Connect with us

NIGERIA NEWS

Enugu State CSDA; Monday Diamond Ani resumes office,promises to propel huge Community Developments — Akelicious

Avatar photo

Published

on

Enugu State CSDA; Monday Diamond Ani resumes office,promises to propel huge Community Developments — Akelicious


The recently appointed General Manager/Chief Executive of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency(CSDA) Hon Monday Diamond Ani has assumed office in line with the directive of the Governor HE Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

Monday Diamond Ani who was cheerfully received by the former Acting GM Mrs Ugochukwu Okechukwu and other members of staff of the CSDA, has promised not to let the Governor down on His expectations of him in the office.

The new GM noted that the Office is a huge one that requires great commitment and dedication to achieve huge results.

He stressed that he loves touching lives positively, hence he will do all he can in line with the leadership philosophy of His Excellency the Governor to attract and propel unprecedented developments mostly in the rural communities of Enugu State.

Monday Diamond Ani who had his second and third degree in Public Administration and Local Government Matters also thanked the Governor for believing in him and appointing him into such sensitive and very important position, promising not to disappoint Him and the good people of Enugu State.



SOURCE PAGE

NIGERIA NEWS

Eastern Nigeria is open for business, says Chidoka

Avatar photo

Published

on

Eastern Nigeria is open for business, says Chidoka


By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has reaffirmed the resilience and economic openness of Eastern Nigeria, declaring that the region is firmly open for business, travel, and community life.

In a reflective post on Saturday, Chidoka pushed back against narratives that define societies solely by their most difficult moments. He highlighted the visible return of normalcy, movement, and shared joy across the region during the festive season.

“No society is defined only by its hardest moments. What matters is how people continue to live, return home, and find joy despite them,” Chidoka stated. He pointed to bustling markets, packed motor parks, active highways, and family reunions as clear indicators of social stability and economic life.

Millions of Easterners travelled home for Christmas and year-end celebrations, demonstrating the region’s social stability. Chidoka noted that ordinary life is not only unfolding but thriving across the East, from Aba to Awka, Onitsha to Nsukka, Abakaliki to Owerri.

The December economy recorded seasonal highs, reinforcing the South-East’s role as a major driver of national enterprise. Trade, transport, hospitality, and informal commerce thrived, showcasing the region’s resilience.

Chidoka’s message carried a deeper political and economic undertone, emphasizing that communities are actively choosing unity, continuity, and progress over fear or retreat. “What I see are people choosing community, resilience, and joy in motion,” he noted.

Using the unifying message ‘EastIsOpen,’ Chidoka called for a reframing of the South-East narrative, one that reflects lived realities rather than isolated incidents. He celebrated the unique strengths of each state with hashtags “AdmirableAbia, AmazingAnambra, EndearingEbonyi, ExcitingEnugu, and InvitingImo,”

The statement aligns with historical patterns: a region that repeatedly absorbs shocks yet rebounds through enterprise, kinship networks, and mobility. The festive return of millions this December confirmed that confidence in the East remains strong.

As debates continue nationally around security, investment, and regional development, Chidoka’s intervention serves as reassurance and invitation—reassurance to citizens and the diaspora, and an invitation to investors, partners, and policymakers. Eastern Nigeria is alive, moving, and open for good—and it is ready to tell its own story.





SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Nigerian Man Passes Away After His Wedding in Abuja, Emotional Story Goes Viral

Avatar photo

Published

on

Nigerian Man Passes Away After His Wedding in Abuja, Emotional Story Goes Viral


  • A young Nigerian man got many people emotional after his friends shared the news of what happened to him online
  • The friends mentioned that they attended his wedding to his beautiful wife, which took place several hours ago in Abuja
  • However, several of his friends have shared updates on social media about him, revealing that he died a day after his wedding

A young Nigerian man, Bashir, popularly known as Marketing Guru, has died a day after his wedding, as confirmed by one of his friends.

The friend, Yahaya Crypto, took to his Facebook page to break the news to his followers and also shared details of his last chat with Bashir.

