NIGERIA NEWS
Ex-Senator Arise Urges Tinubu to Consider Military Action in Burkina Faso
- APC chieftain, Ayodele Arise, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a military option to secure the release of 11 Nigerian soldiers being held in Burkina Faso.
- Speaking on Arise TV, Arise argued that a decisive show of force could compel the Burkinabe authorities to rethink their stance, citing Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid as precedent.
Former Senator and APC chieftain, Ayodele Arise, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider military intervention in Burkina Faso to secure the release of 11 Nigerian soldiers currently being held there.
Speaking on Arise TV, the former Ekiti North Senator suggested that a bold, decisive move could pressure the Burkinabe junta to release the personnel. Referencing Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid, Arise argued that military action has proven effective in such hostage situations.
He stated, “I think we should move and do something. As a matter of fact, once they are aware that we want to do that, I am sure that the man who is President there will have a rethink because they are our neighbours,”. He added, “Yes, we should be friendly with our neighbours, but at the same time we should let them know that they can’t be messing with our country,”.
Arise’s comments follow confirmation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, that the 11 Nigerian military personnel remain in custody. Tuggar confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the situation, stating, “We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and we’re talking. So it’s something that is being handled diplomatically,”.
The soldiers were arrested after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft landed in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, which the Burkinabe Minister of Territorial Administration claimed was a violation of national airspace regulations without proper clearance.
Separately, Arise weighed in on the Senate’s screening of ambassadorial nominees, criticizing the practice of allowing candidates to “take a bow and go”. He noted that while the President and security agencies might have done their due diligence, the practice leads to a lost opportunity for public engagement and for Senators to be educated.
He concluded, “But many of us will prefer that the Senate ask questions. Let the nominees justify the nomination from Mr President because he himself can’t know every one of them. He is going to rely on the security report and the reference from those who work around him,”.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Munirudeen Oyebamiji on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State following the party’s primary election on Saturday.
The congratulatory message was issued in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the statement titled “President Tinubu Congratulates Oyebamiji, Osun APC Governorship Candidate,” Tinubu commended the Osun State APC for what he described as “the unity and spirit of reconciliation that preceded and also permeated the primary election conducted through affirmation.”
He also praised other aspirants who withdrew from the race, noting that they “graciously stepped down in favour of Oyebamiji, demonstrating party loyalty and a collective commitment to the APC’s ideals.”
The President urged Oyebamiji to be magnanimous in victory, encouraging him to “embrace all party leaders and former aspirants, ensuring inclusivity and cohesion as the party moves forward in the political process.”
“The journey to reclaim Osun State for the progressive fold in the 2026 governorship election has begun. I urge all members and leaders of APC in the state to remain focused, united, and resolute. Victory is achievable, and together, we will succeed,” Tinubu added.
The primary election, held in Osogbo, the state capital, was chaired by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, during which party delegates “unanimously affirmed Oyebamiji’s candidature.”
Politics Nigeria reported that Oyebamiji’s emergence followed a motion moved by governorship aspirants Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare at the primary venue within Ebunoluwa Group of Schools, Osogbo.
The APC governorship primary committee chairman, Governor Okpebholo, then subjected the motion to a voice vote, receiving overwhelming support from delegates present.
He subsequently declared, “By the power conferred on me, I present to you Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of our party.”
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, a son of France football icon Zinedine Zidane, was named on Saturday in the Algeria squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.
The 27-year-old plays for Spanish second-tier club Granada and represented France at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Algeria.
He debuted for Algeria in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda two months ago and is one of three goalkeepers chosen. The others are Oussama Benbot from USM Alger and Anthony Mandrea of Caen.
Speaking after his debut, Zidane said: “It is an honour for me, and I will give 100% to make the Algerian people proud.”
“I’m sure the players will arrive highly motivated and ready to play in this AFCON,” said Algeria coach and former Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic after announcing the squad.
“The main objective is to get past the first round… with the ambition to go as far as possible in the tournament.”
Algeria start their Group E campaign against Sudan on December 24, then face Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.
