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  • Tinubu mourns veteran journalist, long-time associate, Bayo Osiyemi

    Tinubu mourns veteran journalist, long-time associate, Bayo Osiyemi

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prince Bayo Osiyemi, a veteran journalist, writer, politician, and one of his longstanding associates.

    Osiyemi died in Lagos on Monday at the age of 75.

    In a statement issued Monday evening by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Osiyemi as a “renowned politician, a dependable ally, and a revered leader,” particularly in his Mushin political base, where he was widely known and respected.

    Osiyemi, fondly called the “Charming Prince,” served as Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State’s first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and later as Chairman of the old Mushin Local Government.

    His public service career also saw him appointed Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a role in which President Tinubu said he further demonstrated “his devotion to the state’s development and its traditional institution.”

    The President paid tribute to Osiyemi’s legacy as a distinguished journalist and columnist whose contributions enriched the media landscape and public discourse over several decades.

    He noted that his passing represents “a great loss to Lagos, the media community, and all who admired his colourful personality.”

    President Tinubu extended condolences to the Osiyemi family, his friends, associates, and the Lagos media fraternity, praying that God grants the deceased eternal rest.

  • How Tinubu coordinated rescue of 38 Eruku church members, by sources

    How Tinubu coordinated rescue of 38 Eruku church members, by sources

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s coordination of strategies presented by heads of security agencies led to the rescue of the 38 kidnapped worshippers of Christ Aposolic Church, Eruku in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, it was learnt yesterday.

     The worshippers regained freedom through the operations of men of the Department of State Service (DSS) at about 3.20 pm on Sunday.

    Several AK-47-wielding men on Wednesday invaded the church in Eruku, Kwara State. They shot at the worshippers.

    At the end of the bloody attack, two worshippers lay dead with several others injured. The gunmen thereafter fled into the bush with 38 other worshippers, triggering international outrage.

    It was learnt from the security sources that the President took charge of coordinating the operations. He took round-the-clock briefings, weighing the options, and resolving to go to the extreme lengths to prove wrong all those accusing his administration of not protecting Christians and non-Christians enough.

    Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

    The sources disclosed that the president’s personal involvement triggered an unprecedented intelligence mapping and aerial surveillance by Office of the NSA, resulting in DSS operatives swooping on established coordinates in the forests of Oreke Okeigbo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    It was gathered that the President approved the Sunday raid by the DSS and the Nigeria Air Force.

    The sources said the operation was highly classified, so were not certain if the kidnappers fled on sighting the security operatives, or were eliminated.

    The sources drew attention to the fact that some gunmen in June attacked a marble mining company in the same area, killing two policemen, and kidnapped some Chinese workers.

  • Tinubu hails former NNPC GMD, Gaius-Obaseki at 80

    Tinubu hails former NNPC GMD, Gaius-Obaseki at 80

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, on his 80th birthday, describing him as a diligent technocrat whose reforms continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape.

    In a tribute he issued on Monday, President Tinubu said attaining 80 is “a rare blessing” achieved after “decades of hard work, diligent service, and the pursuit of excellence,” noting that Dr. Gaius-Obaseki remains one of the sector’s most influential figures.

    Tinubu praised the former NNPC chief’s remarkable career, which began when he joined the then-Nigerian National Oil Company as a geologist. 

    Through unwavering dedication, he rose to become the first manager of the National Reserve Evaluation Project before later serving as Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company and Group General Manager of the Crude Oil Marketing Division.

    The President recalled that Dr. Gaius-Obaseki’s appointment as GMD of the NNPC in 1999 marked a turning point for the corporation, as he introduced sweeping reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s oil and gas operations. 

    According to Tinubu, the octogenarian left “enduring impressions and exceptional impact” across key areas such as deep offshore exploration, gas development, pipeline and depot construction, refinery rehabilitation, LNG advancement and international petroleum diplomacy.

    Tinubu also highlighted the industry veteran’s structural innovations, including operational and legal reforms, an expanded external marketing strategy, and the rollout of mega stations, initiatives he said still define aspects of the NNPC’s identity and operations.