Friends mourn man who died a day after weddingMarketing Guru passes away just after getting married. Photo source: Tiktok/abuobasheer
Source: TikTok

Man dies a day after wedding

Announcing his death, Yahaya Crypto wrote on Facebook:

“Hasbunnallah wanimal wakil. Life is uncertain. God has taken our friend Marketing Guru.””Yesterday at his wedding in Abuja, today they are going to dinner with his wife, and I just found out that he died this morning.”

Read also

“I Don Stop to Dey Give Women Belle”: 2Baba Declares Himself a Changed Man

“May God have mercy on him and grant him eternal rest.”

Another friend of Bashir, known as Marketing Guru, shared his recent outing with him.

The individual, @OmarLadan_, mentioned that he attended Marketing Guru’s wedding but now he is no more.

He wrote online:

“Went to his wedding yesterday, took this vid 5 days ago, but he’s no more today. Subhanallah!!””Day before his marriage, I escorted him to have his hair cut. He said, ‘Umar Dan Allah, karkafini kyau ran aurena.’ Subhanallah. This world is nothing.”Nigerian man dies suddenly after his wedding ceremonyYoung man dies a day after his wedding in Abuja. Photo source: Tiktok/abuobasheer
Source: TikTok

Another individual who identified himself as Nas, a friend of the late Bashir @Ameenu_Kutama, reacted to his death and shared some sensitive details about his wedding.

His statement read:

“My close friend arrived in Abuja on Thursday ahead of his wedding. He fell ill that same day, but the wedding proceeded on Friday as planned. He managed to return to Kano last night, only to pass away today. I am devastated. May Allah forgive Baba and grant him mercy. Ameen.”

Read also

Man celebrates 3rd wedding anniversary, mentions how many wives he would marry again, people react

The passing of Bashir has generated reactions online, with several individuals speaking about him.

Reactions as man dies after wedding

@FaruqCrypto01 noted:

“He Married yesterday gone today 💔 Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah grant him Jannah.”

@abdool_moh stressed:

“As a bride, losing your husband to death on your wedding day has to be one of the most traumatizing life experience.”

@ibress387006 shared:

“Life in this world is uncertain. We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. May Allah forgive him, have mercy on his soul, and grant him Jannah. We have lost a great Marketing Guru. May Allah give his family and loved ones the strength to bear this loss.”

@zaMusbeyNe_ stated:

“This is the young man who got married yesterday and passed away today. May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannah.”

@Hamzahuthman77 said:

“Innalillahi wa’inna ilayhi raji’un. He got married yesterday and passed away today, Marketing Guru who makes videos on Trading knowledge on TikTok, May Allah have mercy on him and forgive him. And give his wife and family patience in this loss..”

Read also

“Is that not pregnancy?” Lateef Adedimeji, MoBimpe’s wedding anniversary video fuels speculation

Read the post below

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian wedding ceremony was canceled after the sudden death of the groom. One of the friends of the late husband-to-be narrated how the tragedy occurred.

Bride honours late mother with wedding portrait

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a bride moved many to tears by creating a portrait of her late mother, who passed away just days before her wedding, to honor her and symbolically include her in the ceremony.

In a heartfelt gesture, the bride held her mother’s portrait during the wedding, allowing her presence to be felt and creating an emotional moment that went viral on social media.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Lady astonishes many as she reads 120 books, shares how she did it

Avatar photo

Published

on

Lady astonishes many as she reads 120 books, shares how she did it


Lady astonishes many as she reads 120 books, shares how she did it

Lady impresses many as she shows of the stacks of 120 books she read in 2025, revealing how she managed to read so much.

The lady identified as identified as @xx_howdy on X took to the social networking platform to share the achievement.

Lady astonishes many as she reads 120 books, shares how she did itBookworm.

Lady reads over 100 books in a year

The young lady left mouths ajar after she revealed that within the year, she had read 120 books.

She shared a photo of the stacks of books she had finished reading in the year, posing between the tall stacks of books.

The bookworm expressed excitement at having reached her goal for the year.

“I did it!! 120 books read this year 🎉📚”

Lady shares how she read so much

One netizen @AnkomahGabi asked: “How did you do that, a book every 3 days?”