Group winners and runners-up automatically qualify for the round of 16. The best four of the six third-placed nations also advance to the knockout stage.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw selected six Premier League players in his squad for the AFCON, where they face Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin in Group D.
They are defender El Hadji Diouf (West Ham), midfielders Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham) and Habib Diarra (Sunderland) and forwards Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) and Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace).
“We are among the favourites and we accept that. I want a dominant team,” said Thiaw, who was in the Senegal squad that reached the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.
Squads
Algeria
Goalkeepers: Luca Zidane (Granada/ESP), Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Anthony Mandrea (Caen/FRA)
Defenders: Rafik Belghali (Verona/ITA), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City/ENG), Youcef Atal (Al-Sadd/QAT), Mehdi Dorval (Bari/ITA), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys/SUI), Zinedine Belaid (JS Kabylie), Ramy Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Samir Chergui (Paris FC/FRA), Aïssa Mandi (Lille/FRA), Mohamed Tougai (Esperance/TUN)
Midfielders: Ismael Bennacer (Dinamo Zagreb/CRO), Rami Zerrouki (Twente/NED), Adam Zorgan (Union Saint-Gilloise/BEL), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice/FRA), Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad/KSA), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)
Forwards: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg/GER), Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC/FRA), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli/KSA), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord/NED), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail/QAT), Monsef Bakrar (Dinamo Zagreb/CRO), Baghdad Bounedjah (Al-Shamal/QAT), Redouane Barkane (Al-Wakrah/QAT)
Senegal
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahly/KSA), Mory Diaw (Le Havre/FRA), Yehvann Diouf (Nice/FRA)
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal/KSA), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon/FRA), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray/TUR), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg/FRA), Antoine Mendy (Nice/FRA), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht/BEL), El Hadji Diouf (West Ham/ENG), Krepin Diatta (Monaco/FRA)
Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton/ENG), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham/ENG), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano/ESP), Pape Gueye (Villarreal/ESP), Lamine Camara (Monaco/FRA), Habib Diarra (Sunderland/ENG)
Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al Nassr/RSA), Boulaye Dia (Lazio/ITA), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich/GER), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton/ENG), Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace/ENG), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor/TUR), Cheikh Sabaly (Metz/FRA), Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Habib Diallo (Metz/FRA), Assane Diao (Como/ITA)
The post Algeria include son of Zinedine Zidane in AFCON squad appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of another Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, in addition to the existing one in Osogbo.
He said this will come on stream in due course, thereby complementing the strategic plan to increase the number of well-trained troops available for deployment across all parts of the country.
General Shaibu said that, in view of the current threat landscape, the drive for increased recruitment has become significantly imperative.
He charged the 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally join the service.
The recruits, who are members of the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, successfully completed six months of intensive training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, and were presented during a Passing Out Parade today, marking their official induction into the Army.
The parade, described by the COAS as a “testament to your dedication and perseverance,” showcased the skills, discipline, and esprit de corps instilled in the recruits over the course of their training.
Addressing the parade as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu said their successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline.
Highlighting the Army’s role as a professional, combat-ready force, he stressed the significance of the additional manpower in strengthening national security.
He noted that the Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational threats and that the new recruits are vital to sustaining operational readiness across the country.
“Your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline. You have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation.
I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage, and professionalism.
“The Nigerian Army will continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational security threats.
“Your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian”.
You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation,” he said.
The COAS commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, adding that the premier institution remains the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s training capabilities.
“I assure you that it will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values are the cornerstone of professional soldiering.
He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, stating:”By that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws.
Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”
The COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, and various security agencies for their continuous support to the Nigerian Army.
He also commended the Commandant, instructors, and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication in producing well-trained, professional soldiers.
“Congratulations to the passing-out recruits, your parents, and guardians for this remarkable achievement.
May your careers be distinguished, your service exemplary, and your deployment to various Army formations safe and fulfilling,” he concluded.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has expressed sadness over the security situation in some parts of the state, where residents are forced to vacate their homes at night and return in the morning.
