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...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide. He made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President said that the creation of State Police has become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance states' capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions. He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing Federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, and community-focused law enforcement. "We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to inco...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  President Bola Tinubu has extended the ban on exportation of raw shea nut for additional one year, beginning from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. The decision underscored the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. With the ban, the Federal Government is expected to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of Nigerian exports anchored on value-added products. To this end, President Tinubu authorised the two ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU) to coordinate the implementation of a unified, evidence-based national framework that aligns industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain. He also approved the adoption of an...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has stated its readiness to seal facilities nationwide over non-compliance with emission assessments.  This was even as the council stated that all facilities must undergo carbon emissions assessments based on generator capacity and usage. The Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this on Tuesday at the launch of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Initiative of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, under the National Air Quality Programme of the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.  News Rider reports that the initiative tagged Oxytane Fuel Additive, is designed to enhance engine performance and increase fuel efficiency by over 25 percent, as well as reduce harmful emissions by up to 70 percent. Unveiled by EHCON in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Oxytane Africa Investment Limited, the initiative will strengthen environmental governance and control Ni...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe has offered 150 free health insurance enrollments to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council. This was even as the Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam also pledged to sponsor an additional 50 members  in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali, a former head of Press and Public Relations Unit in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The declaration followed a courtesy visit to the Secretariat by a delegation from the NUJ FCT Council on Tuesday in Abuja.  Fasawe described the gesture as part of ongoing efforts to expand affordable healthcare access and promote universal health coverage in the Federal Capital Territory, saying that the media remains a critical partner in health promotion and public enlightenment. She disclosed that health promotion focuses on prevention, ad...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has unveiled a technology meant to phase-out Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and protect public health from emerging diseases, in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.  Tagged Oxytane Fuel Additive, it is designed to enhance engine performance, increase fuel efficiency by over 25 percent, and reduce harmful emissions by up to 70 percent. It has been tested on high-capacity generators, including at the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. Oxytane works by cleaning fuel injectors, removing carbon deposits, and improving combustion in petrol, diesel, and kerosene engines. It is used for personal vehicles, generators, and industrial equipment.  Unveiled by EHCON in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Oxytane Africa Investment Limited, the initiative will strengthen environmental governance and control Nigeria's carbon footprints.  These formed the c...

   L-R: Egbetokun, Tinubu and Disu The Presidency has opened up on the intricacies surrounding the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).  This followed news swirling on the Social Media on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu compelled the former police boss to resign from the exalted and intimidating position.  The Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga informed that Egbetokun exited as the IGP due to personal matters that required his complete attention.  Though Onanuga failed to mention some of the personal matters, he added that: "The IGP resigned in a letter today (Tuesday), citing family issues which required his undivided attention.” But sources revealed that Egbetokun's resignation surfaced shortly after a meeting with President Tinubu, who directed him to resign. In order to fill the vacuum created by Egbetokun's resignation, President Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu, an...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: President Bola Tinubu in a handshake with Governor Mohammed Bago recently.  President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago on his birthday, just as he lauded his courage, diligence, and commitment to the state's development.  Tinubu celebrated with Governor Bago, his family, friends, and political associates on the special occasion, which provided another opportunity for appreciation, reflection, and more alignment with the service of the state, nation, and citizens.  The President acknowledged the transformative leadership that the governor has provided in the state, especially on health, education, infrastructure, and the revolution in the agricultural sector that has earned him the epithet “farmer governor’’. Tinubu was optimistic that Governor Bago’s experience in the banking sector over the years and his service to the nation as a member of the House of Representatives prepared him for the o...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the winners of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory, and Kano and Rivers States. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Saturday conducted elections in the six area councils of the FCT and by-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies of Rivers State, as well as in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State. Tinubu urged the winners to serve with humility, patriotism, and dedication and to view the mandate given to them by the people as a sacred trust. He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike for his remarkable achievements in the territory, which yielded political dividends to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The President congratulated the APC national leadership, Kano and Rivers leaderships, and all members of the party on the victories at the polls. Tinubu lauded the IN...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Chief Isreal Ogbue  President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family, friends, and associates of the former Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Chief Israel Ogbue, who died at the age of 99. With a distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service, the National Insurance Corporation (NICON), and NAL Merchant Bank, Chief Ogbue served as a non-executive director of UBA from 2005 until 2011, when he was appointed Chairman.  He served on the board until 2013. Throughout his tenure, he displayed dignity and strategic foresight, and provided steady and principled leadership during a pivotal period in the bank’s transformation. Chief Ogbue is the father of Dr Awele Elumelu, the wife of UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu. While condoling the Elumelu family and extended family members over the loss, the President sympathised with UBA's board, management, and staff. Tinubu acknowledged the numerous testimonies praising the exemplary life an...