@xx_howdy responded: “It’s not calculated. I just love to read”

Another netizen, @KwameDee7 asked: “So now that you’re done reading them, what happens to those books?”

@xx_howdy reacted: “Worship them”

@AlexEbiowei said: “I used to read this aggressively… Now I want to focus more applying those knowledge to my life. I’d still read don’t get me wrong, but not as much. However, this year I still read more than 30 books!”

Check out post below …



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

I’m most abused politician after Tinubu – Wike

Avatar photo

Published

on

I’m most abused politician after Tinubu – Wike


Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday said he is the most abused politician in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu.

Wike spoke in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, during a meeting with the LG’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders.

The meeting was part of the end of the year thanksgiving service.organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, in Ochigba, his hometown.

Wike explained that people abuse him because he insists on agreements which would ensure that his followers are carried along.

He said: “After Tinubu, the next most abused politician today is me. Why are they abusing me? Because they know that agreement is agreement.

“When we have agreed on something let’s implement it, if we can’t implement it, don’t even come for it.

“So for us, long before now we have agreed that we must make sure that we will continue to support Tinubu, that is the position you took and that is the position we are going to still take.”



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Akwa Ibom backs Tinubu’s directive on direct funding for local governments

Avatar photo

Published

on

Akwa Ibom backs Tinubu’s directive on direct funding for local governments


The Akwa Ibom state government has said it is fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that funds should be paid directly to local governments.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, stated this on Friday, noting that Governor Umo Eno has consistently supported financial autonomy for local government councils.

Umanah said that even before the Supreme Court judgment which affirmed direct allocation to councils, Governor Eno had never interfered with local government funds.

He maintained that the governor is a strong advocate of grassroots development, a commitment he said has enabled local governments in the state to thrive.

“Governor Umo Eno is a lover of grassroots development, and that is why he fully supports the President’s directive for funds to be sent directly to local governments,” Umanah said.

“Local governments in the state are executing projects, awarding contracts and carrying out empowerment programmes at the grassroots because the state government does not tamper with their funds.

“To the governor, President Tinubu’s renewed directive is not just an instruction, but a moral duty for all governors across the country to allow the third tier of government to be financially independent.

“Visit any of the 31 local government areas of the state and you will confirm that this administration aligns with the President’s mandate to uplift local communities,” he added.



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

I’m the Most Insulted Politician After Tinubu – Wike

Avatar photo

Published

on

I’m the Most Insulted Politician After Tinubu – Wike


The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he is one of the most attacked political figures in Nigeria today.

He placed himself just behind President Bola Tinubu in terms of public insults and criticism.

Wike made the remark while speaking to political stakeholders in Rivers State.

He used the occasion to defend his political choices and reaffirm his loyalty to President Tinubu, insisting that his position has not changed since the 2023 general elections.

The FCT Minister spoke on Saturday in Ochigba community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. He was at the country home of Chibudom Nwuche, Chairman of the South-South Development Commission. The visit was part of a thanksgiving service held in honour of Nwuche and his family.

Addressing leaders from the local government during a brief closed-door interaction, Wike said attacks against him were politically motivated. He explained that many of those criticizing him today were not visible during the heat of the last election cycle.

According to him, his backing of President Tinubu was based on commitment and agreement, not convenience. He stressed that consistency and loyalty remain the foundation of his political decisions.

Wike stated: “We have never wavered in our support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Let me tell you, after President Bola Tinubu, the next most abused politician is me.
Why are they abusing me? Because they know agreement is what? When we have agreed on something, let’s implement it.”

The former Rivers State governor argued that many individuals now parading themselves as supporters of the President were absent when support truly mattered. He said this reality explains the hostility directed at him.

In his remarks, Chibudom Nwuche praised Wike’s political courage and leadership style. He assured that political leaders and stakeholders across Rivers State would continue to stand by the FCT Minister.

Nwuche described Wike as a key political figure whose influence remains strong in the South-South region.

The gathering was attended by party leaders, traditional figures, and political allies, many of whom echoed calls for unity and continuity in political engagement within the state.



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Young groom passes away a day after his wedding

Avatar photo

Published

on

Young groom passes away a day after his wedding


A young groom, who had just celebrated one of the happiest days of his life, reportedly passed away just hours after his wedding.

