EFCC for interrogation.

    He said, “In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set subject to medical clearance to enable me appear physically and formally. 

    “I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to unalive, but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime in which case my request will be in order. For only the living may appropriately, fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly and respectfully deny”.

    But Sylva recalled the events of the past weeks and said they had his family, close friends, supporters, associates and compatriots had endured an extraordinarily and bewildering period 

    He said, “What began with an unverified accusations linking me to an alleged plot to undermine a constitutional authority of the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu escalated into a dramatic military operation at my private residence, during which several individuals were apprehended (drivers, security and domestic staff) and remain in detention.

    “While still grappling with the emotional and psychological strain of those events, I was on Monday 10 November 2025, publicly declared wanted by your esteemed agency in relation to an alleged $24.8million fraud matter.

    “It is pertinent to recall that I had been formally invited by the EFCC in December 2024 regarding the same matter. After providing all required explanations, I was granted administrative bail on self recognition and I was informed that I would be reinvited should my further input be necessary. To the best of my knowledge and belief, no further invitation or correspondence was issued to me thereafter”.

    Sylva said he was deeply surprised and profoundly unsettled to learn through a public announcement that he had been declared wanted despite his well-known disposition towards cooperation with lawful authorities.

    He said, “I am and have always been a law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I have never declined or evaded the invitation of any competent law enforcement institution.

    “Furthermore, on 14 November 2025, it was publicly stated that I had jumped bail. For the sake of clarity, propriety and historical records, I must respectfully state that no such incident occurred not was any such bail condition in existence or ever violated by me.

    “As these developments continue to unfold, it is difficult to dismiss the impression that matters may be proceeding in a manner capable of causing public misinterpretation. For example these frenzied and almost desperate actions may be viewed as political witch-hunt by many. Also considering that I have appeared to be a target since the beginning of this administration.”

  • Transition to CNG will reduce transport cost, improve welfare – Stakeholders

    Transition to CNG will reduce transport cost, improve welfare – Stakeholders

    Stakeholders driving the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria have restated their commitment to ensuring a seamless national transition from petrol to cleaner gas alternatives.

    Speaking at the second edition of the Autogas Nigeria Annual Conference, held in commemoration of the World Sustainable Transport Day, participants emphasised that a shift to CNG would improve citizens’ welfare, lower transportation costs, and significantly reduce harmful emissions across the country.

    The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), Prof. Umar Katsayal, described the transition as “consequential to Nigeria’s economic growth.” 

    Represented by Dr. Ibrahim Ahmadu, Prof Katsayal noted that studies have shown that CNG vehicles emit lower levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide with carbon dioxide reductions of up to 20–30 percent.

    The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning gas as Nigeria’s primary transition fuel.

    With an estimated 210 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Abdullahi said Nigeria’s vast reserves present a clear and compelling pathway toward cleaner and more affordable energy.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PICNG), which has accelerated the adoption of CNG across the transport sector, especially after the removal of petrol subsidies.

    Abdullahi added that the initiative has increased public awareness of gas as a viable, cheaper alternative to petrol.

    The Managing Director of Automotive Gas Nigeria Services Limited (Autogas Nigeria), Maryam Ibrahim, reaffirmed Autogas Nigeria’s mission to expand the adoption of CNG through vehicle conversion services, nationwide refuelling infrastructure, and technical capacity-building. 

    Autogas Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer and Business Development Lead, Mr. Kennedy Osagie, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to powering Nigeria’s shift to cleaner and more affordable transportation energy.

    He highlighted some of the company’s major milestones over the past four years, including: Training and certifying over 1,000 Nigerian technicians in advanced green-energy skills and converting more than 2,000 vehicles to CNG, resulting in substantial cost savings for individuals and businesses.

  • Bernard Doro’s first two weeks: A fast start agenda to drive change in Humanitarian Ministry

    Bernard Doro’s first two weeks: A fast start agenda to drive change in Humanitarian Ministry

    Nigeria’s new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro, has completed his first two weeks in office with a rapid series of reforms, high-level meetings and field engagements, setting a fast pace for the Humanitarian Ministry.

    Doro, confirmed by the Senate on October 30 and sworn in on November 6, has moved to set a clear agenda for the ministry, modernise internal systems, and build on the achievements of his predecessor, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, in collaboration with international institutions. His early actions come as Nigeria continues to confront widespread poverty, displacement, and insecurity.

