Author: The Nation

  • Wike to Fubara: you are not 001 of Rivers state

    Wike to Fubara: you are not 001 of Rivers state

    • …‘PDP will not win FCT election 2026’

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday faulted Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for declaring himself the “001” of the state.

    Wike downplayed claims that the governor is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

    Fubara had made the declaration after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

    During his registration with the APC in the state, he was assigned 001 on his membership.

    However, speaking during his end-of-the-year media chat in Port Harcourt, monitored by our correspondent, Wike said, “He (Fubara) decamped to APC with whom? What is 001? Let me tell you, there’s nothing like 001 in the state.

    “You register in your ward and local government, so if you are 001, it’s in your ward.

    “There’s nothing like 001. There’s nothing like what I have registered in the state as 001. Everybody registered in their own ward. You could be the first person to register, but that’s not your position.”

    On Fubara being the leader of the party in Rivers State, Wike said, “I don’t know about that because if he says so, who is the leader of APC in Lagos state?

    “So, there are some exceptions to the rule, so let’s not go into other things. See, leadership is not because I’m a governor. Leadership is not because I’m a minister. You must have something that makes you a leader.”

    Wike said his defection came too late and without any political structure to strengthen his new party ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He said before Governor Fubara’s decision to leave the PDP, about 22 local government chairmen in the state and nearly half of the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had already defected to the APC.

    The minister said, “As a governor, he has the State Assembly to move with, he has the council chairmen, the party chairmen, and members of the National Assembly to move with. But in this case, with whom did he move? These people decided to move on their own,” he said.

    “Shouting ‘on your mandate we shall stand’ does not imply automatic ticket. It doesn’t mean that,” Wike said.

    He also dismissed claims that there was any fanfare at Government House on the day Governor Fubara defected to the APC, insisting that proper procedure must be followed when joining a new party.

    Wike further revealed that whenever he decides to leave the PDP, his loyalists across several states would follow him, insisting that leadership is demonstrated by the ability to mobilize followers.

    Reacting to Fubara’s earlier remark that those supporting President Tinubu should not do so “corner by corner,” Wike said he has been one of the most criticized ministers in the current administration because of his open support for the President.

    “Nigerians know that in 2023, I supported the President. I didn’t hide it. If I were doing ‘corner corner,’ Assembly members and National Assembly members would not have gone with me. That is leadership,” he said.

    Wike expressed confidence that the PDP would not win the FCT in the next election, citing the policies and performance of President Tinubu.

    On the alleged breakdown of the peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu in Rivers State, Wike blamed Governor Fubara, accusing him of failing to keep to his part of the truce and being economical with the truth regarding his relationship with the leadership of the State Assembly.

    “What stops you from calling the Speaker to ask how he is, or calling members of the Assembly to wish them a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year? You don’t have to wait for me to tell you to do that,” Wike said.

  • See your job as a ministry, cleric urges media practitioners

    See your job as a ministry, cleric urges media practitioners

    The Provost of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Very Rev’d Samuel Kayode Olawoyin, has called on media practitioners to treat their profession as a ministry, using their platforms to spread the gospel and highlight the attributes of Jesus Christ.

    Olawoyin delivered the charge during a media gathering for the Diocese’s media team at the Cathedral Chapter House, Cathedral of St. Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, over the weekend. Speaking on “Media as a Tool for Evangelism and Church Growth,” he urged journalists to prioritize developmental journalism, avoid fake news, blackmail, and harmful reporting, and focus on promoting positive change.

    He emphasized that media engagement should serve God’s vineyard rather than personal enrichment.

    Earlier, the Diocesan Communicator, Chief Solomon Ayoade, thanked the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ibadan North, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, for his support, appealing for continued backing from the Diocese, Archdeaconries, societies, and individuals to advance the Diocesan media initiative.

    During a training session on “Social Media Ethics and Content Strategy,” journalist and Diocesan Media Team member Mr. Yinka Adeniran described social media as a powerful yet delicate tool. He cautioned practitioners against spreading misinformation, urging authorities to regulate untrained media operators.

    Adeniran stressed, “With great power comes great responsibility,” highlighting the need for ethical social media use aligned with Christian values. Key principles include authenticity, transparency, respect, kindness, accuracy, and avoiding harm. He also emphasized the call to love one’s neighbour (Mark 12:31) and maintain a safe, welcoming online environment.