The sad news emerged shortly after friends and well-wishers had celebrated the joyous ceremony.

Wedding Photos Flood Social Media

Friends who attended the wedding earlier shared cheerful photos from the event, celebrating the couple and wishing them a happy life together.

Sadly, the mood quickly changed when news broke that the groom had died not long after.

Friends Confirm His Death

Hours later, friends took to X to announce the shocking loss. One close friend, who had been posting about the wedding, wrote emotionally:

“Innalillahi wa innailaihi Rajiun. The friend I went to his wedding yesterday is no more today. Indeed, the life of this world is nothing but enjoyment of delusion. Allah yajikansa da rahama. Please pray for him. He lived a good and kind-hearted life. Subhanallah.”

Memories of the Groom Shared Online

The same friend shared a video of the groom taken shortly before the wedding, expressing disbelief at his sudden death. He wrote:

“Went to his wedding yesterday, took this video 5 days ago, but he’s no more today. Subhanallah!!”

Heartfelt Tribute From Friends

Another friend recalled taking him for a haircut ahead of the wedding, sharing the groom’s excitement for his big day.

He wrote: “Day before his marriage I escorted him to barb his head. He said, ‘Umar Dan Allah karkafini kyau ran aurena, subhanallah.’ This world is nothing.”

See below;

Young groom passes away a day after his wedding

Young groom passes away a day after his weddingYoung groom passes away a day after his wedding



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Extend U.S–Nigeria military strikes against terrorists to northeast, Ndume tells FG

Avatar photo

Published

on

Extend U.S–Nigeria military strikes against terrorists to northeast, Ndume tells FG


Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to extend Nigeria’s joint military operations with the United States against terrorist hideouts to the North-East region of the country.

Ndume made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday, while commending the recent military strikes carried out against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) cells in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

United States President, Donald Trump, had announced the attacks on his Truth Social platform, revealing that the Department of War executed what he described as “numerous perfect strikes” against terrorist targets.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, later confirmed the development, stressing that the U.S. military strikes were conducted with Nigeria’s full cooperation, approval and intelligence support. 

He added that the operation did not violate Nigeria’s sovereignty and was not directed at any religious group.

Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said extending the joint military operations to the North-East would significantly weaken the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram insurgents operating in the region.

“We welcome this cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in targeting terrorist hideouts,” he said. “I am calling on them to extend it to the North-East where ISWAP and Boko Haram have their three known black spots, Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest, which are exclusive strongholds of these groups.”

He further urged that the military partnership with the United States should go beyond air strikes to include support for ground troops through training, intelligence sharing and logistics, as well as the deployment of attack helicopters to back ground operations.

The federal lawmaker commended President Bola Tinubu for allocating what he described as the highest budgetary provision to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill but insisted on the need for accountability and transparency in the utilisation of the funds.

Reacting to the recent suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Gamboru, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which claimed five lives and left many others injured, Ndume expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

“I sympathise with the victims of the bomb blasts in Borno State, where many people were killed and injured,” he said. “The incident at the mosque in Gamboru clearly shows that the terrorists do not care about religion. 

“In this instance, which occurred on the eve of Christmas, all the victims were Muslims. 

“The narrative of religious targeting does not exist. These terrorists are simply bent on making life unbearable for our people and are blind to religion.”



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

‘Osimhen Is Natural Leader Of Super Eagles’, Says Amuneke

Avatar photo

Published

on

‘Osimhen Is Natural Leader Of Super Eagles’, Says Amuneke


Former Super Eagles star player, Emmanuel Amuneke, has hailed Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, as the natural leader of Nigeria’s national soccer team.

Amuneke, who represented Nigeria in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, highlighted that Osimhen has consistently shown the same dedication and character since his debut.

Speaking to Victor Modo ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with Tunisia on Saturday night at the ongoing 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, Amuneke recalled Osimhen’s unwavering commitment to the national team, dating back to his U17 days.

“One thing I can always say is that the character Osimhen demonstrates as a leader today is exactly what he has shown over the years,” Amuneke said.

He added that it would bring him immense joy to see Osimhen lift the AFCON trophy for Nigeria, insisting that the former African Player of the Year truly deserved to win the continental soccer tournament.

