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Folarin Kehinde

Headlines

Tinubu Nominates Ex-CDS Christopher Musa As Defence Minister

by Folarin Kehinde December 2, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday.

General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In the letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information and Strategy)

December 2, 2025

December 2, 2025 0 comments

Uncategorized

Poor Toilets Driving GBV, School Dropouts – Wateraid

by Folarin Kehinde December 2, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

WaterAid Nigeria has warned that the persistent lack of safe, gender-inclusive toilets and water facilities across schools, markets and health centres continues to endanger women and girls, exposing them to gender-based violence, school absenteeism and poor health outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of the Country Director, Evelyn Mere, WaterAid’s Head of Advocacy, Policy and Communication, Kolawole Banwo, linked the absence of decent sanitation to a chain of social and health challenges faced by women and girls in several communities across northern states.

Mere who spoke at the launch of activities under WaterAid’s EMP0WER HER Project, funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, recounted field experiences showing how inadequate toilets force girls out of school and limit women’s participation in social and economic activities.

She narrated how, in one northern community, girls stayed away from school despite new classrooms being built. Investigations revealed that the absence of toilets pushed girls to remain at home, as neither they nor their parents considered the facilities dignifying or safe enough.

“In another community, even though gender-segregated toilets had been built, women avoided them because the entrance exposed them to public view. Privacy matters. Safety matters,” she said.

Mere added that many women avoided health centres entirely because they feared open defecation, especially during labour or long hospital stays. This, she said, led many to rely on traditional birth attendants until complications became life-threatening.

She stressed that insecurity around water sources also amplified risks:

“When girls and women walk long distances to fetch water, they become vulnerable to attacks. Lack of water and toilets is not just an infrastructure issue; it is a protection and dignity issue.”

Under the Empower Her Project, WaterAid will improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities across 69 schools and 58 health centres in Katagum, Misau and Tafawa Balewa LGAs of Bauchi State. The initiative is expected to directly reach 708,161 people, including: 20,717 adolescent girls, and 15,357 adolescent boys.

She emphasised the inclusion of boys, noting that tackling gender-based violence must begin with reshaping boys’ perceptions of girls’ rights and dignity.

“The monster of gender-based violence often begins in adolescence—when a boy is socialised to think he is superior, and that girls can be treated as property,” Mere cautioned.

She highlighted the story of Habiba, a 19-year-old girl living with a disability, whose experience will be showcased as part of the programme’s impact reporting.

WaterAid thanked the Government of Canada for supporting a project that aligns with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, particularly its pillars on gender equality, human dignity, health, education, and nutrition.

Mere pledged continued collaboration with government and stakeholders at federal, state and local levels to ensure women and girls can “realise their rights and contribute maximally to community and national development.”

“We will continue to work with Global Affairs Canada and our partners to reinforce this message and ensure that every woman and girl has access to safe water, decent toilets and good hygiene,” she said.

December 2, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: FG Publishes List of 15 Alleged Terrorist Financers in Nigeria [SEE LIST]

by Folarin Kehinde December 1, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has released a fresh list of 15 individuals and companies accused of bankrolling terrorism across the country.

The announcement, which comes as part of Nigeria’s renewed push against extremist networks, marks one of the most decisive actions taken in the ongoing 2024 counter-terrorism campaign.

According to officials, the list emerged from an extensive security review carried out by multiple agencies tracking financial flows, logistics supply routes and cross-border transactions.

The review identified nine persons and six business entities believed to have provided financial support, material assistance or other enabling resources to terrorist groups operating both within and outside Nigeria.

Those named include Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana-Oyiza Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, and Umar Abdullahi.

In addition to the individuals, the government also listed several companies — many of them Bureau De Change operators and general trading outfits — suspected of linking transactions to terror-funding networks.

These firms are West & East Africa General Trading Company Limited, Settings Bureau De Change Ltd, G. Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Ltd, Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited, and Alfa Exchange BDC.

Security officials involved in the investigation described the move as the outcome of “months of intelligence tracking,” during which teams studied suspicious cash movements, analysed communication patterns, and coordinated with international partners.

The aim, according to one senior officer, is to “cut off the oxygen supply” that keeps extremist cells functioning.

Government authorities explained that the action is part of a broader national effort to tighten regulations in the financial sector, monitor high-risk money-changing activities, and reinforce military operations in areas affected by terrorism.