    Shortly after taking office, Doro was received at a reception in Abuja attended by his home state governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, along with representatives of international organisations, members of the APC in Plateau, APC diaspora, supporters and family members. The event reflected the high expectations surrounding his appointment at a time when humanitarian agencies are under pressure to scale up interventions and improve support for vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

    Bernard Doro Early Public Engagements

    Doro’s first major public appearance came on Nov. 9 in Jos, where he addressed the Berom 2025 gathering in Plateau State. He told attendees that the ministry would carry out its mandate “clearly, independently and with impartiality,” and said programmes that reduce poverty and support vulnerable citizens would be prioritised.

    A day later, on Nov. 10, he held a press conference in Jos that set out his leadership approach. He said humanitarian assistance must be treated as “a fundamental responsibility of government” rather than charity, and pledged to expand poverty reduction programmes, strengthen social protection structures and ensure that federal interventions are delivered transparently. He added that Plateau State would serve as an example of what he described as a community-driven model for humanitarian coordination.

    During the same visit, the minister attended the 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) tournament at the University of Jos. Speaking with students and athletes, he highlighted the role of youth empowerment in reducing poverty and described the games as an important platform for identifying and developing talent. He also acknowledged the university’s influence on his early academic and professional development.

    Returning to Abuja, Doro was officially welcomed to the ministry by senior officials of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction on Nov. 12. The Minister of State, Dr Yusuf Sununu, joined directors, agency heads and programme managers for a briefing session that included the presentation of handover notes.

    The session focused on the need to strengthen institutional coordination and improve internal communication. Doro told staff that effective public service depends on trust and shared accountability and said he planned to build an administrative culture centred on teamwork and transparency.

    On Nov. 16, Doro joined Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Audu Sule, and other national APC leaders to formally receive thousands of defectors from opposition parties into the ruling APC in Plateau State. Doro used the occasion to encourage the new members to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “We have every reason to support our dear President. We have every reason to come out in 2027 to elect our dear President. We have every reason to come out and support everyone who will contest under the platform of the APC,” he said.

    He urged the new members to amplify the party’s message and mobilise more citizens to join the APC.

    On Nov. 18, the minister oversaw the launch of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in the ministry, a new digital platform designed to centralise documents, multimedia files and records. Officials said the system, now integrated into the federal government’s 1Gov platform, would streamline workflow management, ensure secure digital storage and improve access to official information.

    The ministry described the platform as a major step in the federal civil service’s digital transformation. Doro said the system would support transparency and strengthen operational efficiency in the delivery of humanitarian and poverty reduction services.

    Visit to Kebbi After Schoolgirl Abductions

    On Nov.19, Doro travelled with Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State following the abduction of schoolgirls in Birnin Kebbi. The trip, directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed to reassure affected families and review federal and state response efforts.

    Shettima told residents that the President “shares your anguish,” calling the attack “an assault on the collective conscience of all Nigerians.” He said the government would take all necessary measures to secure the release of the students and support families of those killed in the attack, including a vice-principal and a senior military officer.

    Engagements With UN and World Bank

    Later the same day, Doro held talks with a delegation from the United Nations, led by Mohammed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. Discussions covered Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges and the need for stronger coordination between the government and international partners.

    Doro said the economic reforms underway in Nigeria had created temporary hardship but argued that their long-term effects would support economic stability. He stressed the importance of strengthened collaboration with the UN to address crises driven by conflict, flooding, climate change and internal displacement.

    On Nov. 21, the minister met with a World Bank delegation led by Mathew Verghis, the bank’s new Country Director for Nigeria. Talks focused on the future of Nigeria’s social protection programmes, including N-Power, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme and the Federal Direct Cash-Transfer Scheme for vulnerable households.

    Accordingly, Doro emphasised the need for a more resilient social safety net architecture that supports both short-term relief and long-term economic independence. He appealed for continued World Bank support in designing a long-term social protection framework aligned with Nigeria’s humanitarian and development priorities.

    On the same day, Minister Doro met with the North Central Media Forum, led by its president, Abubakar Angara. He called for stronger media, government collaboration to promote transparency and support the ministry’s public welfare objectives.

    He told journalists that the ministry’s mandate remained focused on citizens at the lowest end of the economic spectrum and that improving accountability across all humanitarian programmes was a central priority.

    On Nov. 24, Doro held a technical session with a World Bank delegation on the National Social Safety Net Programme Scale-Up, an initiative designed to support vulnerable households and strengthen the country’s social protection systems. The session focused on ways the Ministry can improve payment delivery and enhance the data integrity of the National Social Register. Doro commended the World Bank team for their ongoing efforts and assured them of the Ministry’s full support.

    On Nov. 25, Doro met with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) delegation led by its Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche. He stated that the ministry occupies a strategic position to meaningfully improve the lives of Nigerians and reduce the crises affecting the country.