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Federal Government has unveiled several projects aimed at tackling flooding and stimulating socio-economic development in Benue State.  The projects sited across the state include Katsina Ala–Takum, Katsina Ala–Calabar (Ushongo and Atihi), Old Makurdi–Wukari, Otukpo-Oshegbudu-Oweto, and the Makurdi-Otukpo-9th Mile-Enugu Roads. Targeted at enhancing infrastructure and transportation as catalysts for national growth, the projects unveiled at the just concluded Media Tour are expected to address failures across the various alignments and improve connectivity.   At the rehabilitated Katsina Ala–Takum road, the Federal Controller of Works, Benue State, Engr. Mukaila Danladi disclosed that work has progressed significantly, reaching binder and sub-base levels, with preparations underway for the execution of hydraulic structures. He identified key challenges encountered by the contractor of Messrs Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Limited as i...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Senator Mpigi Barinada  Lawmaker representing the South East Senatorial district of Rivers State, Senator Mpigi Barinada is dead. Currently serving at the 10th National Assembly, Barinada died on February 19, 2026, at 64 years.  The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi confirmed his death in a tribute posted on his official X handle on Thursday. He wrote, "Good night my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate." Barinada was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works. The Senator had served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal constituency before seeking for higher political office.  In 2019, he was elected as the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  As at the time of filing this ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has endorsed an Executive Order on direct remittance of oil and gas revenue to the Federation account to curb wasteful spending and eliminate duplicative structures, while redirecting the resources for the benefit of Nigerians.  Tinubu signed the EO in pursuant of Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The Executive Order is anchored on Section 44(3) of the Constitution, which vests ownership, control, and derivative rights in all minerals, oils, and natural gas in, under, and upon any land in Nigeria, including its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, in the Government of the Federation. It seeks to restore the constitutional revenue entitlements of the Federal, State, and Local Governments, which were taken away in 2021 by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).  The PIA created structural and legal channels through which substantial Federation revenues were lost through dedu...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz  President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz have resolved to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Germany in the security, power, and railway sectors. In a telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, the two leaders also expressed their willingness to cooperate in creative arts and skill development. At the Presidential Power Initiative, Tinubu indicated that Nigeria would require assistance with power transmission.  Chancellor Merz pledged that Siemens would be ready to assist in that regard, while Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance the project. The two leaders were dissatisfied with the crisis in the Sahel region, even as President Tinubu called for the supply of used helicopters to help in intelligence reconnaissance in the region. "The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed," the...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L–R: Minister of Works Engr. Nweze David Umahi displaying the year 2026, World Guinness Book of Record alongside the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Mr.Girish Sharma in Abuja on Tuesday.  Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has received the 2026 edition of Guinness World Records.  The book was presented to Umahi by the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Mr.Girish Sharma during a courtesy visit to the minister on Tuesday in Abuja.

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja As attacks on Christians and others persist, the United States of America has deployed 100 military personnel to Nigeria to strengthen the fight against insurgency.  Confirming the presence of foreign troops, the Defence Spokesperson, Samaila Uba said that the deployment followed a recent security agreement between Nigeria and the US. The US personnel, who arrived at Bauchi airfield with military equipment are expected to assist in training members of the Nigerian Armed Forces while providing technical support and intelligence sharing.  Uba said: "The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists’ threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country." He noted that US personnel are not combat forces, adding that all training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Federal Government and in cl...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The original inhabitants, visitors and settlers are set to experience new lease of life with transformative projects in Mambila Plateau, 64 years after it was conceived.  Part of the projects are Bali–Serti (Gashaka)–Gembu road; Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang (Lip) road; and special intervention on failed sections of Jalingo-Mutum Biyu-Tella-Wukari road caused by flooding.  At the conclusion of National Media Tour of the North East, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works visited the projects, all cited in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.  The Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang (Lip) road, which links to the Cameroon border, alongside other interventions were conceived to improve livelihoods in the communities.  Recall that on February 11, 1961, a United Nations-supervised plebiscite was held in the British-administered Northern Cameroons. As majority of the residents voted to join the Federation of Nigeria rather than the Republic of Cameroon...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Committed to transforming the livelihoods of Nigerians, the Federal Government has delivered life-changing roads in Adamawa State. In continuation of its nationwide media tour, the Federal Ministry of Works commissioned Cham-Numan section of the Gombe–Yola Road, which is one of the 2,064 projects inherited from previous the governments.  The road, which is the only artery that connects Gombe State to Adamawa, was rehabilitated in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to provide world-class infrastructure that will boost development in the country.  Federal Controller of Works for Adamawa State, Engr. Dimas Tuwai described the route as an economic corridor bedeviled by years of neglect.  He explained that issues arising from variations in scope and design necessitated the use of bolders’ fill instead of stone base, leading to an augmentation of the contract sum to about ₦16 billion from its initial ₦9 billion when it w...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have applauded the Federal Government for the rehabilitation of roads in Bauchi that links to Gombe and Adamawa States.  The roads are among the 260 Emergency/Special Intervention Projects launched at the inception of APC's administration in May 2023, meant to restore critically damaged portions of Federal highways across the country. Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Chapter, Comrade Faruk Mu'azu described the rehabilitation as timely and impactful.  "If you can recall vividly, the road was not motorable, but with the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Works, movement is free and without hitches." Mu’azu who commissioned the project on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the award of contract for the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe road. He emphasised that the expansion of t...