The Federal Government also hinted that this is only the first phase, as more names are being examined and could be added to the sanctions list in the coming months.

Officials emphasised that the crackdown does not stop at naming suspects. Agencies are now expected to implement restrictions, freeze accounts where necessary, and track any further movement linked to the identified individuals and firms.

In a related development, the government recently intensified oversight on BDC operations nationwide, following earlier reports exposing how unregulated currency trading has become a soft landing for illicit financing.

This latest announcement appears to be a continuation of that broader effort to block all financial pipelines that enable terrorist activities.

December 1, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Tinubu appoints ex-INEC Chair Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, others as ambassadors (FULL LIST)

by Folarin Kehinde November 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Saturday.

The new list, which has the names of Chief Feni Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, and Reno Omokri, ex-Presidential aide, is coming days after the President sent the first batch of three names.

In two separate letters to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu asked the Senate to consider and confirm expeditiously 15 nominees as career ambassadors and 17 nominees as non-career ambassadors.

four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six women on the non-career ambassadors’ list.

Among the non-career ambassador designates are Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri (Delta), former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti first lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Others are Tasiu Musa Maigari, the former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Commissioner in Plateau State and former deputy executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau; Otunba Femi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra State are on the nomination list.

Also on the list are former First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, former governor of Abia, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer and Senator from Ondo State, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State.

Among the nominees for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates are: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi) and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).

The other nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah(Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara) and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).

The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and to Permanent Missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. All the nominees will know their diplomatic assignments after their confirmation by the Senate.

Last week, President Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominees for screening and confirmation. The nominees were Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). All three are in the pot for posting to the UK, USA, or France after their confirmation.

Tinubu said more nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon.

November 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Niger Delta Boss Jennifer Adighije Accused of Corruption, Reckless Spending

by Folarin Kehinde November 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Some concerned staff of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) have raised the alarm over alleged massive corruption and reckless spending under the leadership of the Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije.

They called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Presidency to launch an urgent investigation.

In an open letter titled “NDPHC Is Bleeding Under Mismanagement”, the workers alleged that despite hopes that Adighije would bring reform and results, the company “has not added a single megawatt” to Nigeria’s power supply during her tenure.

One of the issues raised is a proposed ₦900million budget for a “25-Year Celebration”, which the staff described as “a useless ‘25-Year Celebration’” that “adds zero value to the power sector.”

They claimed the event has “no new project” and “no improved supply,” describing it instead as “a money-siphoning jamboree.”

The letter also accused the MD of “flying private jets on official trips,” questioning whether “this is what the President mandated,” especially at a time when Nigerians face persistent power shortages.

The petition further alleges the use of “expensive media consultants,” stating that “teams of media handlers follow her around — paid with public funds — while the company collapses internally.”

In addition, staff accuse the MD of “promotion exam manipulations,” claiming she “changed the promotion cut-off marks to favour her loyalists.”

According to them, workers have already submitted a “Save Our Career” petition to the NDPHC Board headed by Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

They say the situation has led to demotivation, fear and anxiety, high staff exit and a collapse in productivity.

The petition cites a viral video showing the MD giving Nollywood actress Sarah Martins “₦20 million in foreign currency,” which she allegedly said came from Seyi Tinubu.

According to the staff, “Seyi later denied making such a donation,” prompting questions such as “So where did the money come from? Why is the MD distributing massive cash gifts? Who approved it?”

The petition concludes that there has been “Zero Impact. Zero Value. Zero Megawatts,” insisting that there are “no new power project(s), no improvement in generation, no legacy,” only “waste, extravagance and media drama.”

The workers call on the EFCC and the Presidency to investigate, urging authorities to audit the ₦900million event budget, investigate the ₦20million cash giveaway, review private jet expenses, probe HR manipulations, and stop reckless spending.

They stress that “Nigeria cannot allow NDPHC to become another playground for waste and corruption,” adding that “NDPHC belongs to Nigerians — not one individual.”

A now viral video had shown Adighije, presenting a sum of N20million in foreign currencies to Sarah Martins, claiming that the money was donated to her by Seyi Tinubu.

The President’s son, Seyi however denied being behind the donation.

Martins had accused personnel of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) unit of harassing her by taking possession of her cooking gas cylinder, among other items which were being used to facilitate preparation of free meals for the less privileged.