A communiqué signed by Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, Chairman, and Muhammad Nasir Bello, Secretary of the council, was issued at the end of the Union’s Congress held on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre, Zuru Road, Sokoto.
The Congress commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in addressing terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom, particularly the recent successes in neutralising bandit kingpins terrorizing Sokoto East.
However, it expressed concern over the security situation in parts of Wurno Local Government Area and called on security agencies and the Sokoto State Government to deploy adequate security measures to restore lasting peace and protect lives and property.
The Congress expressed deep sympathy with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by insecurity and natural disasters and urged members to visit IDP camps to identify and highlight their critical needs.
It also called on governments, development partners, and humanitarian organizations to scale up interventions in shelter provision, healthcare delivery, education, and livelihood restoration for IDPs.
Additionally, the Congress commended the Sokoto State Government for its efforts in environmental sanitation and urged the government to prioritize waste management infrastructure.
The Congress further commended the State Government for enhancing the aesthetics of Sokoto metropolis and called for accelerated execution of ongoing projects in roads, education, health, and housing.
It also urged the government to intensify public sensitization on the Tax Identification Number (TIN) and make budget implementation processes more accessible to journalists.
The Congress reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to ethical journalism, accountability, and constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders towards the development of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
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Osun State has once again won the 2025 Primary Health Care Challenge, with Governor Ademola Adeleke vowing to pursue the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends.
Recall that Osun had won the 2024 PHC challenge, making the 2025 win a back-to-back win for the state of the living spring under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The PHC Leadership Challenge is a collaborative initiative designed to incentivise and recognise exceptional leadership in the delivery of Primary Healthcare (PHC) services across Nigeria.
Implemented by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in partnership with the UNICEF and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
The challenge encourages states to enhance PHC systems, thereby enforcing equitable access to essential health services for all Nigerians.
This is to fast-track the implementation of the Seattle Declaration, a commitment signed by all State Governors at the National Economic Council meeting in November 2019; to elevate Primary Healthcare on the political agenda, promote accountability, and drive measurable improvements in health outcomes.
Thirteen (13) awards are to be won annually, that is, the Best Performing and most Improved State and a runner-up in each of the regions and the National Recognition for the overall Best Performing State.
The maiden edition of the Gala/Awards night ( which was mainly based on states’ performance in 2022) was held on the 17th of May, 2023, whereas Borno State emerged as the overall winner.
Ondo State and Ogun State emerged as the winners and runners-up, respectively, in the South-West zone at the maiden edition. Osun State came 4th in the zone and 26th in the country then.
Osun’s records improved from fourth position under the previous APC government of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to the first position under Governor Adeleke in 2024, with a 500,000 award. The governor had ploughed back the 2024 cash award for the further improvement of the PHCs across the state.
For the 2025 edition, Osun State emerged as the winner of the award in the South-West, while Ogun State came 2nd. Both States went home with $500,000.00 and $400,000.0,0, respectively.
It is on record that Osun is the only state that came first in 2024 and still retains the position in 2025.
The representative of the Osun state governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, who is the deputy Governor of Osun state, commended the organisers for their due diligence and recognition of the genuine efforts of state governments to improve access to primary health care.
“Osun state government is committed to continuous delivery of good governance and democratic dividends. I commend our team for this impressive outing. I hereby direct the leadership of the health sector to ensure that Osun emerges the overall Best winner for the whole country in the next edition”, the Deputy governor quoted the governor as saying.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Hon Jola Akintola, commended Governor Adeleke for his huge commitment and investment in the health sector, describing the award as “a validation of the Governor’s exceptional performance in office.
In his words, “I want to humbly congratulate my Principal, the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, for this award. I specially appreciate him for making us proud in the health sector. His investment in the sector has yielded a lot of positive results.
This reflected conspicuously at the 2025 Health Sector-wide Joint Annual Review (JAR) held between the 12th and 14th of November, 2025, whereas Osun State performed creditably well in the Overall Performance Rating.
“In the same vein, I am profoundly grateful and congratulate the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, who doubles as the Chairman of the PHC Task Force in Osun State, for his exceptional leadership.