    “Indeed, many still talk about your enduring legacy at NNPC to this day,” the President stated, commending Dr. Gaius-Obaseki’s brilliance, diligence and patriotism.

    As he joins the ranks of Nigeria’s octogenarians, President Tinubu prayed for continued strength and long life for the former NNPC boss, thanking him for his contributions to national development.

  • Okechukwu urges Tinubu to convene special police constabulary unit to tackle insecurity

    Okechukwu urges Tinubu to convene special police constabulary unit to tackle insecurity

    A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently convene the Special Police Constabulary Unit (SPCU), rather than deploying 30,000 recruits into the existing police structure.

    Proposing a more targeted approach to rising insecurity, the former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) said it would be more effective to channel the recruits into the SPCU, as outlined in Sections 105–109 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

    According to him, “The immediate handgun is the urgent convocation of SPCU, recruited in line with the federal character principle to reflect local conditions, well-trained and equipped with a sophisticated arsenal to contain kidnappers, terrorists, and insurgents, because the recruits know their local terrain better.”

    Read Also: Tinubu battling political sabotage, not security failure — Kalu alleges

    Okechukwu cautioned that the SPCU should be a shared responsibility of the federal, state, and local governments, with funding and recruitment handled jointly and drawn from indigenes of each state, particularly community vigilantes.

    He added that the unit should operate with minimal federal constraints and be funded directly through the Federal Account Allocation Commission (FAAC), with contributions from all tiers of government.

    Noting that governors across party lines have failed to establish state police, Okechukwu argued that it is “more altruistic” for the president to urgently activate the SPCU to address local security challenges that have forced widespread school closures nationwide.

  • Tinubu prioritising security for national growth – Badaru

    Tinubu prioritising security for national growth – Badaru

    President Bola Tinubu is prioritising security as the foundation for the country’s economic growth.

    This has informed his commitment to strengthening interagency cooperation among security and intelligence agencies, as well as providing the welfare and infrastructure necessary for them to function effectively.

    The Ministry of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said this in Abuja, on Monday, at the 2025 Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference, themed “Multi-Source Intelligence and Innovation in a Changing National Security Ecosystem.”

    The conference with the theme, “Multi-source Intelligence Innovation in a Challenging National Security Ecosystem”, was attended by senior defence intelligence officers, Nigeria’s Defence Attaches/Advisers in various countries, regional directors, and state coordinators.

    Badaru said Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the security and stability of the nation provided the strategic guidance to be “united in our resolve to reinforce our collective intelligence posture and safeguard the sovereignty of our dear country.”

    The Minister said the theme of the conference was both timely and compelling, as it spoke directly to the realities of Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, which he said has become increasingly dynamic and contested.

    According to him, Nigeria no longer confronts a single, predictable enemy, but faces adversaries who exploit technology, hide within civilian populations, manipulate communication networks, and operate across both physical and digital spaces with unprecedented speed.

    He said, “From terrorism, banditry and cybercrime to violent extremism and disinformation campaigns, today’s threats are multidimensional, rapidly evolving and often unpredictable. In this environment, technological superiority has become a decisive factor.

    “Threats are no longer defined solely by terrain or manpower, but by the speed, precision, and depth of actionable information. To stay ahead, our intelligence system must be driven by innovation, agility, and strategic integration.”

    He said that in line with the President’s interest, the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Headquarters have prioritized the development of a seamless intelligence operations integration framework, and will ensure real-time data flow between the DIA, the Service Headquarters, and operational theatres.

    While commending the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for the implementation of the Joint Intelligence Mission Data and Analytics System (JIMDAS), the integration of cognitive analytics, and the enhancement of cyber-monitoring capabilities, Badaru said these are not mere technological additions but true force multipliers.

    “When effectively synchronised, they strengthen operational responsiveness and empower commanders to make informed, intelligence-driven decisions that save lives and secure victories,” he said.

    The Minister said Nigeria would continue to maintain strong regional partnerships to enhance collective security in the West African subregion. He stated that this was because intelligence today transcends national borders, as adversaries coordinate internationally.

