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Venerable Opara Appointed New General Secretary Of The Church Of Nigeria, Anglican Communion

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The Source
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Festus Opara

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba has approved the appointment of The Venerable Barr. Festus Opara, PhD, as the new General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

A document released by the outgoing General Secretary, the Ven. Dr. Paul Dajur,  Ven. Opara’s appointment followed a rigorous and merit-based selection process in which he performed excellently and emerged as the most suitable candidate for the office.

His appointment, according to a statement signed by Korede Akintunde, Communication Officer, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, became necessary after the outgoing General Secretary, Dr. Dajur, was elected the Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Keffi-Karshi Missionary Diocese in September.

The General Secretary serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Church, working closely with the Primate to ensure the effective coordination of the Church’s national activities, communications, and governance in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria.

His appointment takes effect from Saturday, 1 November 2025.

The Primate expressed his confidence that the passion, dedication, and wealth of experience will greatly contribute to his work in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and prayed that the Lord who has called him to this role will grant him wisdom, grace, and strength to serve faithfully to the glory of His Name and for the good of His Church.

Change Of Guards At Defence House As Musa Hands Over To Oluyede

By
Ayodele Oni
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Musa Hands Over To Oluyede

By Ayodele Oni

Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday, assumed duty as the 19th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), following the confirmation of his appointment by the National Assembly, along with other service chiefs.

Speaking at the brief handing and taking over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed his total commitment to the defence and security of the nation from insurgent activities.

Gen. Oluyede acknowledged the nature of threats confronting the nation, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to emerging cyber, aerial, and maritime security challenges, which require the military to be ever vigilant, innovative, and united.

“My leadership will therefore be guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability.

“We shall build on the achievements of my predecessor by strengthening synergy among the services and defence agencies.

“We shall also enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies. Our objective, which is to restore and sustain peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of our dear country, remains uncontestable.”

Gen. Oluyede, while promising to sustain the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country, expressed optimism that whatever challenges the nation is currently facing, success will be achieved.

“We will prevail as a nation. It is a battle that must be fought on multiple fronts, and crucial among them is the battle space of public trust, information, and national morale.”

The CDS added that, apart from welfare for officers and men, he would prioritise capacity building, research, and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic foresight.

“In doing so, we shall leverage the resources and intellect available across our defence institutions, as well as partnerships with local and international stakeholders. To our gallant soldiers, ratings, airmen, and airwomen, you remain the pride and backbone of our armed forces.”

Earlier, the outgoing CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, said his tenure was challenging but incredibly rewarding.

According to him, “We faced a complex and dynamic security landscape, but we confronted it with unwavering resolve, guided by our constitutional mandate and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

“We pursued a philosophy of jointness, people-centricity, inter-agency cooperation, and kinetic synergy.

“Under my watch, we worked tirelessly to deepen the integration of our Army, Navy, and Air Force. The establishment of Joint Task Forces across our theatres of operation stands as a testament to our commitment to a unified approach,” Musa said.

Gen. Musa lauded the role played by the media during his tenure, describing it as an invaluable ally of the military and a vital bridge between the front lines and the public—standing tall for the realities on the ground against the propaganda of the enemies, and carrying the stories of the troops’ courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of immense adversity.

“Emergence Of New Armed Groups Major Concern For Nigerians” – President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Tinubu decorates new service chiefs

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria’s major concern is the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, charging the new Service Chiefs to rise up to the challenge.

The president spoke on Thursday in Abuja while decorating the Service Chiefs with their new ranks.

Tinubu, who praised the armed forces about successes recorded in onslaught against banditry,  charged that “As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication.

“Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians. Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task.

“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.

“The government’s foremost duty is to protect the citizens. Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price for their service.

” In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories.

“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.

“I thank our armed forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty. As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, as I have repeatedly acknowledged.

“However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.

“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.

“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.

“I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.”

Atiku To Tinubu: “Reversal Of Clemency Act Of Shame Not Wisdom”

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The Source
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Atiku Abubkar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Atiku Abubkar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Charles Igbo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dragged Predicted Bola Tinubu for reversing the clemency he granted a number of  inmates.

Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate expressed grave concern over the process that led to the earlier inclusion of some convicts on the list.

He demanded transparency from the Presidency.

In a statement made public by Phrank Shaibu, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed the reversal of the clemency earlier granted some convicts as “an act of shame, not wisdom.”

The former Vice President was reacting, like not a few Nigerians, to the release of a reviewed list of inmates after President Tinubu revoked the presidential clemency he had earlier granted them.

In the new list, released on Wednesday by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, 140 inmates were affected.

In the earlier list, for example, Tinubu had granted full pardon to Maryam Sanda convicted to death by hanging for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2020. But in the reviewed list released on Wednesday, Tinubu reversed the full pardon, and commutted the death sentence to 12 years imprisonment. Having been awaiting the hangman’s noose for six years at the Kuje Medium Prisons, she will now serve six more years before embracing freedom.

But reacting to the many reversals and the decision that brought them about, Atiku questioned the process that led to the initial inclusion of many undeserving convicts on the list, and demanded transparency from the Presidency. The former Vice President said Nigerians were stuck with a “government that thinks after it acts.”

The statement reads:

“Once again, Nigerians have witnessed a government that doesn’t lead — it reacts. President Bola Tinubu has “cancelled” his own pardon for drug traffickers, kidnappers, and other hardened criminals, but only after Nigerians shouted loud enough to wake him from his moral slumber.

“Let’s be clear: this U-turn is not an act of wisdom, it’s an act of shame.

“If the public had kept quiet, would convicted drug lords and kidnappers be walking free today under the President’s blessing? Who thought it was a brilliant idea to reward crime and betray justice? Who signed off on such national embarrassment?