    On content strategy, Adeniran advised that media teams should create and share content reflecting the church’s mission and values. Effective strategies, he noted, require understanding the audience, defining the church’s brand voice and tone, producing engaging visuals, and measuring content performance.

    The session reinforced the importance of ethical media practice as a tool for evangelism and community engagement within the Ibadan North Anglican Diocese.

    “We should know who our target audience is, what their needs and interests are, and what type of content they engage with. By understanding our audience, we can create content that speaks to them and meets their needs.

    “As church media units, we should define a brand voice that is consistent with the church’s values and mission. Our brand voice should be clear, concise, and engaging, and should reflect the personality of the church.

    “To create engaging content, we must understand that engaging content is content that resonates with our audience and encourages them to interact with us. We should strive to create content that is relevant, informative, and entertaining.

    “Some types of content that may be effective for church media units include: inspirational messages; community news and events; testimonies and stories; bible studies and devotionals

    “Measuring and evaluating performance is crucial to understanding the effectiveness of our content strategy. We should track metrics such as engagement rates, follower growth, and website traffic. By evaluating our performance, we can identify areas for improvement and adjust our content strategy accordingly.

    “For best practices for our church social media, we must: post regularly and consistently; engage with followers and respond to comments; use hashtags and tag relevant accounts; share user-generated content; monitor and address criticism or negative feedback.”

    He said social media ethics and content strategy are essential for church media units, pointing out that, by understanding social media ethics and developing a content strategy that reflects the church’s values and mission, the Church can create a positive and engaging online presence.

    He urged the team to strive to be good stewards of the church’s online presence and to use social media to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

  • Gombe’s Quiet Transformation: A Model of Disciplined, Sustainable Development

    Gombe’s Quiet Transformation: A Model of Disciplined, Sustainable Development

    • By Dr. Dahiru Muhammed, Chairman, PICTT

    In Nigeria’s national development discourse, attention often fixates on scale, visibility, and rapid execution. Yet some of the most sustainable advances in the federation are occurring in quieter settings driven by strategic planning, fiscal discipline, institutional strengthening, and a steadfast commitment to long-term outcomes. Gombe State, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya since 2019, stands as a compelling example of this approach.

    As a development practitioner with extensive private-sector experience, I assess governance not through partisan perspectives but through verifiable indicators: measurable outcomes, robust systems, and growing investor confidence. What sets Governor Yahaya apart is not only the breadth of achievements but the methodical, evidence-based manner in which they have been delivered, an approach centred on human capital enhancement, productivity gains, and environmental and economic sustainability.

    Healthcare is frequently framed as a purely social service, yet it functions as critical economic infrastructure by improving workforce productivity and household resilience. Governor Yahaya’s administration has constructed and fully equipped 228 Primary Healthcare Centres (one in each of the state’s 114 wards), recruited more than 440 primary healthcare workers and 145 midwives, and expanded the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (GoHealth) to cover nearly 370,000 beneficiaries, with deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations.

    A landmark initiative has been the elevation of the formerly dilapidated Kumo General Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre. This upgrade reduces medical tourism outflows, enhances tertiary care access for residents, and positions Gombe as an emerging regional healthcare hub for the North-East. These reforms directly support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and align with global human capital indices that multinational investors and development finance institutions increasingly prioritise when evaluating labour market quality.

    The declaration of a state of emergency in education in 2019 signalled decisive intent. It has been matched by sustained investment: construction or renovation of over 1,600 classrooms, recruitment of more than 1,000 qualified teachers, and successful reintegration of over 350,000 out-of-school children into formal schooling.

    The results are quantifiable and impressive. Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) pass rates in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) rose from 22% in 2019 to 76% in 2024. Beyond statistics, this improvement translates into a larger pool of skilled, trainable youth—a vital asset for investors. Gombe’s education trajectory supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and strengthens the state’s standing on the World Bank’s Human Capital Index.

    The flagship Network 11-100 Project has delivered over 900 kilometres of rural and urban roads, linking agricultural producers to markets, communities to essential services, and enterprises to broader supply chains. By reducing logistics costs—one of Nigeria’s most significant barriers to sub-national competitiveness—these roads enhance economic efficiency.

