News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a stable, peaceful, and prosperous nation, assuring that the well-being of Nigerians remains his top priority. This was even as he disclosed that the political and economic structures that have long undermined Nigerians’ prosperity are steadily replaced through the realignment of the economy to enable full participation. Receiving a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu pledged to sustain reforms aimed at creating more opportunities for poor and vulnerable citizens. Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda also attended the event, alongside many governors: Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Mohammed Inuwa (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abiodun Oyebanji...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has acquired a land for the construction of national secretariat edifice, marking a significant milestone in the association’s history.  This formed the crux of discuss when the NAWOJ National Executive led by the Chairperson, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim visited the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya in Abuja.  Q The NAWOJ national chairperson informed the NUJ leadership that the association secured the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the allocated land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the completion of all required documentation and processes. She noted that the process involved meeting stringent regulatory requirements, including the submission of formal authorization, minutes and attendance of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting approving the action, as well as relevant corporate and identification documents....

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Romuald Wadagni President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the President-elect of the Republic of Benin, His Excellency, Romuald Wadagni on his victory at the polls. Wadagni, the country's Minister of Finance, secured an overwhelming majority of the vote in the presidential election held on April 12.  In a letter signed by him, President Tinubu said that the victory reflected the trust Beninese people placed in Wadagni's vision and distinguished record of service as Minister of Finance. Tinubu stated that Nigeria and the Republic of Benin share a long history of friendship, cultural ties, and cooperation, just as he looked forward to working with His Excellency, Romuald Wadagni to strengthen bilateral relations. Below is the full text of the letter :  Your Excellency and Dear Brother,  "On behalf of the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your election as the Presi...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Committed to sustainable development, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter has concluded plans to seal deal with Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to deepen economic empowerment for women and promote Nigeria’s vast industrial raw materials.  The partnership will be formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and inclusive economic participation, particularly in creating sustainable opportunities for women in alignment with the mandates and core values of both organisations. Part of the agreement is to support RMRDC’s drive towards fulfilling its mandate, as the council prepares to host the maiden 2026 African Raw Materials Summit scheduled for June. This was revealed when the leadership of NAWOJ FCT visited the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso on Tuesday in Abuja. The Chairperson of NAWOJ F...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has requested for strategic partnership with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on voter education and fight against misinformation.  The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu who stated this when he received the leadership of NAWOJ in Abuja, reiterated its commitment to value reorientation, civic education, and national identity building.    He described NAWOJ's visit as timely and strategic to national development and democratic consolidation. Issa-Onilu informed that effective nation-building requires sustained partnerships between institutions responsible for public communication and citizen engagement, noting that NOA—established from the former MAMSER framework—maintains a robust grassroots structure with over 800 offices nationwide. He highlighted the agency’s unique mandate to manage information and civic orientation...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the colonial tax laws impoverished Nigerians through fragmentation, multiplicity, and inconsistencies while the new reforms will deliver prosperity to Nigerians.  This was even as he emphasised that the new tax system is designed to be people-centred and investment-friendly, thereby advancing the nation’s development goals. He stated this on Tuesday at the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Headquarters in Abuja. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were in attendance, alongside the ministers, senators, members of the House of Representatives, private-sector leaders, and the governors of Kwara, Imo, Borno, Kogi, Plateau, and Anambra States. President Tinubu explained that the new tax laws, which became fully operational in January, are intended to liberate the economy from the constraints of archaic laws and make it more ...

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Joint Task Force (North East) in a carefully planned and intelligence-driven operation, have  successfully conducted a precision air strike on a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub located near the abandoned village of Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. The successful strike, executed on 11 April 2026, followed sustained intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis, an area long identified as a major terrorist movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists and their collaborators. It will be recalled that in January 2026, troops moving from Gubio towards Damasak came under a major Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack along the road at Bindul, resulting in the tragic loss of eight soldiers, while several others were wounded in action.  More recently, on 9 April, coordinated attacks were recorded in Ngamdu and Benishei...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Bishop Peter Chukwu The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has expressed sadness over the death of Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Reverend Peter Nworie Chukwu.  Umahi said that the departure of Bishop Chukwu marked the end of an era characterised by selfless service, deep spirituality, and an uncommon dedication to the work of God.  He was not only a spiritual father to his flock but also a moral compass to society, an embodiment of discipline, and sacrificial leadership. The minister said: "As a teacher of the Word and a shepherd of souls, Most Rev. Dr. Chukwu distinguished himself through his calm wisdom, pastoral care, and his ability to reach both the high and the low with equal compassion. "At a time when moral clarity and spiritual guidance are most needed in our society, his passing leaves a significant void. Yet, even in death, his legacy remains a guiding light, etched in the lives he touched, the faith he s...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi on Saturday joined other top political leaders and dignitaries to pay final respects at the funeral of former Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi.  The teary event which held at Koroma, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, attracted mourners to a man widely regarded as a committed public servant and accomplished lawmaker. Other dignatries in attendance were President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, among others. The funeral service, held at the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Koroma Deanery Beth-El Church, was presided by Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ogoni, Ven. T.S.D. Kagbara.  He reminded the congregation of the transient nature of life, adding that the world is not an everlasting home. "In heaven, there is no more hunger, no mo...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) The Federal Government has named 48 individuals and groups alleged to be financing and sponsoring terrorism, a move that may likely abrupt over 15-year insurgency in Nigeria.  Jointly published by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NigSac) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the list is part of coordinated measures to identify and track persons and groups linked to terrorism-related activities. The government identified several of the listed persons as being associated with outlawed and extremist groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province, Ansaru and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to a directive that followed the publication, authorities mandated financial institutions nationwide to immediately freeze all accounts linked to the named individuals and groups.  