News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Police has requested for logistics support to reposition the Highway Patrol Unit given the recent nationwide surge in theft and vandalism of vital road infrastructure.  Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu made the plea during a courtsey visit to the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi in Abuja.  The discussions focused on improving security around major road projects, deepening inter-agency cooperation, and advancing national developmental objectives. Disu praised the minister for transformating the road sector, describing roads as vital links of national unity, economic growth, social interaction, and public safety. According to the IGP, roads not only connect communities but also create employment opportunities, stimulate commerce, and contribute to crime reduction by expanding economic activities for citizens. He stated that the visit was aimed at reinforcing collaboration and synergy between the ministry and the N...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   President Bola Tinubu As Nigeria celebrates children's day, President Bola Tinubu has remembered with nostalgia children taunted by insecurity, even as dozens are still held in captivity by terrorists.  Recall that as of May 15, 2026, about 40 to 46 person's, including students and a principal, were kidnapped from two secondary schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.  Multiple reports indicated that a teacher was beheaded during the attack, while the captives have been tortured to induce ransom pressure. Also on May 15, armed men attacked three schools in Borno State, abducting over 50 children, many between the ages of two and five. Below is President Tinubu's message to children: "On this Children’s Day, I celebrate every Nigerian child. I celebrate the child who is excelling in school. I celebrate the child who is learning a trade. I celebrate the child living with disability and still pressing forward with courage. ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir to deepen the values of tolerance, generosity, and peaceful coexistence. Tinubu, who spoke after performing the congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Wednesday, urged citizens to shun ethnic divisions and all forms of hatred that undermine national unity. He was joined in the prayers by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other dignitaries. President Tinubu said that the sacred occasion remains a profound reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. "We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir. We thank Him for His mercy, an...

    President Bola Tinubu I extend warm felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria and worldwide as they celebrate the glorious Eid-el-Kabir, the Festival of Sacrifice. We give glory to Almighty God for preserving our lives to witness this important celebration once again. Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the enduring virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim—faith, obedience, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose. This sacred festival calls on all Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians and the whole of humanity, to embrace sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion for our fellow human beings. One central lesson of Eid-el-Kabir is the call to show mercy and compassion, regardless of race, ethnicity, or creed. There is no greater example of duty and devotion than Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his only son, Ismail, as a sacrifice to Allah. As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertak...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) and Journalist Assistance Network (JAN) have condemned the Russian Ministry of Justice for designating the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) as an undesirable organisation. IWMF is the only global organisation built to serve the holistic needs of women and nonbinary journalists. The designation — used to ban foreign human rights and civil society organizations from operating in Russia — demonstrated mounting efforts by the Kremlin to suppress press freedom. CPJ’s designation was announced on April 28, less than one month after the organization’s statement of support following the IWMF’s 'undesirable' listing. The cascading effect sent a chilling message that Russia is deliberately targeting press freedom organisations to suppress free speech and silence dissent. "Russian journalists deserve access to the resources, aid, and opportunities from CPJ and other international press freedom o...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Ministry of Work has stated that no nation can attain meaningful progress without substantial investment in critical infrastructure, linking it to the foundation of economic growth and sustainable national development.  The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan disclosed this at the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja. He described infrastructure as a key driver of economic transformation, noting that the present administration prioritised infrastructure and transportation as central pillars of national development. According to him, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa have continued to achieve significant economic advancement through deliberate and sustained investments in roads, railways, power, and other essential infrastructure. He explained that infrastructure plays a strategic role across all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, tra...