After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match at Morocco 2025, the Super Eagles face a tougher challenge against Tunisia this Saturday.

While Nigeria aims to secure a win and strengthen their position in Group C, the Carthage Eagles will also be eager to claim the top spot, promising an intense encounter.



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Lagos Blue Line increases daily trips to 54 for Wizkid concert

Avatar photo

Published

on

Lagos Blue Line increases daily trips to 54 for Wizkid concert


Lagos Blue Line train heads to Mile 2 Terminal during its commercial launch. Photo: Pius Utomi Ekpei / AFP

The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will operate an expanded train schedule on Sunday, 28 December 2025, to support passenger movement for Wizkid’s “G.O.A.T: The Greatest Of All Time Experience” concert at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), according to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

In a notice shared on its official X account, LAMATA said the Blue Line will increase services from its regular 22 Sunday trips to 54 train trips for the day.

The enhanced operations will run at 30-minute intervals between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. to accommodate increased passenger demand linked to the concert.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 28 December, and end at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025.

LAMATA said normal weekday operations on the Blue Line, comprising 90 daily train trips from 6:30 a.m., will resume on Monday.

The LRMT Blue Line, which runs between Marina and Mile 2 along the Badagry corridor, has become a key component of Lagos State’s public transport system.

Passenger services on the first phase of the line were officially launched in September 2023, following its inauguration by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The expanded service for the Wizkid concert builds on earlier operational adjustments made by LAMATA since the rail line became fully electric.

In October 2023, the authority announced a transition from diesel to electric-powered operations, a move that enabled a significant increase in daily train trips.

At the time, LAMATA said the number of trips would rise from 12 to 54, with a longer-term target of further increases as additional train sets were deployed.

LAMATA’s Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said during the electrification phase that temporary service suspensions were necessary to ensure passenger safety while power systems were tested.

The switch to electricity, she said, was designed to support higher service frequency and increased passenger capacity.

Since the start of operations, the Blue Line has recorded steady passenger usage. LAMATA previously said the rail service had transported more than 80,000 passengers in its early months, with projections indicating higher daily passenger volumes as services expanded and public awareness increased.

The decision to run additional trips for the concert reflects a pattern of transport planning around major events in Lagos, particularly those held on Lagos Island, where road congestion is common during large gatherings.

Tafawa Balewa Square regularly hosts national and cultural events, often requiring coordinated traffic and public transport arrangements.

LAMATA did not announce any changes to fares or station access arrangements for the concert period. Passengers are expected to use existing stations along the Blue Line corridor under normal operating conditions.



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Muslim group asks Nigerian Govt to provide clarifications on US airstrikes

Avatar photo

Published

on

Muslim group asks Nigerian Govt to provide clarifications on US airstrikes


The Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has raised concerns over the United States military strikes on alleged ISIS enclaves in Sokoto State, calling on the Nigerian government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation and reaffirm the country’s sovereignty.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC said it unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and supports efforts to eliminate violent extremism in Nigeria.

However, the organisation said it was disturbed that news of the alleged strike was first announced by authorities in Washington rather than by the Nigerian government.

MPAC said the manner in which the information emerged raises questions about transparency, authority and national dignity.

“Military operations conducted on Nigerian territory should be communicated primarily by Nigeria’s own authorities, not by foreign governments addressing their domestic audiences”, the statement read

The organisation cautioned that while security cooperation with international partners is important, it should not evolve into operational dependence. MPAC stressed that intelligence sharing and strategic alliances must not undermine Nigeria’s control over its security decisions.

It also questioned official explanations indicating that Nigerian intelligence contributed to the operation while the United States carried out the strike because of its superior capabilities.

MPAC noted that Nigeria has previously demonstrated the ability to project military force within the region and argued that this capacity should be sufficient to address security challenges within its own borders.

Drawing on past US military interventions in other countries, the group warned of the potential risks of foreign-led strikes, including civilian casualties and prolonged instability. MPAC also expressed concern over past rhetoric by US leaders which, it said, could fuel religious division.