They also ordered banks and other financial operators to flag and report any suspicious transaction...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Committed to implementing Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC's), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and partners have unveiled carbon management technoogy.  The NDC targets include a 20 percent unconditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 47 percent conditional reduction by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. With the latest collaboration, NESREA alongside Africa Carbon Management Technology & Innovation, Centre of Excellence (ACMTI), and Clean Energy Ministerial Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Initiative (CEM-CCUS  launched a Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCSU) Platform on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor described the project as an important milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and industrial transformation. He ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the rerouting of a section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland, in recognition of the late Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi's selfless service and dedication.  Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed this during the Night of Tribute held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.  In a heartfelt tribute, Umahi described the death of Mpigi as a profound loss to the nation and the infrastructure sector. The memorial event drew an array of prominent dignitaries and personalities, including prominent politicians, APC and PDP chieftains, and traditional leaders from Ogoniland, among others. Expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Senator Barinada, Umahi noted that his death remains painful and difficult to accept, given his invaluable contributions to national development. Reflectin...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the loss of the brave soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, who were killed by Boko Haram on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the attack and tragic loss of lives, which occurred early Thursday, April 9, 2026.  President Tinubu praised the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect. While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices. "From the reports I h...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The newly created Southeast Ex-governors Forum has praised President Bola Tinubu's astute leadership for embarking on infrastructure revolution nationwide.  Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi joined other former governors to formally launch the South East Former Governors Forum in Enugu recently.  Speaking after the maiden meeting, Engr Umahi explained the purpose of the forum.  He said: "You must have been wondering what is going on. What was going on and is still going on is that we now have the birth of a forum of former South East governors. Today, the April 7, 2026. "Many of the former governors, some are outside the country for medical checkup and some on engagement but in our next meeting, we are sure that over 90 percent of the former governors of South East will be in attendance." According to him, the forum is meant to work hand-in-hand with serving governor, adding that: “The body is to support our presiding gove...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja There was massive excitement as the people of Bodo-Bonny communities celebrated milestone road and bridge projects constructed by the Federal Government. To this end, the Federal Government reaffirmed its determination to deliver critical road infrastructure across all regions in the country. This played up at the Medallion Award Ceremony organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road & Bridges Peace Committee in Abuja.  The event brought together national leaders, whose vision and sustained commitment contributed to the delivery of the landmark infrastructure project, alongside senior government officials, traditional rulers, key stakeholders, and representatives of the Bodo-Bonny communities. The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. represented the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi. He reaffirmed the Renewed Hope Administration’s resolve to deliver critical infrastructure across all regions of the country. The minister described Bod...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter, has expressed readiness to collaborate with Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) on Market Place Advocacy, aimed at creating awareness on social,  economic and democratic rights of women and girls, while integrating critical health awareness into their everyday lives. Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang stated this during a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of VNDC, Dr. Chika Offor in Abuja. Comrade Ikpang reiterated NAWOJ FCT's commitment to promoting gender equity, amplifying women's voices, and using media as a tool for advocacy and social change.  "We aim to champion issues affecting women and children, especially in health, education, and economic empowerment," she said. The chairperson commended Dr. Offor's contributions to the health sector, particularly in advancing vaccine awareness and strengthening public health systems. She a...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has begged the people of Southeast to re-elect President Bola Tinubu for another four-year in office.  Umahi, who made the appeal at the reopening of completed section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across the Southeast and Nigeria generally.  He pondered on the past condition of the road and its importance to the region, adding that: “The journey of Enugu to Onitsha was taking about 7 hours before 2023. The most important road in South East is the Enugu-Onitsha expressway." He explained that the project, which was initially under a tax credit arrangement involving MTN Nigeria and executed by RCC, had stalled before quick intervention from the President. According to the minister, the President’s intervention brought renewed direction and improved construction standards.  “The President didn’t only give acceleration to...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Late Hajiya Hadiza Jega President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condoled with the special adviser on livestock development, Prof. Attahiru Jega on the passing of his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the Janazah prayer for the late Hadiza Jega at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, conveyed the President's condolences to Professor Jega and his family. The President described Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace, character, and a strong anchor for Prof. Jega as he navigated public life, including serving as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Tinubu also extolled her support for education and community development. "Dear Professor Jega, it is with a heavy heart that I receive the news of the passing of your beloved wife of over 40 years. Hajiya was an exceptional woman. I mourn this painful loss with you and your family and pray that God Almighty grant her Aljannatu...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu  Worried by the deteriorating electricity distribution, President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦3.3 trillion payment plan to facilitate steady power supply across the country.  The fund is expected to offset the outstanding debts under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.  It followed the final review of the legacy debts that have beset the power sector for more than a decade. The long-standing debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025. Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion was agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution. Implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion.  Already, the Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion to fund these payments. Out of the amount, N223 billion has been disbursed, with further payments underway. With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Engr David Umahi The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, calling for renewed hope and commitment to nation-building.  In his Easter message to Christians on Sunday, the minister described the season as a sacred period that symbolizes enduring values of sacrifice, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a powerful symbol of faith, new beginnings, and hope, especially in challenging times. "At this point in our national journey, these values matter deeply," he stated, urging Nigerians to embrace unity over division, love over apathy, and faith over fear. The minister encouraged citizens to remain steadfast, support one another, and work together towards building a nation that symbolizes shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity. He wished all Christian faithful a joyful Easter celebration, praying that the spirit of the seas...