    He said, “As a leading nation in West Africa and the wider continent, Nigeria continues to advance defence intelligence cooperation with neighbours and allies.

    “We must persist in sharing intelligence on cross-border movements, collaborating on maritime security, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

    “Our leadership in this space is both strategic and essential to regional peace and shared prosperity.”

    The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lt.-General Emmanuel Undiandeye, said the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is intentional in its efforts to harness the capabilities of technology and human intelligence resources for the attainment of national security objectives.

    Gen. Undiandeye noted that Nigeria’s contemporary security environment remains dynamic and complex, with insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and organised crimes persisting across various theatres.

    The CDI added that while security services continue to demonstrate courage, professionalism, and resilience, the modern security landscape requires a multi-dimensional and multi-agency approach to intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination.

    He said this underscores the need to deepen our understanding and integration of multiple intelligence sources – human, signal, open source, imagery, and data – to enhance institutional awareness and enable leadership decision-making.

    “Therefore, multi-source intelligence lies at the heart of our ability to anticipate, dictate, and neutralise emerging threats, integrating information from diverse domains: military, democratic, economic, technological, and socio-political, which enhances our capacity to generate actionable intelligence.

    “By leveraging innovations in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and interagency information sharing, we can achieve a unified national intelligence framework capable of supporting good strategies and operational-level decision-making.”

    According to the CDI, in line with this vision, the DIA has commenced several initiatives aimed at monitoring the intelligence landscape, which include: digitisation of the intelligence processes, enhancement of the special and cyber intelligence capabilities, and the establishment of specialised tax groups to foster collaboration with other intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

    These reforms, according to him, are designed to ensure that intelligence production remains timely, relevant, and comprehensive in addressing the demands of our national security.

    Gen. Undiandeye said the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics into intelligence work is proven to be a transformative force globally, as the volume of information generated daily across digital and physical domains far exceeds the capacity of manual analysis; hence, the DIA is committed to embedding such technologies across its operations to achieve decisive advantage in both peace and comfort.

    He said, “Furthermore, the Agency continues to promote interagency synergy and regional cooperation, recognising that national security cannot be achieved in isolation, our defence advances and attaches play a vital role in advancing intelligence diplomacy and fostering partnerships with allied nations through active measures, intelligence exchanges, and joint training, which can strengthen Nigeria’s strategic posture and contribute to regional stability.

    Read Also: Tinubu battling political sabotage, not security failure — Kalu alleges

    “The threats confronting Nigeria and the wider sub-region are not limited to traditional warfare. Transnational organised crime cyber threats, misinformation, and other security challenges that demand a holistic approach abound.

    “This is why our commitment to multi-source intelligence innovations extends beyond technology that encompasses human capacity development, institutional reforms, and the cultivation of trust among stakeholders. And this is why the Defence Intelligence Agency is investing heavily in the training and the training of each personnel to enhance analytical proficiency and ethical standards.”

    The CDI said the DIA had commenced the use of Defence Intelligence Agency Technology Centre (DIATC), established last year, noting that the centre is responsible for conducting operations, utilising the latest working-age technologies and innovations.

    “It will focus on five key areas to include cyber security, artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, and data analytics, all of which are evolving new technologies,” he said.

    Gen. Undiandeye said the conference offers an opportunity to examine the evolving nature of threats confronting the country, review operational experiences, and strengthen cooperation between the DIA, defence advisors, counterparts across national and international security institutions, and the people.

    He added that the gathering also provides an avenue to harness the collective expertise of participants who are developing sustainable strategies to save Nigeria’s national interests.

    The CDI noted that the conference was an annual forecast of events, which allowed the agency to evaluate the activities of our defence sections as well as regional and state services. 

  • Tinubu has repositioned Nigeria’s economy, says support group

    Tinubu has repositioned Nigeria’s economy, says support group

    A pro-government organisation, the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy, urging citizens to support his re-election bid.

    Speaking during a media parley on Monday in Akure, the director-general of TSG in Ondo State, Ademola Adegoroye, highlighted key policy initiatives and economic reforms he said have begun yielding tangible results across various sectors.