    Doro reiterated that the Ministry will prioritise green initiatives, particularly efforts to curb deforestation and expand carbon credit systems as strategic tools for poverty reduction and environmental protection. He noted that such initiatives are crucial for shielding communities from the impacts of climate change while creating new economic opportunities.

    Later that day, the minister also met with the Africa Youth Movement (AYM), led by its President, Abraham Gujahar. He cautioned young people against the pursuit of quick success.

    He emphasised the importance of resilience, noting that while some individuals are born into families with strong support systems, many others are not as fortunate. However, with resilience, he said, “the sky is the limit.”

    Doro added that determination can lead to great achievements and urged young people to remain persistent in pursuing their goals. He reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive and expressed his willingness to partner with the AYM.

    Doro’s first two weeks have been marked by extensive domestic and international engagements, administrative restructuring and early steps toward digital transformation. Analysts say his rapid pace reflects both the urgency of Nigeria’s humanitarian needs and the pressure on the government to deliver relief and social-protection services more effectively.

    Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi
    New Daily Prime
    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Correspondent

  • Tinubu launches electric tricycle to reduce transportation cost, youth empowerment

    Tinubu launches electric tricycle to reduce transportation cost, youth empowerment

    President Bola Tinubu has launched the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative, a programme of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development designed to enable Nigerian youth to be self-employed and contribute to national development.

    Tinubu, who officially inaugurated the programme with the distribution of over 4,000 electric tricycles and motorcycles to beneficiaries at a ceremony held at Eagle Square, Abuja, said the launch of the initiative underscores commitment of his administration to reducing transportation costs, pollution and creating jobs for the teeming youth.

    He noted that the initiative aligns with the energy transformation programme of his administration aimed at reducing carbon footprint and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. 

    Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for the initiative and House of Destiny Global Services Ltd as well as the leadership of National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS) for the collaboration on the implementation of the programme. 

    He said, “The electric tricycles will reduce transportation costs by 40% and offer a cleaner alternative to tricycles powered by fossil fuels. 

    “The federal government, through the Federal ministry of Youth Development will continue to initiate and implement programme that not only provide employment for our teeming youth population but also align with the global transition to cleaner and sustainable energy solutions, youth empowerment, job creation, promotion of the green economy and strengthening Public-Private Partnership collaboration.

    “Let us work together to make this initiative a success and create a brighter future for the present and future generations.”

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, noted that the initiative was a Public-Private sector partnership designed to reduce the cost of transportation while empowering youth in the informal sector in the country. 

    He noted that there was the need to engage both formal and informal youth equally so that the nation could move on the right path to prosperity, and lives are improved in line with the enabling environment provided by President Tinubu.

    He added that President Tinubu believes in the potential of youth in driving development in Nigeria and that the Ministry of Youth Development was ready to support, empower and protect young people in the country. 

    The minister noted that in line with the mandate of the President to ensure inclusion in the Ministry’s programmes, the electric tricycle empowerment initiative is being launched as a way of giving priority to the young people on the streets, noting that at the formal level, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and other agencies are doing so much in empowering students through loans and other incentives. 

    He said, “This electric tricycle initiative is our commitment to bring empowerment closer to your doorstep. It is our direct response to the global call for green energy and also for national good and economic growth. We are not just giving out care, we are investing in the green and clean, and profitable initiative.”

    He noted that the initiative aims to solve three critical problems. 

    “One is to create jobs for the informal youth that are tricycle riders, people that learn mechanics, technicians and also operating in the charging stations. Two, it removes the burden of petroleum cost and also increases the take home income of Keke operators. Three, it reduces the carbon in emissions making our city cleaner,” he stated. 

    National President of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS), Usman Gwoza, said the introduction of electric tricycles by the Federal Government was not just a technological achievement but a symbol of hope, a step towards cleaner energy, reduced fuel cost and better income for his members. 

    He appealed to the Federal Government to empower members of NATOMORAS with more electric tricycles as this would reduce youth unemployment across the country, promote clean and affordable transportation and support Nigeria’s energy transition and green economy goals under renewed hope agenda of the current administration. 

  • Alleged terrorists’ negotiator Mamu not mandated by Fed Govt,’ DSS official tells court

    Alleged terrorists’ negotiator Mamu not mandated by Fed Govt,’ DSS official tells court

    A Federal High Court in Abuja heard on Wednesday that alleged terrorists’ negotiator, Tukur Mamu, was never mandated by neither the federal government nor any of its agencies to negotiate with the terrorists behind the March 28, 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train.

