National
Defence Minister Hails Nigerian Navy’s Efforts at Gulf of Guinea Symposium
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has lauded the Nigerian Navy for its proactive leadership in organizing the 8th Edition of the Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Matawalle highlighted the event’s significance in addressing security challenges in the region, which is critical to global energy supply and maritime trade.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle also acknowledged the contributions of international partners, particularly the European Union and the French Navy, in enhancing maritime security frameworks.
The two-day event, themed “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea,” aims to foster regional cooperation and strengthen maritime law enforcement.
It brings together key stakeholders, including Heads of Navies and Coast Guards, to tackle pressing issues such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crimes.
Representing the Nigerian President, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu delivered a keynote address reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional maritime security and sustainable development.
Ribadu emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and collective action in combating threats to the Gulf of Guinea’s stability.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support and reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to fostering peace and stability in the region.
He noted that maritime security remains a cornerstone of sustainable economic development for the Gulf of Guinea nations.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including General Christopher G. Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, and representatives from regional and international organizations.
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the tenth edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show will begin soon.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, the organisers revealed that the audition process for this edition will differ from previous ones.
Unlike past seasons, where aspiring contestants auditioned virtually, those vying for a spot in the 10th edition will have to audition in person.
However, the premiere date for the new season and the audition locations has not been disclosed.
“This time, it’s all about showing up and being you. Ready to shine? Get ready your moment is closer than you think! Season 10 is coming,” the post reads.
The reality TV show first introduced online auditions in its fourth season in 2019.
At the time, the option was created for those who couldn’t attend the physical auditions held earlier.
Since then, the organisers have maintained virtual auditions, adding different twists with each edition.
In the last season, contestants were required to audition in pairs.
At the last edition, Kellyrae defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million.
The feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.
As the winner, he went home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.
National
ORELOPE-ADEFULIRE CELEBRATES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU AT 73, DESCRIBES HIM AS A VISIONARY LEADER AND INSPIRATION TO THE NATION
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, marks his 73rd birthday, his Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has paid glowing tributes to the President, celebrating his leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to national development.
Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, lauded him as “a visionary leader, an inspiration to the nation, and a statesman whose relentless pursuit of good governance has impacted generations.”
In a statement commemorating the President’s birthday, Orelope-Adefulire described Tinubu’s leadership as one that embodies strategic foresight, resilience, and an unyielding determination to build a Nigeria that offers opportunities for all.
She remarked that from his early activism in the struggle for democracy to his transformative tenure as the Governor of Lagos State, and now as Nigeria’s President, Tinubu has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national progress. His leadership has been credited with fostering economic growth, infrastructural development, and human capital advancement, setting a precedent for progressive governance in Nigeria.
Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the President’s political sagacity and leadership acumen, which have nurtured and empowered a new generation of leaders across various sectors. “His ability to identify and develop talent, foster inclusive governance, and drive economic transformation is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities,” she remarked.
She further noted, “Under President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has intensified efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty eradication, education, healthcare, and economic diversification. His governance philosophy aligns with global best practices, positioning Nigeria for long-term growth and sustainability.”
Orelope-Adefulire emphasised that the President’s people-centred policies and strategic focus on sustainable development reflect his deep understanding of the nation’s challenges and opportunities. “His leadership continues to inspire hope and resilience in the collective pursuit of a greater and more prosperous Nigeria,” she added.
The former Deputy Governor of Lagos State also acknowledged Tinubu’s immense contributions to democracy, governance, and national development. She joined other leaders, political associates, and citizens in praising his dedication to nation-building, describing him as a beacon of hope for a better Nigeria.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire extended her heartfelt wishes to the President, stating, “May this new year bring renewed strength, wisdom, and divine grace to continue leading Nigeria with courage and purpose.”
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.