    Gombe’s expanding urban road network further establishes the state as a strategic transit and logistics node connecting North-East and North-West markets. Such infrastructure aligns with global competitiveness benchmarks employed by the World Bank, African Development Bank, and private investors.

    External validation of Gombe’s reforms is unambiguous: the state ranked first in Nigeria on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Ease of Doing Business index in both 2021 and 2022.

    This achievement stems from deliberate institutional reforms, including the creation of the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency (GoInvest), enactment of the State Electricity Law, and digitisation of land administration through the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS). These measures have introduced transparency, speed, and predictability—core elements of modern investment environments that mirror World Bank Doing Business frameworks.

    Agriculture remains the economic backbone for most of Gombe’s population, particularly in rural areas historically marginalised from development gains. The administration has provided timely inputs, established farmer-herder conflict mitigation mechanisms, and optimised irrigation around the Dadin-Kowa and Balanga dams, shifting subsistence farming toward structured commercial activity.

    Gombe’s selection as a site for the federal Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme integrates it into national food-security and value-addition strategies. These efforts advance SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and promote inclusive growth models recognised globally.

    Through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme—supported by nearly ₦900 million in state counterpart funding—Gombe has implemented erosion control projects that safeguard lives and infrastructure valued at tens of billions of naira while fostering green enterprises and community-based financing.

    In an era when climate risk increasingly influences capital allocation, these investments align with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and signal readiness to sustainability-focused investors and multilateral partners.

    At the heart of Gombe’s industrial strategy lies the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area. Designed as a comprehensive ecosystem rather than mere land allocation, the park benefits from proximity to irrigation schemes, planned agro-industrial facilities (including a modern grains market, livestock market, and abattoir), improving power supply, and excellent road connectivity.

    For manufacturers, agro-processors, logistics operators, and renewable-energy firms, the park offers scale, policy certainty, and efficient access to regional and national markets.

    Governor Yahaya’s leadership emphasises systems over rhetoric. Key actions include clearing over ₦21 billion in inherited gratuity arrears, modernising the civil service, bolstering security architecture, and strengthening public institutions. These measures reflect a long-term governance philosophy rooted in fiscal prudence, inclusion, and sustainability—qualities increasingly demanded by investors, citizens, and development partners.

    Gombe presents a diversified, de-risked investment landscape underpinned by policy stability, expanding infrastructure, and sector-specific opportunities. Five priority corridors offer immediate bankability and attractive medium-term returns:

    Solid Minerals & Mining: Reserves exceeding 100 million tonnes of limestone, substantial gypsum and coal deposits, and emerging rare-earth minerals support cement production, fertiliser manufacturing, and mineral processing.

    Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): Positioned as the North-East’s BPO hub, Gombe offers 30–40% wage cost advantages over Lagos, anchored by a 2,000-seat facility (with potential scaling to 8,000 seats by 2030) backed by the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (OTNI).

    Agribusiness – Tomato Value Chain: High-yield production coupled with up to 50% post-harvest losses creates compelling cases for cold storage, aggregation centres, and processing plants.

    Warehouse & Logistics Hub: As a gateway serving North-East markets and AfCFTA trade corridors, the state has strong demand for modern warehousing, cold-chain facilities, and bonded logistics.

    Livestock & Ranching Economy: Extensive grazing reserves, reliable water from Dadin-Kowa Dam, and rising national protein demand enable profitable ventures in modern ranching, meat processing, dairy production, and cold-chain infrastructure.

    These opportunities are bolstered by Gombe’s top-ranked ease of doing business, competitive land access, tailored incentives, relative security stability, and the flagship industrial park.

    Gombe’s transformation under Governor Inuwa Yahaya demonstrates that disciplined, vision-driven governance can yield durable progress. As a native of the state and an advocate for public-private partnerships, I invite domestic and international investors to engage closely with Gombe’s opportunities—particularly the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park. Quiet, methodical transformations, when grounded in evidence and execution, often prove the most enduring. Gombe’s story is well underway, and its next chapter promises even greater impact.

    Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership has exemplified visionary governance, marked by unwavering discipline, strategic foresight, and an unyielding commitment to the sustainable progress of Gombe State. His transformative achievements—rooted in systems-building, inclusivity, and long-term planning—have positioned Gombe as a beacon of quiet yet profound development within Nigeria’s federation. I commend him wholeheartedly for this exemplary stewardship, which has not only elevated the state’s standing but also restored hope and pride among its people.

