The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Supporters laud Tinubu’s economic gains, demand reform in nation’s security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received fresh commendations from his supporters over what they described as visible improvements in the economy, even as they called for urgent reforms in the nation’s security architecture.

The praises and demands were contained in a statement by the National Coordinator of Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ), Honourable Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje.

Alawuje said Nigerians across communities were expressing appreciation for the President’s “unrelenting efforts” in stabilising the country’s administrative, security and economic sectors.

He noted that recent drops in food prices had rekindled public confidence in the administration’s economic direction.

He, however, argued that the President had been compelled to assume responsibilities delegated to some officials due to their lapses, insisting that such inefficiency must no longer be tolerated.

According to him, the improvements Nigerians are witnessing are proof that Tinubu is “steadfastly confronting critical national issues.”

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The activist maintained that the change Nigerians demanded for years was now unfolding across sectors, affecting even institutions and individuals previously considered beyond reform.

He said religious leaders, public institutions, and the youth were beginning to adjust to the new governance culture championed by the President.

Alawuje urged citizens with constructive contributions to channel them properly rather than wait for invitations, stressing that fixing the system should be a shared responsibility. “We must all jointly compel the system to work,” he said.

He further appealed to the President to harness the expertise of retired security personnel, whom he described as invaluable national assets.

According to him, the government invested heavily in their training and should not overlook them at a time when insecurity remains persistent.

Alawuje took a swipe at public office holders, especially in the security sector, saying those who have failed should not wait for the President to demand their resignation.

He argued that honourable resignation would create room for competent hands to strengthen the nation’s defence operations.

He specifically declared that the Minister of State for Defence should have resigned “by now” to allow more capable individuals to take charge, noting earlier concerns about the suitability of the current defence leadership.

He added that with many disciplined and experienced retired officers available, Nigeria should not be experiencing its current security challenges.

Alawuje reaffirmed the loyalty of Tinubu’s supporters at home and abroad, praying for continued divine guidance for the President “in sunshine and in rain.”

December 7, 2025
Alaafin congratulates Ooni on 10th coronation anniversary
- …says monarchs’ unity key to Yorubaland development
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has felicitated with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on his 10th coronation anniversary.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said, he, on behalf of other Yoruba traditional rulers, indigenes of Oyo kingdom, joined the government and the people of Osun state in celebrating the monarch.

He commended the Ooni for his sense of commitment, and resilience in ruling over his people

Oba Owoade affirmed that Ooni’s exposure, knowledge, and charisma before ascending the position is going a long way in imperacting and expanding the influence of the domain.

Alaafin said he believes the wisdom, warmth, and friendliness of the monarch would also translate into peace and civility in the domain.

He prayed that the almighty God will continue to bless the Ooni of Ife and grant him more years of fruitful reign.

He said, “If gratitude is the great opener of the heart, then Ooni of Ife’s heart should be busted wide open to the sweetness of this moment. If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.

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“What is more, gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”

Oba Owoade used the occasion to call for unity among the monarchs noting that the only way to remain relevant is for them to be united, sincere and dedicated.

He added, “As monarchs, all of us have just three responsibilities. We are saddled with maintenance of peace, culture and tradition. Kings are not religious leaders. Our responsibility, as handed over to us in our certificates, is to be custodians of the legacies of our ancestors, so that they do not go extinct.

“Unity can only be predicated on mutual trust and understanding, reciprocal friendly/brotherly/sisterly relations, as well as shared interests, values and aspirations, adding that unity would only best be promoted through tolerance and accommodation of each other’s differences, opinions, ethnic, religious and communal or even regional identities.

”Unity in diversity is a core principle of federalism. All federations are required to adhere to, and actively nurture and entrench, expectations associated with this core principle.

“Nigeria, as a federation with a complex mosaic of diversity need to continue to find, and deploy, ways and means of forging, entrenching and sustaining unity in diversity and national integration. Once again, I am wishing the Ooni of Ife more prosperous years ahead.”
December 7, 2025
COAS unveils Nigeria’s first land warfare wargaming centre

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned Nigeria’s first Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, describing it as a strategic boost to the nation’s military preparedness and training capacity.

Shaibu said the state-of-the-art facility marks a major advancement in the Army’s drive to strengthen operational planning, enhance military education and equip officers for evolving security challenges.

He praised the College for consistently producing highly skilled middle-level officers who play critical roles across ongoing operations nationwide.