“I equally appreciate the SSG, the Chief of Staff, as well as the Head of Service for this award. You have all made us proud. You created the enabling environment for us to perform.
“I thank every member of the formidable team of political office holders piloting the affairs of the Health sector, right from the Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr Adekunle Akindele; Special Adviser on Primary Health, Dr Michael Oyerinde; Special Adviser Health Management Board (HMB), Dr Awoyemi; Senior Special Assistant on Health, Mrs Sherifat Akanmu; Chairman Osun State Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA), Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji; Chairman HMB, Dr K.K. Akinroye; Chairman State Primary Health Care Development Board (SPHCDB), Alh. Tajudeen Adisa; Chairman UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital (UTH), Barr. Niyi Owolade and the Chairman of Osun Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (OSEMSAS), Dr Waheed Oni”
“To our dedicated healthcare workers in the State, right from the Accounting Officers of all the afore-mentioned MDAs and their counterparts in other Ministries, most especially, the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle; the Immediate past Executive Secretary (ES) SPHCDB, Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi; incumbent Executive Secretary (ES) SPHCDB, Dr. Sina Igbalaye; the ES OSHIA, Dr. Rasaq Akindele; the PS HMB, Dr. Abayomi Oni; the Chief Medical Director of UTH, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi; PS Cabinet Office, Mr. Olusoji Wojuade; ES Osun State Agency for Control of AIDS (OSACA), Dr. Segun Daramola; PS Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Mrs. Yetunde Esan and the General Manager, OSEMSAS Dr. Olapade. You all deserve commendation for your commitment to duty and support for this administration. You actually won the award for us”, the Commissioner noted.
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A tragic altercation over inheritance ended in a double tragedy in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, where a 25-year-old man, Adamu Abdullahi, allegedly stabbed his mother, 45-year-old Hawa Sanusi, to death with a knife during a dispute over his late father’s property.
Shortly after the attack, an angry mob reportedly apprehended Adamu and lynched him.
According to local sources, Adamu had been away for several years and returned to claim his share of the inheritance, which his mother had kept in her custody out of fear that it might be squandered.
The situation reportedly degenerated into a fatal argument, during which the son stabbed his mother. Her screams attracted neighbours to the scene, where they found her lying in a pool of blood.
In an attempt to flee, Adamu was reportedly caught by an angry crowd that had gathered and was beaten to death.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said in a statement that on December 13, 2025, at about 1:30 am, a report was received indicating that one Hawa Sanusi, 45, of the Suleja area, had been killed by her son, Adamu Abdullahi, 25.
He explained that she was stabbed to death by her son during a misunderstanding between them.
“It was further reported that as a result of this, a mob attacked the suspect and he was lynched to death, ” he stated.
He added that police operatives from A Division, Suleja, moved to the scene, while members of the mob fled.
“The corpses were evacuated, the knife was also recovered and effort is ongoing to arrest the mob, ” the police spokesman added.
The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago has presented a 2026 budget proposal of over N1.031 trillion to the state House of Assembly.
The budget presentation was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim.
According to the statement, more than N270 billion has been allocated for recurrent expenditure while over N761 billion is earmarked for capital projects.
Governor Bago said the 2026 budget is designed to stimulate agricultural growth, create jobs, improve healthcare and education, rehabilitate roads, enhance water supply and electricity, and strengthen security as well as the state’s economy.
Reacting to the presentation, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, said lawmakers would carefully scrutinise the budget.
A local hunters’ group in Yobe State has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, without the payment of any ransom, following a coordinated and decisive operation involving key security and traditional authorities.
Alhaji Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village in the Ngelzarma Emirate, Fune Local Government Area, was abducted from his home at about 2:00 a.m. on November 29, 2025.
Sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that this was the fifth time the herder had been kidnapped, a likely consequence of his status as a wealthy pastoralist.
The abduction was initially reported to the Damagum Police Division. The kidnappers subsequently demanded a ransom of ₦50 million.
As police were preparing to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma consulted with the Commissioner of Police. They agreed to engage a specialized hunters’ group with proven expertise in rescue operations.