The controversial incident occured during a charity outreach in the Ikate area of Lekki, Lagos.

Defending its actions, the Lagos government, noted that Martins violated environmental and safety regulations by engaging in unauthorised street cooking on a public road median.

Martins had taken to Instagram to express her gratitude for the N20 million donation.

She had thanked Seyi, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and the Noella Foundation — an organisation directed by his wife Layla.

However, Seyi dismissed the claim that he was the donor.

While commenting on the development, he had clarified that while he was aware of the situation, the donation itself came from a group of his friends.

He explained that his friends, “moved by compassion,” raised the funds to help Martins secure a proper location for her activities after her “encounter with the law”.

However, a viral clip showed Adighije, presenting Martins with US dollars amounting to N20 million.

“Seyi asked me to give this to you. He is out of the country, when he comes back he said I should let you know he will see you and expect you to be able to get a shop with this,” the government top official is heard saying in the clip.

The video also showed Martins becoming emotional while appreciating Seyi.

Seyi however insists that he would not support action that breaks the law, while denying the donation.

November 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Tinubu finally appoints ambassadors

by Folarin Kehinde November 26, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has sent a 3-man list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this at plenary on Wednesday.

The nominees are Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa and Ayodele Oke.

“The list contains three names for now, I am sure others will follow,” Akpabio said after reading the letter from President Bola Tinubu.

Since the emergence of Tinubu in 2023, he has not appointed an ambassador, an issue that critics have latched on to.

After President Donald Trump of the United States blacklisted Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, many blamed this on the non-appointment of ambassadors.

In an interview he granted in September, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, dismissed concerns that diplomatic missions were paralysed without appointed envoys.

“All our embassies are functioning well. The chargé d’affaires in each mission is carrying out responsibilities effectively. The absence of ambassadors has not created a vacuum”, he had said.

He explained that an ambassador is the head of mission, but the diplomatic chain of command includes deputies, counsellors and career officers who handle daily operations.

“Diplomacy is not a one-man show. The system is designed to cope with such situations,” he stated.

Tuggar noted that the appointment of ambassadors is strictly the president’s prerogative and will be made in due course.

“Mr President is considering the matter, and when the time is right, names will be announced. Meanwhile, our missions are not idle,” he had said.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Business

Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Foreign Investment as Abia–Türkiye Summit Opens

by Folarin Kehinde November 26, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Abia State, Governor Alex Otti on Tuesday placed foreign investment at the centre of Abia State’s economic strategy as he delivered the keynote address at the maiden Abia–Türkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition in Umuahia.

Speaking on the theme “Prosperity Through Partnership,” Otti reiterated his administration’s resolve to expand Abia’s economic frontiers through strong international alliances.

He said the state’s reforms anchored on improved infrastructure, a skilled workforce, enhanced security, and more reliable energy were deliberately crafted to attract global investors.

The summit, themed “Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity,” brought together investors, business executives, and innovators at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, to explore opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, SME development, and industrial innovation.

Otti urged Turkish investors to partner with the state in agro-processing, textile production, housing, metal fabrication, logistics, retail value chains, and modular manufacturing. He also highlighted the 2,000-hectare Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) as a transformative hub for energy-driven enterprises.

“Abia is open for business. Our reforms are deliberate, our vision is bold, and our support is assured,” the governor said, expressing optimism that collaboration with Türkiye would unlock new avenues of shared prosperity.

The summit continues with exhibitions, business matchmaking sessions, and sector-specific engagements aimed at turning investment conversations into concrete projects.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

I Felt Like Hitting Obasanjo With Microphone At My Birthday — Fayose

by Folarin Kehinde November 26, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has revealed that he was so provoked by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks at his 65th birthday celebration that he momentarily felt like seizing the microphone and striking him.

In a fresh interview, Fayose recounted the events leading up to his birthday party in Lagos, where Obasanjo reflected on their long-running feud, describing Fayose as “not the best” of his political protégés, even as he acknowledged his political achievements.

“I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere,” he admitted.

Fayose stated that two weeks before his birthday, he had resolved to mend fences with several of his political adversaries.

“Whatever differences we have had in the past, let’s put them behind us. If I have offended you, if you have offended me, let us put it behind us,” he said.

He added that he reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual friend, Osita, who provided the former president’s phone number.

However, Fayose insisted that the call was not an apology.