The COAS, an alumnus of the institution, commended his predecessors for laying the foundation through key projects that transformed the Department of Land Warfare.

He said the new centre became necessary due to the increasing complexity of military operations and the limitations of the older TY Buratai Operations Centre.

According to him, modern warfare now demands joint planning, predictive decision-making and advanced simulations, requirements the new centre was designed to meet.

He said it would support immersive wargaming, comprehensive operational planning and doctrinal experimentation essential for today’s battlefield.

Shaibu explained that the centre was not built for the Department of Land Warfare alone, but would also serve Army training schools, formations and units within the 1 and 8 Divisions.

“It will provide a hub for tactical and operational planning exercises, helping officers sharpen critical thinking and adversary-focused planning skills.”

He stressed that the project aligns with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable and resilient force capable of executing constitutional mandates within a joint and multi-agency environment.

He added that investing in high-quality training infrastructure has become indispensable as security threats continue to evolve rapidly.

The COAS urged officers and students to put the facility to maximum use, noting the substantial resources committed to its construction.

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He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, which he said made the project possible.

He also commended the Commandant of the AFCSC, AVM Hassan Alhaji, for his support to the Department of Land Warfare, and applauded Brig.-Gen. NUC Ogili for the efficient supervision and execution of the project.

Earlier, AFCSC Commandant AVM Alhaji described the commissioning as a historic milestone and a major boost to professional military education in Nigeria.

He said the College’s graduates continue to demonstrate exceptional performance across ongoing operations, reflecting the strength of its training standards.

The Commandant said the limited capacity of the TY Buratai Operations Centre made the construction of the new facility both timely and necessary.

He added that the wargaming centre—designed to support joint exercises and accommodate larger training groups—reflects the College’s shift toward technology-driven instruction.

AVM Alhaji commended the COAS for what he called his “transformational leadership” and unwavering commitment to raising training standards across the Nigerian Army.

He noted that the new centre is a world-class facility and the first of its kind anywhere in Nigeria.

He said the College remains honoured to benefit from the Army Chief’s reform efforts and prayed for continued divine guidance for him as he leads the service.

December 7, 2025
NDLEA seizes 7.6 million tramadol pills, 76,273kg Colorado, skunk in Delta, Anambra raids
- ….destroys illicit drug warehouses in Ekiti, Ondo forests
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Sunday said it has recovered over 7.6 million pills of tramadol and a total of 76,273.4 kilograms of different strains of cannabis including Colorado, Loud and Skunk in series of intelligence-led operations across the country.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said several members of Drug Trafficking Organisations linked to the seizures were arrested.

Babafemi said out of the total opioids seized during the raids, not less than 3,874,000 pills of tramadol 225mg and 100mg, and others as well as 252.2litres of codeine syrup were recovered from a warehouse at Oko market, Asaba, Delta state on Saturday 6th December 2025.

He added that no fewer than 1.2 million tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from a suspect Kelechi Nwakocha, 35, on Wednesday 3rd December when NDLEA operatives on patrol at Orogwe, along Onitsha- Owerri road Imo state, intercepted his vehicle conveying the consignment which was loaded at Aba, Abia state, heading to Onitsha, Anambra state.

The statement reads, “In Adamawa state, NDLEA officers on Monday 1st December 2025 intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus marked MGU 554 XB along Maraba-Mubi coming from Jos, Plateau state going to Mubi with a total of 1, 577,112 capsules of tramadol and exol-5 tablets, all concealed inside jumbo bags mixed with new rubber sandals and slippers. Two suspects: Kabiru Buba, 25, and Hamza Abubakar, 32, were arrested in connection with the seizure. Similarly, another suspect, Mudansir Rabiu, 27, was nabbed along Zaria-Kano road, Kano state with 197,000 pills of exol-5.

“Operatives of a special operations unit of NDLEA stormed forests in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti state where they destroyed 14,654 kilograms of skunk and arrested two suspects: Yusuf Iliyasu, 50, and Okumu Chinedu, 26. In another operation, the operatives on Tuesday 2nd December stormed the forests in Asin-Ekiti, Ikole LGA, Ekiti state, where they destroyed 54,300kg of skunk in two large warehouses that were razed while 28.3kg of the same psychoactive substance was recovered for the purpose of prosecution.