    As a proud son of Gombe, I earnestly call upon all well-meaning Gombe indigenes—regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or social standing—to rally behind Governor Yahaya in steadfast support. Let us unite in safeguarding and advancing these hard-won gains, recognising that true progress thrives on collective resolve.

    Moreover, the momentum we witness today must transcend individual tenures. Whosoever assumes the mantle of leadership after him bears the sacred responsibility to uphold and build upon this foundation of excellence. Continuity in policy, vision, and execution is imperative for Gombe’s continued growth, prosperity, and emergence as a model sub-national entity. Together, let us commit to this enduring legacy—for our children, our communities, and the brighter future Gombe deserves.

  • US airstrikes: Thousands of lives, trillions of naira would have been saved before now – Senator Karimi

    US airstrikes: Thousands of lives, trillions of naira would have been saved before now – Senator Karimi

    • …praises Tinubu’s political will

    Chairman, Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, said on Sunday that the lack of political will to act early cost Nigeria the loss of thousands of lives and trillions of naira in counter-terrorism operations in 16 years

    Karimi, while assessing the ongoing collaboration between the federal government and the US government to flush out terrorists and bandits in the Northwest, commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold decision in opting to move against terror elements with full force.

    The Kogi-West Senator noted that had Tinubu’s predecessors acted similarly by allowing combined local and external firepower to fight the terrorists, the lives and financial resources the country lost since 2009 would have been saved for other purposes.

    “If Nigerian leaders before President Bola Tinubu had taken similar decisions when Boko Haram started some years back, that would have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian citizens, including members of the armed forces and civilians.

    “Trillions of naira would have been saved,” he told newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

    The lawmaker had called for the airstrikes to be extended to the North-Central, particularly Kogi-West, where he said had “turned up as an abode for notorious bandits and terrorists in the country.”

    The US had carried out airstrikes in Nigeria on December 25, targeting ISIS militants in Sokoto State.

    The strikes hit two ISIS camps in the Bauni forest, Tangaza area of the state, using Tomahawk missiles from a US Navy warship and MQ-9 Reaper drones.

    Nigerian authorities confirmed that the coordinated strikes were conducted at Nigeria’s request, while precision hits were also confirmed by both US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry.

    Karimi, in reviewing the efforts of the federal government and US President Donald Trump, commended the latter’s humanitarian concerns, suggesting that he should be accorded the Nobel Prize for peace.

  • NNPP rules out Kwankwaso’s defection to APC

    NNPP rules out Kwankwaso’s defection to APC

    • …we’re begging our loyalists not to defect –chairman 

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State on Monday clarified that its national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the party at both state and national levels would not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite circulating reports.

    Speaking to reporters, NNPP Kano State Chairman Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa acknowledged that some party members were considering defection but stressed that Kwankwaso does not approve of such moves.

    He added that the party is making efforts to persuade members to remain patient and loyal, urging them not to join the APC.

    However, Dungurawa did not address reports suggesting that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, along with his cabinet, local government chairmen, and other NNPP leaders, had nearly finalised plans to join the ruling party.

    A source claimed that Governor Yusuf has reached an understanding with President Bola Tinubu and is prepared to defect to the APC, even without Kwankwaso’s endorsement.

    “On behalf of the NNPP party in Kano State and at the national level, and all the segments of this blessed movement—such as CRC/Lafiya Jari/Kano Propa/Kwankwasiyya, our teeming youths and women, and patriotic citizens—I wish to inform you that we are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC.

    Read Also: Barau receives NNPP chieftains as two defect to APC in Kano

    “I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening.

    “In fact, we did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano; however, that has become difficult.

    “Therefore, on behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected,” the state chairman said.

    Dungurawa said some members of the party were spreading rumors and trying to pitch the Governor against Senator Kwankwaso.

    “At this point, I would like to say nobody should append their names on any document as being circulated by mischief makers,” he said.

  • Boxing Day: FCT CP patrol mosques, recreational centres across nation’s capital

    Boxing Day: FCT CP patrol mosques, recreational centres across nation’s capital

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, on Friday led security patrol of mosques and recreational centres within the Abuja Metropolitan. 