“I never called to go and apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one who removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is he,” he said.

Fayose said Obasanjo welcomed him to his home, days before the celebration and assured him he would attend despite another engagement in Rwanda. At Obasanjo’s request, Fayose arranged funds for his travel logistics.

“We took pictures together. All in good faith. I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spitting on that person?” he asked.

According to Fayose, tension arose when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event, thereby overriding the vice president.

“Baba said he would be the one to speak last. I became suspicious,” he said.

Obasanjo later instructed the moderator to call the Vice-President (Kashim Shettima) before him and demanded that Fayose and his wife stand beside him during a speech that lasted “one hour, 14 minutes.”

Fayose described the speech as laced with veiled attacks.

“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked.

“But to show maturity—not by age, but by self-respect and out of consideration for the vice-president’s presence—I kept my cool,” he added.

Fayose said his efforts to reconcile with Obasanjo were made “in good conscience,” but the former president’s behaviour demonstrated he was not interested in peace.

“If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting the election? Do I need his validation? No,” he said.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Fresh Video Surfaces Alleging Govt Negotiated with Bandits for Schoolgirls’ Release

by Folarin Kehinde November 26, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

A new video has emerged online, raising fresh doubts about the official account of how the abducted schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State were freed.

The footage, which began circulating late Wednesday, suggests that government representatives and the bandits reached an understanding before the girls were released.

This directly contradicts earlier statements from authorities claiming that no ransom was paid and that the students were rescued through coordinated security efforts.

The girls were freed on Tuesday, days after armed men stormed their school, killed a vice-principal, and whisked the students into the forest.

In the new video, several armed men are seen speaking with the schoolgirls shortly before their release.

One of the bandits asks the students how many military aircraft hovered above them during their captivity. The girls respond by saying the jets were “uncountable.”

The bandit then mocks the government, insisting that the authorities could not rescue them “by force” and had no choice but to negotiate.

The abductors also question the girls about their treatment in captivity. They ask whether the students were left hungry or assaulted. The girls replied “No” to both questions.

One of the bandits assures them that they would be taken back to their parents safely “based on peace deals,” adding that the agreement had already been concluded.

Towards the end of the footage, one of the kidnappers declares that the girls are being freed because negotiations have ended.

He boldly claims that the government “cannot rescue you with might” and insists that the authorities have failed in their responsibility to protect citizens.

The video appeared shortly after Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that all abducted students had regained their freedom.

The girls were later shown inside a bus, smiling and interacting with officials preparing to transport them to Birnin Kebbi for medical evaluation and documentation.

The incident has triggered renewed conversations about the rising trend of school abductions and the government’s repeated denial of negotiating with armed groups.

Many Nigerians are now questioning the transparency of rescue operations, especially when banditry continues to expand across the northwest.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Bandits returns to Kwara Community, Kidnap 11 Residents

by Folarin Kehinde November 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Bandits have struck the Isapa community of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 11 residents.

The gunmen, numbering more than 20, stormed the community with a large herd of cattle on Monday, firing shots indiscriminately.

An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the incident.

‎‎A community leader, who confirmed the incident under anonymity, said that 11 people were abducted, with seven victims belonging to the same family. The kidnapped victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children.

‎‎Identities of the abducted individuals have been identified as: Talatu Kabiru (Female, 20), Magaji (Male, 6), Kande (Female, 5), Hadiza (Female, 10), Mariam (Female, 6)

‎Others included ‎Saima (Female, 5), a housewife, Habibat, a housewife, Fatima Yusufu, a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday (Female, 22), Lami Fidelis (Female, 23, nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah (Nursing mother).

‎Eyewitness accounts had it that the attackers moved through parts of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.

Expended AK-47 shells were found scattered across the community after the gunmen fled. ‎Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The latest attack on the Isapa community comes about two weeks after gunmen struck the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, an area in the same LGA.

They kidnapped 38 members of the church, while others reportedly died during the assault. However, the abductees have been released.

Channels Television had reported how panic and tears swept through CAC as terrorists stormed a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor.

According to sources, the attackers invaded the church during a meeting and immediately opened fire, sending worshippers running for cover.

Three members were reportedly shot dead on the spot before the assailants seized an unspecified number of people.

The attackers reportedly escaped through bush paths that connect Eruku to neighbouring communities, leaving residents in panic and confusion.

November 25, 2025 0 comments

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