“Following actionable intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 2nd December raided Igoba forest in Akure North LGA, Ondo state where a total of 2,483 compressed blocks of skunk and 247 bags of same substance all weighing 5,442 kilograms were recovered and five suspects arrested. Those nabbed include: Jacob Omodowo, 66; Joy Oluatobi Peace, 24;

Babatunde Olamide, 40; Echi Fidelis Joseph, 57; and Ankrah Akano, 56.”

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Babafemi said while 500kg of same substance was recovered from a Mercedes Benz van marked MGU 614 XB by NDLEA officers on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road in Niger state on 4th December with the driver Amos Yakubu, 46, arrested, operatives in the FCT Abuja on Wednesday 3rd December intercepted a consignment of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, weighing 22kg at Abaji expressway.

He said a follow up operation at the Jabi park in Abuja led to the arrest of a female receiver, Ali Blessing, 33.

He added that also in the FCT, a suspect Aliyu Usman, 39, was arrested by operatives on Friday 5th December with 24kg skunk and 573,500 pills of exol-5 along Kwali-Gwagwalada expressway.

“In Lagos, NDLEA operatives recovered 217 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 113kg from a suspect Ezenwa Udoka at Ladipo market, Mushin, while Izuchukwu Usulor was nabbed with 351kg skunk at Onipanu area of the state on 5th December and Susan Okoro arrested with 104.1kg of same psychoactive substance at Trade Fair complex, Ojo, on Tuesday 2nd December.

“A total of 447.5 kilograms of skunk were recovered from two Honda Accord cars marked: ABC-678 KK and GGE-772 FB at Agho forest, Akoko Edo LGA, Edo state. A suspect Dada Adedara Babawibi, 56, was apprehended in connection with the seizure. A raid operation at a warehouse in the Isiefve community, Ohuwunde LGA, led to the seizure of 315.8kg of skunk and the arrest of a suspect Stanley Obasuwa.

“With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of St. Michael’s Academy, Sabon Gari, Kano; Harry Pass Secondary School, Masaje, Gboko LGA, Benue; and Community Junior Secondary School, Okuru-Ama, Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers state, among others.

“While commending the officers and men of SOU, Delta, Adamawa, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, Kano, FCT, Niger and Edo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated,” Babafemi said.
December 7, 2025
Aiyedatiwa hails volunteerism as key to Tinubu’s economic agenda, national development

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described volunteerism as a vital pillar for advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic growth agenda and achieving sustainable national development.

He made the remarks during the 2025 International Volunteer Day celebration held over the weekend at the International Event Centre, The Dome, Akure.

The event, themed “Every Contribution Matters,” brought together government officials, civil society organisations, youth groups, and development partners.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Volunteer Service and State Coordinator of the Nigerian National Volunteer Service, Comrade Adeolu Charles Iwakun, the governor emphasised that Nigeria’s development challenges require greater citizen engagement through community service, civic responsibility, and skill-based voluntary initiatives.

He noted that countries with strong development models rely on structured volunteerism to strengthen social systems, bridge manpower gaps, and support key sectors such as environmental management, community health, and emergency response.

“Volunteerism is a passion that has shaped my journey, and being entrusted with this mandate is an honour I hold dearly. Volunteerism – in all its forms, whether community participation, humanitarian support, donations, corporate social responsibility, problem-solving initiatives, or simply offering one’s skills – remains a powerful pillar for sustainable and accelerated development.

“Every act of service counts, and I encourage us all to continue showing up for our communities in whichever way we can. Today marks the formal launch of the Ondo State Volunteer Service, a platform designed to coordinate, nurture, and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism across our state,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He commended youths, community groups, and civil society organisations for their continued contributions to nation-building, noting that his administration has been partnering with community health volunteers, climate-action groups, agricultural extension volunteers, and disaster-response teams.

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The governor further called on governments at all levels, as well as the private sector, to support volunteer-driven initiatives through partnerships, grants, and capacity-building programmes capable of deepening the impact of voluntary service and aligning it with national development plans.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Dr Tunji Rhema, highlighted recent successes recorded in community-led sanitation exercises across Akure, Ondo, and Owo.

Rhema said volunteers, local businesses, and civil society groups collaborated with government agencies to clear drains, plant trees, and educate residents on proper waste disposal.

He urged citizens, corporate bodies, and traditional institutions to intensify collaboration on sanitation campaigns, recycling, tree planting, and other environmental initiatives that promote cleaner and healthier communities.

