The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Badaru denies viral claim linking his resignation to alleged US, Tinubu bombing plot

Former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has dismissed as false and mischievous an online report alleging that he resigned because he “would not watch the United States and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu bombing Nigerian forests.”

In a personally signed statement made available to The Nation, Badaru described the publication as “malicious, baseless and deliberately fabricated,” stressing that it did not originate from him or any authorised representative.

The statement, titled Rejoinder: Categorical Denial of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation as Minister of Defence, noted that the story was crafted to smear his reputation and create unnecessary discord between him and President Tinubu.

“The intent behind this fabrication is clear: to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, create unnecessary tension, and distract from the important work of governance,” he stated.

Badaru reaffirmed that the real reasons for his resignation were officially communicated to President Tinubu and later published through credible media platforms. He further restated his loyalty to the President, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his commitment to Nigeria’s peace and stability.

“My unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda remains intact. I am fully dedicated to the continued success of our great party, especially as we approach the 2027 general elections,” he added.

December 3, 2025
Army renews resolve to intensify operations against banditry in northwest — Warrah

The Theatre Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Idris Warrah, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening operational intensity to eliminate bandits and banditry across the Northwest and the country at large.

Warrah vowed that no stone would be left unturned in the military’s efforts to completely eradicate the menace in the region.

Addressing troops undergoing training at the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto on Wednesday, shortly after inspecting facilities at the training unit, the Theatre Commander emphasised that “professional competence, discipline, and regimentation” must be rooted in strict adherence to orders and respect for superiors.

He stressed that the Army was “not set to dance nor party with bandits,” but fully prepared to enhance its operational capacity through improved regimentation and discipline.

“You should all prepare your minds psychologically and brace for the task of sustaining the tempo to achieve the desired success,” he charged the soldiers.

Warrah, accompanied by the GOC 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, during his routine familiarisation and inspection tour of sector and sub-sector units, reiterated that the armed forces have a duty to protect civilians and restore peace in the Northwest and the nation.

“I must point out that the burden is on us,” he said, commending the troops for clearing key bandit enclaves, neutralising several criminals, and recovering weapons.

He assured the personnel that the armed forces would continue to provide adequate support, including for those with injuries.

He also urged wounded soldiers to extend the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, and the armed forces to their families for their resilience and support.

During a visit to the Illela 248 Recce Battalion, Warrah inspected accommodation and other facilities before urging troops to further strengthen their operational efforts.

“Your professional resilience, discipline, and respect are the foundation and bedrock upon which the military was built,” he reminded them, calling for intensified efforts as operations against banditry continue.

December 3, 2025
Ede elders mourn renowned history professor Oyeweso

The President, Ede Elders Council (Igbimo Agbaagba Omo Ilu Ede), Alhaji Sulaimon Adebayo has described the death of the renowned historian Prof Gafar Siyan OYEWESO as a collosal loss to the academic community and Ede in particular.

In a statement, Adebayo said the Elders were deeply saddened that the Community has lost a highly committed patriot and an academic of repute.

In a statement signed by Chief (Dr) Ayodele Adeyemo, the Director of Publicity of the Council, Adebayo said: “Siyan was a philanthropist, humble, amiable and was always willing to be a pathfinder to our youths, sponsoring and mentoring our willing and aspiring youths in Ede community. He was a man with large mind”.

Another elder, Chief Adebunmi Adeleke, said Prof Oyeweso was always eager to assist in things that would shape the future of Ede youths especially in their academic needs and job pursuits. “He was a great mentor to our youths. Ede would miss him sorely”, Pa Adeleke said in a regrettable mood.

Professor John Ayoade, a prominent Ede elder, who is also an Emeritus Professor of Political Science, University of Ibadan, said he was shocked on hearing of Siyan’s sudden death.

Ayoade described Prof Oyeweso as “an illustrious son of Ede. Definitely his death has would create a yawning gap in his natal community, Nigerian academia and the country generally. He was marvelous researcher and historian”.

Professor Siyan Oyeweso until his death was the Provost and Chairman of Council Obafemi Awolowo University, his Alma Mater, Provost College of Post Graduate Studies, Osun State University, a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, (FNAL).

