News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: General TY Danjuma in a handshake with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday.  President Bola Tinubu on Saturday received Ex-Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This was revealed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.  Although details of the meeting were not disclosed immediately but Danjuma had been vocal on national issues especially in the areas of politics and security.  The 87-year-old General Danjuma is one of Nigeria’s most influential military and political figures. Briefly Danjuma served as Defence Minister during former President Olusegun Obasanjo's first tenure, from 1999 to 2003. He served as Chief of Army Staff from 1976 to 1979 under the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2003 during Obasanjo’s civilian adminis...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended the tenure of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi for a new five-year term.  With the reappointment, which took effect from Friday, February 27, Audi will pilot the affairs of NSCDC till 2031. Audi was first appointed to the position in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.  His initial five-year term ended last Friday as he participated in activities commemorating the 2026 World Civil Defence Day at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. Audi is expected to resume his duties on Monday with a renewed mandate. President Tinubu charged Audi to reposition the service to play a more significant role in the country's security, especially as the police refocus on their primary responsibility of protecting citizens from bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. Briefly  Dr Audi was born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga Town, Nasarawa ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D has honoured the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, with the 'Trailblazer in Women Political Representation' award in recognition of her contributions to advancing women’s political empowerment in Nigeria. The award was presented to the minister by the leadership of NAWOJ during a courtsey visit in Abuja.  Vice President of NAWOJ Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche said the essence of the recognition was to acknowledge the minister’s dedication to promoting women’s leadership and increased participation in politics. She said that NAWOJ Zone D — comprising Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Kwara states and the Federal Capital Territory — is excited with the minister’s leadership and impact. Ogbeche commended the minister for helping to address speculation surrounding a sensitive case currently under investigation and assured of the association’s commitment to responsible journa...

A High Court sitting in Awka on Friday sentenced Anambra Celebrity Native Doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as 'Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki' to 11 months imprisonment over his involvement in Oke-ite rituals and related other offences.  The imprisonment followed the arrest and detention of Nwangwu and two other native doctors, Eke Hit and Onye Eze for fraudulently engaging in money ritual, oke ite and the preparation of charms for criminals. Presided over by Justice Jude Obiora, the court ruled that part of the sentence will run concurrently with the period already spent in custody, leaving him with eleven months to complete his jail term. News Rider reports that out of the 10-count charges against Nwangwu, Justice Obiora struck out six counts while upholding four. The court also waived a total of six years’ imprisonment and a N60 million optional fine that would have run concurrently. In addition to the prison sentence, Nwangwu will become an ambassador for youth ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  As part of efforts to promote grassroots development and strengthen partnership with the media, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hon. Christopher Maikalangu has donated a borehole to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.  Maikalangu made the pledge when he received the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who paid him a congratulatory courtesy visit following his victory in last Saturday’s municipal elections. Ike, who was represented by the Vice Chairman of Council, Yahaya Ndambabo, appreciated the warm reception and the borehole donated to NUJ, describing it as a demonstration of the chairman-elect’s commitment to grassroots development and media collaboration. He congratulated Maikalangu on 'a well-deserved landslide victory', noting that the outcome reflected the confidence reposed in him by residents of AMAC. Ndambabo highlighted the infrastructural projects executed during Maikalangu’s fi...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the reconstruction of three more Federal road projects in Niger State.  The projects comprising 306.5 kilometres, will be executed using reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability and long-term value. They are Mokwa–Bida Road (120km), Mokwa–Makeri Road (63km) and Bida–Labata Road (123.5km).  President Tinubu also approved the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road to connect with the East–West Road.  It will be executed on a dual carriageway capacity, constructed with concrete pavement, and equipped with solar-powered street lighting.  The project will be delivered through a competitive bidding process. Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi appreciated Mr. President for the strategic approvals, adding that the projects fall within critical national economic corridors and will significantly enhance connectivity, trade, and development. He called on Nigerians to acknowledge and appreciate the ad...