“These seemingly small efforts prevented flooding, improved air quality, reduced disease outbreaks, and restored dignity to public spaces. Volunteerism is not just an activity; it is a vital engine for community transformation,” Rhema stated.

In his keynote address, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Lanre Issa-Onilu represented by the agency’s South-West Zonal Director, Mrs Olufunke Salako harped on the need for volunteerism to move beyond sentiment and become a structured component of national policy.

Issa-Onilu also stressed the urgency of citizen-driven problem solving in a period of economic pressure and social strain, noting that earlier in the year youth groups and local organisations led civic actions such as clearing blocked drains, cleaning streets, and educating residents on hygiene.

“The nation is not defined solely by its government but by the active participation of its people. Volunteerism is one of the purest forms of civic engagement. It reflects the readiness to contribute, to sacrifice, to belong, and to live without title.

“When citizens become active participants in their communities, trust is restored, development is accelerated, and peace is sustained. But citizens’ engagement does not happen in a vacuum – it must be nurtured,” he said.

He commended youth groups and community organisations for sustaining civic actions despite economic and social challenges.

The Nation report that the highlight of the event was the donation of a volunteer hub to the Ondo State Government by Elder Isaac Tapire, Chairman of Tisco Industries Limited. The facility is expected to serve as a central point for volunteer coordination, training, civic education, and community engagement programmes.

Awards were also presented to Governor Aiyedatiwa; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniran; the Founder, Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), late Prophet T. B. Joshua and Mrs Evelyn Joshua.

Others include the Chairman, Tisco Industries Limited, Elder Isaac Tapire; Proprietress, Mummy’s Place International Schools, Dr Damilola Oshin; Chief Medical Director, Sckye Hospital, Dr Thomas Wilson-Ikubese; Registrar, Elizade University, Mr Omololu Adegbenro; and NYSC member, Mary James.

December 7, 2025
2027: TASA meets Lagos student leaders, seeks youths participation in governance

The Tinubu–Ambode Support Associates (TASA) on Saturday held a strategic stakeholders’ meeting with student union leaders across Lagos State, reaffirming the pivotal role of young people in shaping the state’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting brought together representatives from 11 tertiary institutions under the Joint Campus Committee (JCC), NANS Lagos Chapter, creating a robust platform for open political dialogue, progressive engagement and practical strategies for youth-driven political mobilisation.

Details of the engagement were contained in a statement released on Sunday by TASA Director, Mr. Monsuru Agbalajobi.

Agbalajobi disclosed that the association briefed student leaders on the urgent need for active youth participation in governance, stressing that voter apathy—particularly among young Nigerians—had a notable impact on the 2023 general elections.

The association, he said, emphasized that the era of leaving political decisions solely in the hands of politicians must end, as such disengagement only widens the gap between leadership and the governed.

“A central highlight of the meeting was the firm insistence that massive Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercises across all campuses are non-negotiable at this critical stage.

“Students were charged to return to their respective institutions to navigate, sensitize, canvass, and mobilize their peers toward voter registration and full participation in the political process.

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“TASA also reiterated its strategic target of securing over 4 million votes in Lagos State for the 2027 presidential election, noting that the student population remains a decisive force in achieving this objective.

“The gathering featured deep conversations on how student leaders could leverage their extensive digital presence, social media networks, peer influence, and campus solidarity structures to combat apathy and drive political awareness.

“They were encouraged to deploy their platforms to amplify civic consciousness, strengthen political education, and promote youth led governance engagement across Lagos campuses,” the statement read.

It was stated that in their contributions, the student leaders boldly highlighted the erosion of trust between government and the governed as a key factor fueling voter apathy.

“They lamented that many young people feel alienated, with government seeming “too far away from the people.” They urged TASA and political actors to close this trust gap by fostering sincerity, accessibility, and continuous engagement.

“The students also challenged TASA leadership not to neglect or sideline the student constituency “when the good is done,” stressing that genuine partnership, institutional inclusion, and long term engagement are essential for building a vibrant, responsible youth political movement,” the statement added.

It was further stated that after extensive deliberations, the meeting reached a strong resolution for the official launching of TASA structures across all tertiary institutions in Lagos State.

According to the statement, this initiative aims to create permanent political education networks, deepen grassroots mobilization, and sustain youth participation from now through the 2027 election cycle.