    The patrol, Dantawaye said the patrol forms part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the festive period.

    A statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh said; “Today, Friday, 26th December 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, personally led a confidence-building security patrol of mosques and recreational centres within the Abuja Metropolitan Area.

    “By physically assessing security arrangements at key public locations, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s proactive posture in crime prevention and public safety management.

    “This strategic patrol is designed to complement the robust security deployments already in place across the FCT, including visible patrols, intelligence-led operations, and close collaboration with sister security agencies. These measures are aimed at deterring criminal activities and guaranteeing a peaceful and secure environment throughout the festivities.

    “The Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the FCT of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with police operatives by promptly reporting any suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency numbers.”

  • Chinese mining firms deny allegations of illegal activities, terrorism in Nigeria

    Chinese mining firms deny allegations of illegal activities, terrorism in Nigeria

    Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have denied recent claims linking them to illegal activities and terrorism financing in the country.

    Speaking through the Federation of Chinese Mining Companies in Nigeria, the firms dismissed allegations made in a December 11, 2025 report by the Renevlyn Development Initiative titled Silent Conquest: The Chinese Infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector. 

    The report had accused some Chinese nationals of engaging in illegal mining, environmental degradation, economic sabotage, and funding terrorism.

    The federation described the claims as unfounded, distancing its members from any involvement in such activities.

    The statement reads, “The Federation has recently noted the recirculation by certain media outlets of a report alleging the so-called “Chinese infiltration” of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector. The report claims that some Chinese nationals in Nigeria are engaged in illegal mining activities, seizing critical mineral resources, hindering the country’s economic and social development, damaging the local ecological environment, and even fueling terrorist activities. It also calls on relevant Nigerian authorities to strengthen governance in the mining sector.

    “The Federation hereby solemnly states that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have always strictly complied with Nigeria’s laws and regulations, in accordance with the guidance of the Chinese government. While conducting business in compliance with the law, these companies actively cooperate with Nigerian government departments to strengthen mining governance. 

    “They have also responded proactively to Nigeria’s need for industrial transformation and upgrading in the mining sector by making investments, building local factories and hiring Nigerian workers, measures that have not only boosted local employment but also enabled Nigeria to retain greater added value, turning resource endowments into tangible development dividends. By giving back to local communities, fulfilling social responsibilities, and protecting the natural environment, these companies have made positive contributions to deepening China-Nigeria mining cooperation.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Chinese mining companies deny involvement in illegal activities

    “The allegations that Chinese companies are fueling terrorism in Nigeria are completely unfounded. It must be emphasized that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist activities. They have always supported and remain willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government in safeguarding national security, with the shared aim of operating and living in a secure and stable environment.

    “The Federation hopes that the media and friends from all sectors in Nigeria will view and report on the cooperation and operations of Chinese mining companies in an objective and fair manner, and will not allow themselves to be used by those with ill motives to spread false information and undermine the cooperation and friendship between our two countries. 

    “The Federation stands ready to work with the Nigerian government and all sectors of society to further deepen mining cooperation, support Nigeria’s economic and social development, and deliver greater benefits to our two peoples.”

  • CDS pledges resilient, disciplined military to safeguard Nigeria’s unity

    CDS pledges resilient, disciplined military to safeguard Nigeria’s unity

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured that Nigeria will continue to hold a prominent place among nations, with its armed forces maintaining proactive resilience, discipline, and adherence to the rules of engagement in the fight against terrorism and other crimes.

    General Oluyede made the remarks during the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff Joint Special Christmas Lunch with troops and their families at the 26 Battalion Parade Ground, Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto. 

    Represented by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shuaibu, he emphasized the importance of a strong, collaborative approach that fosters the troops’ commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights during operational duties.

    He highlighted that following the rule of law during operations builds trust and confidence, which are essential for Nigeria’s peace and national unity. 

    General Oluyede also commended the troops for restoring citizens’ confidence, noting that their dedication aligns with the core philosophy of the military.

    “I urge you to keep the spirit high and in synergy with other security agencies with high vigilance against criminals who especially cash on festive periods and events to explore attacks .

    “Remain strategically alert and proactive against all threats to lives and our environment “, he stressed while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to a peaceful and stable Nigeria.