    According to him, recent economic measures taken by the president have led to a noticeable reduction in food prices, revitalised critical sectors, improved fiscal stability, and boosted foreign investor confidence.

    “We are, as a nation, passing through tough times, but this is like the period before a new dawn, like the pain of a woman about to give birth.

    “The President has taken bold steps to reinvent the economy. His initiatives in agriculture are bringing down food prices, and he is frontally tackling insecurity. We must support him constructively and resist forces bent on taking us back to the old ways,” he said.

    Adegoroye also appealed to media practitioners to be objective, sensitive, and patriotic in their reportage of the Tinubu administration as Nigeria works toward peace, progress, and prosperity.

    He said journalists “must be duty-bound to factor in peace, the sanctity of life, objectivity, and patriotism.”

    Other speakers at the event – including Dr. Kola Ademujimi, Dr. (Mrs.) Morin Olanipekun, Pastor Segun Ayerin, and Erelu Modupe Martins highlighted federal projects under the Tinubu administration with direct impact on Ondo State.

    Read Also: Akinyemi to Tinubu: suspend Armed Forces Act 2004

    These include ongoing construction on the Ore–Akure Road, Ado–Akure Road, Ado Ekiti–Ikare Akoko Road, and the Lagos–Calabar Super Highway, which covers more than 71 km within the state.

    They also referenced the empowerment programmes of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, from which many women in Ondo State have benefited.

    The group commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for complementary infrastructure efforts across the state, which they said are improving livelihoods and strengthening the APC’s appeal among voters.

    It, however, revealed that the official mobilisation activities by the TSG Local Government Coordinating Committees will kick off simultaneously across all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State on Wednesday, November 26.

  • Ewi of Ado-Ekiti’s leadership inspires Nigerians, says Tinubu

    Ewi of Ado-Ekiti’s leadership inspires Nigerians, says Tinubu

    • President celebrates monarch’s 80th birthday, 35th year on throne

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III on his 80th birthday.

    The Ewi also marked 35 year on the throne.

    The President described the monarch’s leadership as an inspiration to Nigerians.

    President Tinubu spoke yesterday at the celebration of the dual milestones of Oba Adejugbe’s 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of his coronation, in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

    Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu said the twin milestones were a moment of pride not only for Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State but for the entire nation, which holds the monarch in high esteem for his wisdom, dignity, and service.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, said the President noted that the Ewi stool, one of the oldest and most respected traditional thrones in Yoruba land, embodies centuries of guardianship, order, and cultural continuity.

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    He added that Oba Adejugbe has upheld and elevated these values with “uncommon grace and distinction” throughout his 35 years on the throne.

    “For more than three decades, Oba Adejugbe has embodied these sacred responsibilities with distinction. Under his reign, Ado-Ekiti has witnessed sociocultural renewal, strengthened communal harmony, and closer engagement with government institutions,” the President said.

    President Tinubu lauded the monarch’s advocacy for education, youth empowerment, peace-building, and the preservation of Ekiti’s moral and cultural heritage, noting that these virtues had earned him admiration far beyond the state.

    Describing the 80th birthday as “a remarkable milestone” marked by memories of service and dignity, the President said it offered a moment to honour a royal father whose influence had strengthened national unity and enriched Nigeria’s cultural fabric.

    “His Imperial Majesty has not only preserved the prestige of the Ewi stool, he has elevated it, demonstrating the highest ideals of integrity, humility, courage, and patriotic commitment,” he said.

    Ahead of the grand finale of celebrations yesterday, the President, through the SGF, prayed for God to grant the monarch renewed strength and long life.

    He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s deep respect for the Ewi’s contributions to peace, unity, and national development.

    Also, Akume personally extended congratulations to the royal family, the Ado-Ekiti Traditional Council and the people of Ekiti, describing Oba Adejugbe as a monarch whose life “continues to illuminate the path of justice, wisdom, and communal progress”.

    The SGF added: “We celebrate not just the age of 80, but a reign that has deepened the cultural dignity of Ekiti and captured the admiration of a grateful nation.”