The organisation emphasised that many victims of terrorism in Nigeria are Muslims and warned against actions that could deepen sectarian tensions in the country.

MPAC called on the Federal Government to urgently explain the legal, operational and diplomatic framework under which the reported strike occurred, reassure Nigerians that the nation’s sovereignty remains intact, and recommit to building a security architecture that is Nigerian-led, Nigerian-controlled and Nigerian-accountable.

“Security is the primary responsibility of any government and cannot be subcontracted,” the statement said, urging authorities to prioritise transparent governance and Nigerian-led solutions to the country’s security challenges.



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Tinubu Govt Deploys 7,000 Forest Guards To Flush Out Bandits, Terrorists

Avatar photo

Published

on

Tinubu Govt Deploys 7,000 Forest Guards To Flush Out Bandits, Terrorists


The Federal Government has concluded plans to deploy no fewer than 7,000 newly trained forest guards to seven pilot states as part of renewed efforts to curb insecurity and reclaim Nigeria’s vast ungoverned forest spaces.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this on Saturday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, during the graduation ceremony of the forest guards who had undergone intensive training.

Ribadu said the guards would be deployed immediately to communities worst hit by insecurity, particularly areas around forests that have become havens for criminal elements.

“We are fully aware of Nigerians’ concerns about insecurity across the country. Accordingly, the newly trained Forest Guards will be deployed immediately to all the beleaguered communities in the highlighted states, particularly around forested and ungoverned spaces,” the NSA said.

According to Ribadu, the primary responsibility of the forest guards is to gather actionable human intelligence, support ongoing security operations, and restore government presence in areas where it has been weak or completely absent for years.

He noted that the guards are expected to work closely with existing security agencies in tackling banditry, insurgency, terrorism, and other criminal activities being perpetrated from forest hideouts across the country.

“The mandate of the Forest Guards is essentially to tackle bandits, insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements that are exploiting Nigeria’s vast, ungoverned forest spaces,” he stated.

Ribadu explained that the guards earned their graduation after completing an intensive three-month training programme conducted simultaneously in the seven pilot states of Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Yobe.

He said the training was designed to prepare them for the harsh realities of forest operations.

“Trainees underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations,” he said.

The NSA recalled that the trainees were mobilised under the Presidential Forest Guards initiative, which was launched by President Bola Tinubu in May this year as a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the states.

According to him, the programme reflects the administration’s resolve to address insecurity through proactive and intelligence-driven measures.

He added that instructors and coordinators for the training were drawn from several security and intelligence agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Park Service, and the National Intelligence Agency.

Ribadu disclosed that the current deployment marks only the pilot phase of the initiative, stressing that the Federal Government is already working towards expanding the programme nationwide.

“The pilot phase of the forest guards rollout provides a solid foundation for a nationwide deployment after more guards are accordingly recruited,” he said.

“As we speak, processes have commenced to train new batches across additional states, ensuring rapid expansion and comprehensive national coverage.”

In his remarks, the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, charged the graduating forest guards to see their assignment as a call to national service.

He urged them to carry out their duties with professionalism and respect for civilians.

Fintiri advised the guards to treat residents of host communities with civility, noting that winning the trust of locals would be critical to the success of the initiative.

Naija News reports that the deployment of the forest guards is expected to boost security operations in forested areas that have long served as hideouts for criminal gangs across the country.



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Sanwo Olu Arrives Venue Of Eyo Festival  In Lagos

Avatar photo

Published

on

Sanwo Olu Arrives Venue Of Eyo Festival  In Lagos


Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday arrived at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos for the 2025 edition of the Eyo Festival, popularly known as the Adamu Orisha Play.

The festival commenced on Saturday with colourful and vibrant processions as residents, tourists and cultural enthusiasts thronged the venue.

The iconic cultural event transformed the city centre into a spectacle of tradition, music and pageantry.

READ ALSO:

Saturday Telegraph reports that, President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are expected to join other dignitaries at the event.

The Eyo Festival, which last held in 2017, is renowned for its distinctive white-clad masquerades, symbolic staff known as opambata, rhythmic chants and energetic dances deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and Lagos history.

It remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and celebrated traditional festivals.

