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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...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Committed to eradicating transborder network, President Bola Tinubu has praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for busting illicit drugs worth $360 million.  The remarkable achievement was recorded through dismantling Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and a highly sophisticated multi-million-dollar illegal drug production network in the country, courtesy of NDLEA and its staff.  Chairman of the agency, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) had on Wednesday announced the major drug bust following a massive operation spanning weeks of intelligence gathering and meticulous planning by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with international partners. President Tinubu said: "This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwaveri...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration. Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani made the declaration in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.  She quoted the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as saying that the declaration affirmed the Federal Government’s profound respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who will join the global Islamic community in observing the sacred occasion. While conveying the warm felicitations of the government to the Muslim faithful at home and in the diaspora, the minister said that the festival holds deep spiritual significance grounded in sacrifice, obedience, and compassion. He enjoined Nigerians to utilise the two-day holiday for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance as the country navigates its path towards sustained p...