The hunters took over negotiations, successfully reducing the ransom demand to ₦7 million while simultaneously intensifying efforts to trace the kidnappers.
The trail led the hunters and security elements to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued Alhaji Babawuro without paying any ransom.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised. Another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries. Two other members of the gang were successfully arrested and have reportedly confessed to the crime.
The rescued herder was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and has since reunited with his family. The suspects and exhibits are expected to be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution, with efforts ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers.
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The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has reaffirmed its confidence in the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain him in office.
In a statement issued by its Convener, Yerima Shettima, the group said Matawalle’s continued presence in the defence portfolio was critical to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework at a time of persistent and evolving security challenges across the country.
The NSCI noted that the minister’s experience and influence, particularly in the North, remain vital to ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
The group highlighted what it described as a strong and effective working relationship between Matawalle, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
According to the statement, the collaboration among the three senior security officials has helped to create a coordinated and resilient security architecture capable of responding to the complex nature of insecurity confronting the nation.
NSCI expressed concern over recent public calls demanding Matawalle’s removal, describing them as lacking substantive justification and driven largely by political interests rather than national security considerations.
The group alleged that the campaign was being promoted by individuals seeking to undermine the Tinubu administration,
According to the group, the push for the minister’s removal is aimed at destabilising the political coalition that supports President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It argued that Matawalle’s popularity and support among northern communities constitute a strategic asset to the administration, and that attempts to dislodge him are designed to fracture that support.
The NSCI warned that removing the Minister of Defence at this stage could disrupt ongoing security operations and send a negative signal to stakeholders who have continued to support the government’s security agenda.
It said Matawalle has demonstrated commitment to inter-agency collaboration and engagement with local communities, which it claimed has contributed to recent gains in addressing insecurity.
The group urged President Tinubu to resist what it described as undue pressure from political actors and to prioritise continuity and stability within the nation’s security leadership.
It added that the strength of the administration depends significantly on cohesive alliances and sustained focus on governance rather than political manoeuvring.
Reiterating its support for the current defence leadership, the NSCI said it remained confident that the combined efforts of Matawalle and the broader security team would contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
The group pledged continued engagement with the federal government in pursuit of peace, stability and national unity.
“The retention of Minister Bello Matawalle is not merely a matter of personnel but a strategic imperative for the future of our nation.
“We call on all stakeholders to rally behind this vision and support the President in his quest to secure our homeland.
“Together, let us forge a path toward a more secure and prosperous Nigeria, where the voices of the Northern stakeholders are heard and respected.
“We remain committed to working alongside the government to ensure that our collective aspirations for peace and security are realised.”
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The Tinubu Media Force has announced plans to hold what it described as Nigeria’s largest grassroots media summit in Abuja, bringing together more than 1,000 grassroots communicators and community-based media practitioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The summit, themed “Amplifying the Renewed Hope Through Grassroots Voices: Empowering Grassroots Media for National Development,” aims to strengthen community-level communication and deepen public engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement, the National Coordinator of the Tinubu Media Force, Gbenga Abiola, said grassroots media practitioners remain some of the most influential voices within local communities, playing a vital role in shaping public understanding of government policies and national direction.
According to Abiola, the summit is intended to equip community media actors with the skills needed to responsibly amplify national development initiatives, counter misinformation, and promote unity at the grassroots.
He explained that discussions at the summit will focus on key national issues such as insecurity, economic reforms, youth employment, and human capital development, noting that effective grassroots communication is essential for sustainable national progress.
Abiola added that participants will take part in strategic discussions and interactive sessions designed to enhance coordination, encourage informed public discourse, and boost citizen participation across communities nationwide.
He said the summit reflects the Tinubu Media Force’s commitment to building a strong and coordinated grassroots media network capable of sustaining meaningful national conversations that support inclusive growth and democratic stability.
The Abuja gathering is expected to serve as a major milestone in grassroots political communication, reinforcing the importance of community voices in national development and strengthening public confidence in governance.