As a renowned academic and reputable researcher, and historian of reference, Prof Siyan authored many books and numerous articles in world class journals.

He was versatile using the Media for education on culture, and people of Yoruba race.

His books on ‘History of Ede’, a documentary on Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, Timi of Ede and many other prominent traditional monarchs remain legacies.

The book titled “Ede Icons and the Making of Modern in Nigeria” edited by Prof Oyeweso is a Collective Biographies that situates the Ede people in the larger context of Nigeria history. It is a collection of essays on Iconic EDE traditional and modern elites who have made a significant contributions to the community, state and national development.

December 3, 2025
NSCDC boss inaugurates anti-corruption unit, urges personnel to resist undue pressures

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof Ahmed Audi, has inaugurated the NSCDC anti-corruption unit to reinforce the Corps’ commitment to combating corruption at all levels.

The inauguration came alongside the establishment of new Heads of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and unveiling a robust Corruption Prevention Strategy at Corps headquarters in Abuja.

Prof. Audi charged the newly inaugurated ACTU heads to lead by example, enforce compliance without fear or favour, and resist undue pressure by upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The CG, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant General (Administration), DCG Adeyinka Fasiu Ayinla, at the event, said the new NSCDC Corruption Prevention Strategy is designed to reduce misconduct, promote due process, and reinforce internal discipline within the Corps.

He applauded the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Honourable Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, stressed that corruption undermines service delivery, erodes public confidence, distorts development priorities, and weakens the security architecture of a nation.

Dr. Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, assured the NSCDC of the Commission’s continued partnership in championing preventative measures across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and appreciated the Corps for its strong anti-corruption posture.

The Chairman of the NSCDC ACTU, Acting Commandant Audrey Obeh, described the gathering as a “transformative moment” and a testament to the Corps’ dedication to integrity and national development. She commended the Commandant General for his visionary leadership, which has provided an enabling platform for the ACTU to thrive.

“The inauguration of ACTU Heads, integrity awards, and unveiling of the NSCDC corruption prevention strategy all demonstrate how we are intentionally strengthening the pillars of accountability within our system,” Commandant Obeh stated.

December 3, 2025
FEC approves 2026–2028 MTEF, projects ₦34.33trn revenue

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), outlining revenue projections, fiscal assumptions and spending priorities that will guide the government’s economic direction over the next three years.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the document was jointly presented by the Budget Office of the Federation, led by its Director-General, Tanimu Yakubu, in collaboration with officials of his ministry.

Bagudu said the Council adopted an oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day for 2026, while a more conservative 1.8 million barrels per day will be used for budget planning.

An oil benchmark price of $64 per barrel was approved, alongside a projected exchange rate of ₦1,512 to the dollar.

He noted that the exchange rate assumption factored in the fiscal outlook ahead of the 2027 general elections, explaining that all parameters were drawn from extensive macroeconomic analysis by the Budget Office and other relevant agencies.

According to the minister, the federal government expects to generate ₦34.33 trillion in revenue in 2026, reflecting efforts to deepen non-oil earnings, improve tax administration, and broaden the national economic base.

He added that the Council also reviewed comments from cabinet members before approving the Medium-Term Fiscal Expenditure Ceiling (MFTEC), which sets spending limits and reinforces fiscal discipline.

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the MTEF dominated Wednesday’s discussions, although Council also considered two financing proposals.

He disclosed that FEC approved a $100 million African Development Bank facility under the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund to support entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, especially those operating small and medium-scale businesses.

Council further endorsed an Islamic Development Bank facility for an integrated agricultural development project in Yobe State to bolster food production and rural livelihoods.

Edun said President Tinubu commended the Council’s work but emphasised that the administration must intensify efforts toward economic transformation.

While acknowledging recent improvements in GDP growth, the President was quoted as insisting that current growth levels fall short of his target of 7 percent.

He therefore directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to focus capital spending on growth-enhancing and job-creating projects, warning that the government expects more measurable outcomes from capital investments in the months ahead.

Details shortly…

December 3, 2025
APGA backs Tinubu over nomination of former CDS as defence minister

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on Wednesday, said the nomination of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence is a right peg in the right hole.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday nominated Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.

His nomination was transmitted to the Senate on Tuesday in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

National Chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, while speaking to reporters in Abuja, said this is one appointment that has not generated rancour within Nigerians.