Ahead of the festival, Governor Sanwo-Olu on Friday inaugurated the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos Island.

The monument is described as a powerful symbol of Lagos heritage and is expected to boost cultural tourism, while promoting education and economic development in the state.

Please follow and like us:



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Insecurity: Why We’re Happy With USA Airstrikes

Avatar photo

Published

on

Insecurity: Why We’re Happy With USA Airstrikes


Says “Sheikh Gumi to Keep his peace
…Call on Nigerians to support the USA to end terrorism

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger Dtate Hon. Jonathan Vatsa has described the ongoing airstrike against the Islamic State sects and other terrorists across the country as the best thing that happened to Nigeria in recent times, saying “We are very happy about the airstrike because it gave us a great relief”.

Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said all Nigerians who mean well for the good and development of the country must support the USA ongoing operations against terrorists groups in the country.

He said in a statement made available to Journalists in Minna that Nigerians should be grateful to the American Government for showing interest in the peace and development of the country, adding that “The terrorists do not have boundaries in their attacks on innocent Nigerians whether you are a Muslim or a Christian.”

The former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Niger state pointed out that anybody who is not in support of the America intervention in the insecurity in Nigeria must be an accomplice to the killings of innocent Nigerians.

Vatsa also described Sheikh Gumi’s stands to the America action as retrogressive and a disgrace to the group he claimed to represent, stressing that “Since Gumi has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is above the law of the land with his reckless utterances, I will advice that he should keep his peace. Atleast, we now have a great relief.

“With the ongoing America airstrikes, Nigerians will soon know those who are behind the terrorism attacks in the country.

“They will soon begin to show their emotions and sympathy for the terrorists.

“This is a great sigh of relief to Nigerians because our farmers can now go to their farm, children can return to their schools and Nigerians can now travel freely without the fear of being abducted on the highways”.

He however called on the Nigerian Military and other security agencies to be vigilant as the terrorists will began to relocate to other parts of the country due to the ongoing US Military operations.

Accordingly, he said “I urge the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in step up their vigilance because many of the terrorists will soon begin to relocate to other parts of the country for safe haven.

“This is the time to step up our intelligent gathering, using the locals so as to monitor the movement of these terrorists.

“They will soon be fleeing from the far north which is hitherto their safe haven and we must be vigilant about it”.

He the commended President Bola Tinubu for involving the USA in the country’s security challenges threatening the very existence of Nigeria as a nation, saying that no country can solve its internal security challenges alone.

Furthermore, he said “it obvious that we do not have what it takes to tackle the situation so therefore we need external assistance.

“We must this initiative to liberate the country from terrorists, the country is under siege”.

Please follow and like us:



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading

NIGERIA NEWS

Lagos: LASTMA shuts Otedola Bridge after container trucks crash

Avatar photo

Published

on

Lagos: LASTMA shuts Otedola Bridge after container trucks crash


The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has temporarily closed the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to facilitate the removal of two fully loaded 20-foot container trucks involved in an early-morning accident.

In a video update released on Saturday, the agency confirmed that recovery operations were underway, necessitating the suspension of vehicular movement on the bridge.

LASTMA explained that heavy-duty equipment, including a high-capacity crane and flatbed trucks, had been deployed to evacuate the affected vehicles.

“Recovery of the two loaded 20-foot container trucks is currently in progress. The bridge has been shut to traffic to enable safe operations, and there is no vehicular movement at the scene,” the authority said.

Motorists were advised to steer clear of the area and use alternative routes to reduce congestion.

According to LASTMA, drivers can divert from the Redeem Camp or Kara axis through Ogunusi Road, proceed to Omole Junction, connect to Agidingbi Road, and continue their journeys.

The incident occurred when one of the container trucks overturned on Otedola Bridge, inward Secretariat, causing heavy traffic congestion that extended from Berger towards the Oke axis.

Earlier, the agency disclosed that the accident happened at about 6:30 a.m., adding that traffic officers were promptly deployed to control the situation and coordinate evacuation efforts.

LASTMA assured road users that officials remain on ground to manage traffic and expedite the clearance process, urging motorists to exercise patience and caution while recovery work continues.



SOURCE PAGE

Continue Reading