    The court was told by an Investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS) that Mamu allegedly sidelined the committee set up by the Chief of Defence Staff to negotiate for the release of the occupants of the train, who were abducted by the terrorists.

    The DSS official, whose identified was shielded for security reason, resumed his testimony on Wednesday as the sixth prosecution witness, having earlier testified on Tuesday.

    The witness, who was led in evidence by prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, was emphatic when he said, “The was not mandated by the government to engage in any form of investigation or negotiation with terrorists, but acted on his own for his personal benefit.”

    The sixth prosecution witness claimed that the defendant encouraged the terrorists to discuss ransom payments with the victims of the train attack; collected money on their behalf, confirmed the amounts and “facilitated payments illegally.” 

    The witness also alleged that Mamu benefited financially from the ransom negotiations, owned firearms unlawfully and also provided terrorists with information on how to create a website.

    The DSS official stated that the huge amount of money recovered from the Kaduna residence of the defendant exceeded the threshold permitted by law for individual to keep at home.

    The witness added that the defendant’s lifestyle “changed significantly” during the negotiation period.

    The DSS official further told the court that the defendant was arrested in the company of four members of his family while they were on a trip to Egypt, adding that Mamu bought two flash cars during the negotiation period.

    Under cross examination by defence lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), the witness said he was not aware of how Mamu and his family traveled to Egypt, adding that the defendant’s passport was in the custody of the DSS.

    The witness agreed with Usman that the victims suggested names of those to negotiate on their behalf, but insisted that it was only the defendant (Mamu) who agreed to engage with the terrorists.

    The sixth prosecution witness insisted that Mamu was not a member of the committee set up by the Chief of Defence Staff for that purpose.

    The witness also agreed with Usman that before the defendant’s involvement in the negotiation, only one of the hostages was released.

    The DSS official denied knowing that family members of the victims took money directly to the terrorists.

    The witness told the court that an individual, who took money to the terrorists on behalf of his family members, who were among the hostages, also took money from other families to the terrorists as directed by the defendant.

    The DSS official agreed with Usman that the wife of the then Commandant of the Command and Staff College, Jaji was also among the hostages.

    The witness said some of the cash recovered by investigators were from Mamu’s house, while some others were recovered from his in-law and other of his dependants in his house.

    The sixth prosecution witness, who denied interviewing any of the terrorists, agree with Usman that one of the vehicles recovered from Mamu’s house, a Venza car, was acquired before the Kaduna train attack of March 28, 2022 and that the car is not one of the vehicles in the DSS custody that were recovered from the defendant’s house.

    The witness also denied being aware that the defendant has been travelling to hajj, umrah with his family members before the March 28, 2022 train attack.

    Justice Mohammed Umar has adjourned till January 29, 2026 for the continuation of cross examination of the sixth prosecution witness.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu declares nationwide security emergency, orders massive recruitment into army, police

    BREAKING: Tinubu declares nationwide security emergency, orders massive recruitment into army, police

    …says ‘there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil’

    …tasks herders to abandon open grazing, embrace ranching, surrender arms 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the wave of violent attacks across parts of the country, announcing sweeping directives for expanded recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police, the activation of forest guards, and tighter security measures for all vulnerable areas.

    In a statement personally he issued, President Tinubu said, “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”

    By this order, he said both the police and the army had been authorised to recruit more operatives, saying, “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”

    The president also directed that the police could now use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots, noting that although he had previously approved the upgrade of police training institutions, the new security reality required immediate expansion of capacity.

    He further ordered that officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties must undergo crash retraining. 

    According to him, the exercise is to “debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”

    Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to activate fully the forest security architecture. 

    “The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests,” he said, adding that the agency had his directive to recruit additional personnel. 

    “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil”, the President said.

    Calling the situation “a national emergency,” the President said the federal government was responding by “deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.” 

    He appealed to citizens to play their part, saying “the times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

    President Tinubu commended security forces for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State. 

    “We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage,” he assured.

    To military personnel across the country, he delivered a firm charge, saying “I commend your courage and your sacrifice… I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.” 

    He added that his administration would support them fully to succeed.

    Tinubu also pledged federal support to states with existing security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin a legislative review to allow states that require state police to establish them.

    He cautioned state governments against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas, and advised religious institutions to “constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”

    The President reiterated his administration’s stance on resolving farmer-herder clashes, pointing to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development. 

    He urged herder groups to abandon open grazing and embrace ranching, saying “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward”.

    Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States. 

    He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. 

    “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace”, he warned.

    In a rallying call to Nigerians, the President urged unity and vigilance, saying “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”