He urged Tinubu to further march words with action and tackle insecurity with fear or favour.

Ezeokenwa advised the incoming Minister of Defence to curb the insecurity and ensure that those responsible for the crisis in the country are caught and prosecuted in the nearest future.

He said, “We applaud President Bola Tinubu over the nomination of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. This is a good development, and Nigerians supported this appointment. There is hope that the insecurity will be tackled with full force”.

December 3, 2025
BREAKING: Senate confirms ex-CDS Musa as new Defence Minister

The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as the new Minister of Defence.

Tinubu had, in a letter transmitted to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, urged the lawmakers to consider the former CDS’ nomination.

During his appearance on Wednesday, December 3, Musa pledged to overhaul military professionalism and launched a defence of the nation’s capacity to defeat its internal adversaries.

Musa opened his remarks by assuring the Senate and Nigerians of his commitment to national security.

“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe. We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team because it’s going to be a team effort,” he stated

He described the current security threats as “evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives,” and emphasised the need for unified national support to deny them success.

Read Also: BREAKING: US imposes visa restriction on individuals violating religious freedom in Nigeria

Drawing on his 39 years of military service, Musa affirmed his understanding of the security challenges and the necessary solutions.

He said, “I want to assure Nigerians that as I’m coming on board, having served 39 years. All through my career in the armed forces, we have seen what is going on, we have understood what is going on, and we know what we need.”

In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai.

He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

Musa served as CDS from 2023 to October 2025, when the President relieved him of the job.

December 3, 2025
Deputy Speaker, ED NEXIM Bank boss, Skyewise CEO, others harp on youth entrepreneurship

Notable political and business leaders have called on Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship as a strategic path to reducing rising unemployment and low productivity in the country despite its expanding population.

This charge was the highlight of discussions at Meet the CEOs 5.0, a business summit organised by the Skyewise Foundation, a subsidiary of Skyewise Group, a leading automobile, investment, and credit management company.

With the theme “Modern Entrepreneur: Navigating an Evolving World,” the event brought together financial experts, bank executives, leadership advocates, investors, government agencies, and innovators to explore ways of harnessing Nigeria’s youthful population to create wealth and drive economic growth.

In his presentation, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sam Hart, commended the creativity of Nigerian youths and said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive. He added that the National Assembly is supporting the executive to ensure small-scale businesses flourish, urging stakeholders to encourage innovation and positive change.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotette, stressed that entrepreneurship requires patience and consistency. She encouraged young Nigerians to seize opportunities, become problem solvers, and contribute to building a better nation.

Earlier, the MD/CEO of Skyewise Group, Dr. Elvis Abuyere, said the summit aims to support young entrepreneurs through mentorship and financial empowerment, and to discover emerging talents ready to achieve their goals. He noted that the initiative is designed to groom innovators into job creators capable of navigating economic challenges.

At the event, millions of naira were disbursed to outstanding young entrepreneurs following a business pitch competition. The star prize winner, Mercy Young, CEO of Hairverse Ventures Limited, received ₦4 million. First runner-up, Love Ajagbe-Ayankola, CEO of Loib Crea8tive Limited, won ₦3 million, while second runner-up, Lydia Ekpong Thompson of All Gree Ivy Limited, received ₦2 million. Chinedu Emmanuel, CEO of Hemoglobin, took home ₦1 million as third runner-up.

In an instant business pitch session, Mr. Huzeva Aminu emerged winner and was rewarded with ₦2 million.

The event featured several notable personalities as speakers and panelists, including Dr. Moses Dari (representing the deputy governor of Edo State), Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Nollywood actor Uzee Usman, Inonge Imbula (Founder, Imbula Consultancy), Farida Mirzebleava (Content Creation Coach), Joshua Chibueze (Founder, PiggyVest), Ebuka Ebuziem (CEO, Adire Team), and Val Okafor (representative of the Minister of Youth Development).

Others in attendance included Dr. Lois Andrew Ihwo (CEO, Dee Utensils), Mrs. Lillian Elvis Abuyare, Olajide Abiola (CEO, The Destination Hotel), and Ibidapo Lawal (CEO, Nevaeh Limited).