    Also, the COAS represented by the Theatre Commander of the  Northwest OPFY, Major General Idris Warrah urged troops of the 8 Division to rededicate themselves to the ideals and discipline by upholding the spirit of security consciousness with hight standard conduct duri g operations.

    He said saluted the sacrifices of the troops and those of the nation’s fallen heroes, stressing that their efforts must not go in vain.

    “We appreciate your concerned efforts driven by professionalism , combat readiness and sound focus for service  excellence with joint and multi agency cooperation “, he noted.

    In his welcome address at the annual event the General Officer Commanding , 8 Division of the Nigerian Army , Sokoto , Major General Ibikunle Ajose said troops of the division were committed to resilient operations for the lasting peace in the country within the space of their responsibilities.

    He explained that  the troops of the division were strategic in advancing the core objects and values of loyalty , courage and selflessness hence , displaying consistency in protecting the lives of Nigerian citizens in the northwest.

    Ajose who is also the Commander , Northwest JTF Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma assured that the 8 Division was committed to unity and operational compliance with remarkable success through continuous operations which has impacted on lives of citizens across the states of Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states to ensure locals were well secured and could play high ways without cause for alar

    This, Ajose said has enabled troops to gallantly neutralise a number of bandits and their footsoldiers in series of operations with steadfastness while appreciating and commending the strategic efforts and support of the CDS and the unwavering operational commitment and support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shuaibu.

    “I salute and specially recognise the steadfastness, discipline and focus of our troops for their result oriented efforts “, General Ajose stated. 

  • Filmmakers claim unfair screening practices on December releases

    Filmmakers claim unfair screening practices on December releases

    Nigerian film producers Toyin Abraham, Niyi Akinmolayan, and Ini Edo have alleged cinema operators of deliberate sabotage of their films through unfavourable screening practices.

    The producers claim that some cinemas are engaging in practices such as falsely declaring films sold out, assigning poor screening times, and limiting showings to just one per day.

    Toyin Abraham, whose latest film “Oversabi Aunty” is allegedly being sidelined in several cinemas, stated that she is not making money from the film.

    “They sell another ticket to people and take them to my movie hall,” she said, accusing cinemas of assigning her film early morning and late-night screening slots, which she described as commercially damaging.

    “Some cinemas will give you 10 am and 9 pm. A 10 am showtime, how do you expect it to sell?” she asked.

    Niyi Akinmolayan, director of “Colours of Fire,” also raised concerns over the treatment of his movie, accusing some cinemas of collecting money for tickets but refusing to screen the film.

    He warned that he would publicly identify cinemas and their managers if the situation didn’t improve.

    “If by end of day you don’t fix up, I am going to name all the cinemas that have Colors of Fire on their website, collected money from people and are refusing to show them the film,” he wrote.

    Ini Edo, a first-time producer, shared video recordings on her Instagram page of cinema-goers complaining about cinema misconduct, describing her experience as draining.

    She wrote, “Nigerian cinemas, this has been exhausting. As a first-timer, I learned on the go with humility and commitment, yet faced intentional frustration despite the sacrifice and investment poured into this project. But God is bigger than every barrier, bigger than gatekeeping and intimidation”.

    These complaints highlight concerns about screen time allocation during peak cinema periods, with December being the most competitive season for Nigerian cinemas. 

  • NAF C-130 aircraft lands in Portugal 

    NAF C-130 aircraft lands in Portugal 

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said that its NAF C-130 aircraft on maintenance mission to Portugal arrived its destination..

    In s statement on Friday, NAF’s spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft arrived OGMA in Lisbon, Portugal, same day.

    He said ferry flight was successful completed, transiting Banjul and Casablanca in line with an updated flight plan and established aviation safety procedures.

    “The aircraft and crew arrived without incident, marking the final phase of the movement for the scheduled depot maintenance. All personnel are safe, and remain in high spirit,” Ejodame said.

    The aircraft had on December 8 made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso, after taken off from Lagos, when the crew discovered a technical fault. 

    After spending about two weeks in the country, the aircraft landed in Accra, Ghana, before proceeding to The Gambia, and finally at its destination, Portugal.

    The NAF expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support of host authorities throughout the transit.

    It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational accountability.