  • Tinubu orders withdrawal of policemen from VIP duties

    Tinubu orders withdrawal of policemen from VIP duties

    • President to IG: redeploy them to core policing
    • Okays recruitment of 30,000

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday ordered the withdrawal of policemen attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs).

    He directed that they be redeployed to perform core policing functions in communities.

    The measure, it was learnt, is part of broader effort to boost police presence in underserved communities, particularly in remote areas where police stations are inadequately staffed.

    There have been reports that a quarter of the police personnel strength is doing guard duties to VIPs.

    He also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional men into the force.

    He said the federal and state governments have been working together to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

    The committee on this assignment is headed by Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah.

    Tinubu gave the order during a high-level security meeting yesterday at the State House, Abuja. In attendance were Service chiefs, head of the secret police and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    They are Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Department of State Service (DSS) Director-General Tosin Ajayi.

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    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasised that VIPs requiring protective services would henceforth obtain such support from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will provide the armed personnel needed for their security.

    The statement reads: “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.

    “To support this shift, the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional personnel and is working with state governments to upgrade training facilities nationwide.

    “The new deployment strategy is expected to strengthen frontline policing as the government intensifies efforts to address rising security threats across the country.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu orders withdrawal of police from VIP duties

    BREAKING: Tinubu orders withdrawal of police from VIP duties

    • …directs redeployment to core policing
    • …approves recruitment of 30,000 more police personnel, plans to upgrade training facilities 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, directing that they be redeployed to perform core policing functions in communities nationwide.

    The directive was issued during a high-level security meeting held on Sunday at the State House, Abuja, with senior security chiefs in attendance. 

    Those present included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

    According to a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasised that VIPs requiring protective services would henceforth obtain such support from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will provide the armed personnel needed for their security.

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    The move is part of a broader effort to boost police presence in underserved communities, particularly in remote areas where police stations are thinly staffed, hampering effective protection of lives and property.

    “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement noted.

    To support this shift, the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and is working with state governments to upgrade training facilities nationwide.

    The new deployment strategy is expected to strengthen frontline policing as the government intensifies efforts to address rising security threats across the country.

  • Southwest Arewa promises 600,000 votes for Tinubu’s re-election

    Southwest Arewa promises 600,000 votes for Tinubu’s re-election

    The Southwest Arewa Community for Asiwaju 2027 has pledged 600,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he seeks re-election in 2027.

    The group made this promise during South-West Stakeholders’ Summit. held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, hailed the community for supporting President Tinubu’s bid to turn around the country.

    Masari praised the South-West Arewa initiative for its loyalty and its strategic efforts towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    The venue brimmed as thousands of enthusiastic Arewa residents from across the Southwest, showcasing an impressive display of unity, commitment and renewed loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said, “Your presence reflects our collective commitment to unity, development and constructive engagement across our communities.

    Read Also: Capital market turnover hits N10tr

    “Today’s gathering brings together representatives from government, traditional institutions, market leadership and the Arewa community across the South-West. This diversity shows our strength and shared dedication to regional cooperation. We also acknowledge the ongoing national reforms and recent achievements under President Tinubu. Many here consider this summit as part of a continued partnership built on appreciation for his longstanding contributions to Nigeria and his support for communities across borders. Our structure has engaged deeply with grassroots networks, youth groups and community clusters, contributing significantly to civic awareness—reaching over 600,000 individuals across the South-West.

    “As we begin this programme, I encourage active participation, open dialogue and a united spirit. Thank you for being part of this important even.”

    Represented by Alhaji Kabiru Magaji Gozaki, the Acting Chairman of Kafur Local Government in Katsina State, Masari commended the group for strengthening the long-standing bond between Arewa residents and their Yoruba hosts. He described their pledge to deliver over 600,000 committed votes for Tinubu in 2027 as a testament to trust, harmony and shared political vision.

    One of the leaders of the group, Alhaji Shehu Usman “Sampam”, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to peaceful coexistence, civic participation and political continuity. He emphasised that the Arewa community remains an integral part of the political development of Lagos and the broader South-West.