Chris Ade, fourth runner-up in Project Fame West Africa (Season 5), also thrilled the audience with a musical performance.

December 3, 2025
Tinubu’s wife disburses business grants to over 9,500 persons with disabilities
- …over 200 PWDs benefited in Ondo
In a major to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has provided business grants to over 9,500 beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme.

The empowerment programme, launched on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo state, coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and aims to strengthen the livelihoods of business owners among PWDs.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, said each of the beneficiaries will receive N200,000 to recapitalize and expand their existing businesses.

She also explained that, in addition, every state, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) will receive N50 million for distribution to beneficiaries within their domain, bringing the total budget for the initiative to N1.9 billion.

“Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) Business Recapitalization Grants to two hundred and fifty (250) Persons with Disabilities in each State and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Also, each state of the federation, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association will each receive fifty million naira (N50,000,000), to be distributed to the beneficiaries in their domain.

“In total, nine thousand, five hundred (9,500) Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from this programme, amounting to One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000),” Mr Tinubu said.

According to her, over the past two years, the RHI has directly supported more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, through financial grants to grow their businesses.

The first lady added that the initiative also extends support to sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and social welfare, and has provided relief to victims of floods, communal clashes, and other disasters, including the elderly, widows, orphans, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country.

“Our Social Investment Programmes have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes.

“Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, we have so far delivered food items to 22 States and the FCT. We also provide food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable communities. We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need.

“In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she added.

Tinubu, however, encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the grants, noting that the opportunity must be a “seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”

Earlier, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the state has continued to benefit from different national intervention programmes.

Osamaye, who lauded President Tinubu for initiating the economic empowerment programme, urged the PWDs to ensure the fund was judiciously spent on their businesses.

“Today, Ondo state can boldly say that it has benefited from various national intervention programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

“We are immensely grateful for this support and opportunity. I can assure that the 250 persons with disabilities who will benefit from this gesture in the state will make judicious use of the fund,” she said.

Remarking, Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons Living With Disabilities in the state. Abiodun Olusegun commended the first lady for the opportunity to allow PWDs to benefit from the Renewed Hope Initiative of the current administration.

He, however, called on the beneficiaries to use the grants to uplift their various businesses and trades, urging them to also renew their support for President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid.

Photos: First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, presented the grants of PWD beneficiaries in Akure on Wednesday.
December 3, 2025
Edo to raise N160bn to tackle Ecological challenges in 2026

The Edo state government has said it would attempt to raise the sum of N160bn in 2026 through the Ecological/Climate Trust to tackle ecological challenges in the state.

It said its three-year budget would not be enough to remediate gully erosion sites across the state.

Executive Chairman, Ecological Funding and Management Commission, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, who spoke at a press briefing in Benin City, said the over 60 gully erosion sites would be remediated in phases.

Dr. Agbomhere stated that the Monday Okpebholo Green Revolution would be unveiled alongside the launching of the Ecological Trust Fund.

Agbomhere raised the alarm over increasing illegal sand mining sites in several communities in the Edo South senatorial district.

He said the operators have no plans to remediate the sites after their operations.

Besides raising funds to tackle ecological challenges, Dr. Agbomhere said the state planned to plant one million trees in four years.

According to him, “We went round Edo State after we were inaugurated to assess all the negative ecological impact sites in the state. We were devastated by what we saw. I never believed Edo had been devastated by gully erosion until we did our assessment tour.

“Edo State budget for three years cannot resolve the issues of the gully problem. To resolve and remediate one gully, we need between N5bn to N6bn. We have some that will cost N20bn. Edo State alone cannot solve the issue of gully erosion because the budget is for many projects.

“We are expecting to raise N160bn to solve Ecological problems at the Trust Fund to be able to resolve ecological challenges. We cannot remediate all the gullies, so we have to do them in phases.

“Part of our plan is to turn these gully sites into tourist attractions. We will restore, conserve, and preserve. We are already designing projects that we will put in every gully we remediate.”

On illegal sand mining, Dr. Agbomhere said the sites were already creating gullies that would become problems in the future.

“A lot of companies are operating in Edo state. After their operation, they will leave the state without remediating the environment. We are calling on them to tell us their plans of remediation when they leave.”

December 3, 2025