“The session ended on a united, progressive and forward focused note, with both TASA and the student movement committing to stronger collaboration and a renewed mission to restore trust, promote civic responsibility, and secure a commanding electoral victory for the progressive family in 2027,” it was added in the statement.

December 7, 2025
Radda completes tour of 34 LGAs, inaugurates projects in Katsina
- …as supporters back his 2027 re-election
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has concluded a statewide tour of all 34 local government areas, commissioning key infrastructural projects and receiving empowerment donations from NGOs and public-spirited individuals.

The governor, who was greeted by massive public support across the state, also secured strong endorsements for his second-term bid ahead of the 2027 elections.

Radda rounded off the tour in Katsina LGA, where he inaugurated several projects executed by the Local Government Chairman, Isah Miqdad.

These include an upgraded Legislative Council Chamber, new council offices, a renovated ICT centre, official vehicles for council officers, and a new Primary Health Care Centre in Unguwar Yari Arewa ‘A’.

He commended the unity among stakeholders and highlighted the state’s ongoing urban renewal efforts, including road expansions and dual carriageways designed to enhance tourism and economic activities.

The governor also announced the forthcoming Health Imaging Centre Hospital, valued at over N34 billion, promising its commissioning within his tenure.

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“Accountability is our priority. You gave us your mandate; we must deliver,” he said, noting that local government autonomy is now visible as council chairmen can present clear development plans for their communities.

Radda dismissed rumours of political crises, attributing them to social media misinformation, and confirmed steady progress on infrastructure projects in frontline LGAs such as Danmusa, Faskari, Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, and Dandume.

Business mogul Alhaji Dahiru Mangal expressed strong support for the governor during the tour, assuring him of re-election in the next general poll.

The tour also enabled equitable distribution of fertilisers across all 361 wards of the state to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for every community.

The Katsina State APC Chairman, Alhaji Sani JB Daura, members of the State Executive Council, State House of Assembly and other political leaders accompanied the governor throughout the tour.
December 7, 2025
Omah Lay headlines inaugural motherland festival Dec 20 in Lagos

Afro-fusion superstar Omah Lay is set to excite fans at the inaugural motherland festival — one of the buzziest and most innovative festivals in Lagos.

Across December 18-20th, Motherland Festival will bring together the world’s brightest minds, creative visionaries, and cultural ambassadors for an unforgettable experience.

Omah Lay earned his first Grammy nomination for his collab with Davido “With You” and the smash hit was just announced as Nigeria’s most streamed song by Spotify.

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The co-founders of Motherland Festival said, “We’re excited that Omah Lay chose the Motherland stage as his only Lagos show this December.

“Fans from around the world will get their chance to celebrate the huge year he’s had in the centre of Afro-fusion and Afrobeats. Alongside the Seyi Vibez, The Cavemen, Odumodu Blvck, Qing Madi, Mavo, DJ Obi, and more, Omah Lay will be giving our attendees a show they’ll never forget.”

The Festival is proudly sponsored by First Bank and will take place on the Motherland Grounds, beside Oriental Hotel.

December 7, 2025
Stakeholders urge Tinubu to return NAHCON to SGF

Muslim professional bodies, civil society groups, farmers’ associations and other stakeholders have intensified pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return the supervision of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The push followed a series of open letters and formal submissions urging the President to reverse the 2023 directive that placed NAHCON under the Office of the Vice President and reinstate the SGF’s long-standing supervisory role.

A coalition of Muslim professionals, led by Hassan Abdullahi and Danladi Bello, traced the historical development of Hajj administration in Nigeria—from the regional Hajj boards of the 1950s to the establishment of the Nigeria Pilgrims Board in 1975, and eventually the creation of NAHCON in 2006 after repeated administrative lapses, including the 1996 suspension of Nigerian pilgrims by Saudi authorities.

They argued that the NAHCON Establishment Act places the Commission “under the Presidency” without assigning supervisory powers to the Office of the Vice President, noting that successive governments exercised this oversight through the SGF as a neutral coordinating body.

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“The Act does not say Office of the Vice President. It says Presidency,” the group stated, adding that SGF supervision historically guaranteed stability, inter agency coordination and operational efficiency.

According to the coalition, the 2023 transfer to the Vice President’s office injected political considerations into what should remain a technocratic and coordination driven function, warning that such a shift weakens accountability and blurs reporting lines.

The group cited concrete gains recorded under SGF coordinated oversight, including Nigeria’s full utilisation of its 95,000 Hajj quota in 2023 for the first time in nearly ten years, the successful airlift of over 51,000 government quota pilgrims in 2024 despite economic pressures, and direct accommodation contracting with Saudi landlords that cut out intermediaries and saved millions of naira.

They noted that these achievements were driven by close cooperation among aviation, finance, health, foreign affairs and security agencies, a role the SGF’s office is institutionally designed to manage.

In a separate endorsement, the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria, AFGSAN, described stability and neutrality in Hajj administration as critical for ordinary Nigerians who spend decades saving for the pilgrimage.

In a letter signed by Aliyu Yunusa Yandutse, Chairman of its Jigawa State chapter, the association urged President Tinubu to restore NAHCON’s supervision to the SGF, noting that the welfare of pilgrims requires administrative consistency rather than politically exposed oversight.

Further weight was added by TSANGAYA, Support Transformation and Empowerment Initiative, whose executives and board members passed a resolution backing the return of NAHCON to SGF supervision after internal deliberations. The group said the move would strengthen efficiency, continuity and accountability.

In an independent letter addressed directly to the President, Goni Ibrahim Garba and Dr Usman Ahmad urged a formal review of NAHCON’s supervisory framework, stressing that the SGF operates as the Presidency’s coordinating arm and is better positioned to align federal ministries and agencies involved in Hajj logistics, foreign exchange approvals, health services and security clearances.

The letter outlined key reasons for the proposed reversal, including legal compliance with the NAHCON Act, operational efficiency, institutional stability across administrations, clearer accountability and improved pilgrim welfare, citing full slot utilisation and cost savings as evidence.

Concerns were also raised by individuals from within the Hajj ecosystem.

Muhammed Suleman Gama of Kano described recent internal tensions within NAHCON as symptoms of avoidable political interference. He praised the current Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, popularly known as Prof. Pakistan, describing his leadership during the last Hajj as the strongest in decades, but warned that undue external pressure risks undermining progress.

Across the submissions, stakeholders shared common demands, stronger bureaucratic coordination, insulation from political disruption, clear oversight lines and protection of Nigeria’s standing with Saudi authorities.

They argue that returning NAHCON to SGF supervision is essential to sustaining recent improvements and safeguarding the interests of more than 160,000 Nigerians who performed Hajj in 2023 and 2024.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has yet to issue an official response on whether it will review NAHCON’s current supervisory structure.

December 7, 2025
Oyo police confirms abduction of JCI President in Ibadan

Oyo state police command has confirmed the abduction of the 2025 President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite, Mrs. Ibukun Otesile by gunmen.

The mother of two, is the daughter of the founder and General Overseer of Jesus Is King Ministries, Ibadan, Reverend Olalekan Babatunde.

She was said to have been abducted in front of her residence at the General Gas area of Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Thursday night.

Confirming the development, the police spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, a Chief Superintendent, said, “Investigation is ongoing Sir.”

News of her abduction has spread across social media since the incident occurred.

The Personal Assistant to Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, outgoing Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, Olamide Olanrewaju said the association received a distress alert at about 8:45pm on Thursday.

“We all have a WhatsApp group, which her father is also a member of. The CAN Chairman posted it as a distress call, saying the daughter of Reverend (Dr.) Lekan Babatunde had been kidnapped,” he said.

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Olanrewaju noted that while group members immediately resorted to prayers, he emphasized the need for prompt action and tagged key security contacts including: Rev. Moses, Chaplain of the Police Force Headquarters in Oyo State—before sharing the alert widely.

“I learned she was kidnapped right at the gate of her house at General Gas. Only God knows what she was doing there, where she went, or who she was with,” he added.

The alert issued by CAN reads: “The daughter of our beloved Reverend Dr. Lekan Babatunde was kidnapped this night, Thursday, December 4, around 8:00 p.m. Ibukun Otesile, a mother of two, was kidnapped in front of her gate at General Gas, Akobo.”

CAN appealed to security agencies for urgent intervention, calling on the Nigerian Army Headquarters and the Nigeria Police Force to deploy all necessary resources to secure Otesile’s immediate release.

As of the time of this report, no details have emerged regarding the identity of the abductors or any ransom demands.

December 7, 2025