“These are the questions every Nigerian deserves answers to:

Who compiled the list of beneficiaries?

“What criteria justified freeing kidnappers and drug offenders?

Where was the Attorney-General when this absurdity was cooked up?

“And why does this government only “discover its conscience” after Nigerians express outrage?

“This pattern has become too familiar — announce the unthinkable, watch the country erupt, then hurriedly reverse course as if governance is a game of “trial and error.”

“A presidential pardon is not a social experiment. It is a sacred constitutional power meant to reflect justice, mercy, and national interest — not to reward impunity or test public patience.

“How can a government that pardons criminals lecture citizens about morality, order, or discipline? How can a Commander-in-Chief who nearly freed kidnappers claim to be fighting insecurity?”

He added that the entire episode exposes one bitter truth: “Nigeria is being governed without foresight, without empathy, and without shame.

“If the President truly means well, let him publish the list of all those who were meant to benefit from this scandal. Let Nigerians see the names, the crimes, and the hands that signed off on this reckless indulgence.

“Until then, this cancellation is nothing but damage control — too little, too late.”

Emir Of Kano, Sanusi,  Commends Jonathan, Says Fmr. President Showed Leadership At Critical Times

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The Source
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Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Goodluck Jonathan

By Gideon Njoku

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said that he is not a fan of President Goodluck Jonathan because the former President suspended him from office as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. But, said the outspoken Emir in a shared video, it does not stop him from commending the former President.

Emir Sanusi, who offered offered a balanced opinion on Jonathan’s actions as a President at critical periods in Nigeria’s economic history said of him:

“I’m not a fan of Jonathan. He suspended me because of my work, but you have to commend him.”

The Emir noted that there were, of course, moments of tension between him and Jonathan’s administration, especially, as it concerned transparency and fiscal policies, but he noted that the former President  demonstrated admirable restraint and leadership when it mattered most.

For instance, said the .

Emir who cited the 2012 fuel subsidy controversy as a key example, Jonathan made a difficult compromise to prevent national unrest.

Sanusi:  “He was determined to remove the subsidy, but he compromised to save Nigerian lives at a time when suicide bombings were rampant. That decision showed leadership and compassion.”

He pointed out that quite a number of the economic challenges Nigeria faces today could have been cushioned if the government had  implemented, fully, subsidy reforms back then as pursued by Jonathan.

Sanusi maintained that despite his disagreements with Jonathan, the former President “deserves recognition for making tough choices in turbulent times.”

He added that “acknowledging good leadership, even from those one disagrees with, is essential for national growth and truthfulness in public discourse.”

Delta Targets N100b  Security Trust Fund

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
Oborevwori

By Ayodele Oni

Delta state has set a target on N100 billion in the first phase of its drive to raise funds to support security agencies through trust fund.

The Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, disclosed this in Asaba, at the Orientation Panorama Platform, a public enlightenment interactive programme on Delta Radio.

He explained that even though Delta State is safe and secured for investments, tourism and other socioeconomic activities, there is the need to enhance peace and security as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda of the state government.

Oghenesivbe commended Chief Government Ekpemukpolo aka Tompolo, and the management of Tantita Security Services Ltd, for donating N10 billion to the State Security Trust Fund, describing it as a clear demonstration of patriotism, and a well thought out Corporate Social Responsibility.

He said the N10 billion would go a long way to boost government efforts in enhancing peace and security in the state, while calling on other corporate citizens and wealthy individuals to emulate the generosity.

He noted that since the assumption of office, governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has been doing the needful to keep the state safe and secured,  especially by procuring and distributing operational vehicles to security agencies, as well as assisting their operations with required logistics and other necessary support, adding that 0.5 percent of the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is also allocated monthly to the Security Trust Fund.

Oghenesivbe stated that the law establishing the State Security Trust Fund was enacted in 2013, to provide the legal framework for a public-private partnership to enhance security in the state.

According to him, the law provides the foundation for a trust fund to raise and manage resources from various sources to support security agencies with equipment, lastest technology, strategic training, and provide facilities to combat crime and improve public safety in Delta State.

The Bureau Chief quoted governor Oborevwori as saying at the launching of the trust fund that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state.

He commended the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Olufemi Abaniwonda, and his special crack team for  invaluable efforts and achievements in policing crime in the state

He noted that the Command made several arrests and recovered cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition from criminal elements, while also commending heads of other security agencies working round the clock on a daily basis to keep Delta safe and secured.

“The Oborevwori administration prioritize peace and security. Therefore, the initial target for the State Security Trust Fund is N100billion. It’s achievable, and all hands are on deck to ensure that government goals are achieved within a reasonable time.

“Chief Government Ekpemukpolo aka Tompolo, and the management of Tantita Security Services Ltd, deserves commendation for donating N10 billion to the State Security Trust Fund. Their patriotism and love for Delta cannot be overemphasized.

“This is clearly a remarkable display of uncommon corporate philanthropy, and solid public-private partnership. As a people and government we are very grateful to Chief Tompolo and Tantita.

“It’s important and very necessary for other corporate citizens and wealthy individuals to emulate the uncommon corporate social responsibility exhibited by Chief Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Ltd, because security is everybody’s business. Collectively, we can achieve the N100billion target.

“Our amiable working governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, is committed to the security of the state, and wellbeing of the people. Therefore, the need to upscale peace and security strategies cannot be overemphasized.”

Bokku Apologises Over Its Advert With Ethnic Slur Against The Igbo

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The Source
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Bokku Mart

By Gideon Njoku

Bokku Mart, a Nigerian grocery store, has come under very strong condemnation over its advert with an ethnic slur against the Igbo.

Reacting to the deluge of condemnation, Bokku, in the now deleted  video posted for advertising,  apologised to Nigerians.

The video which sparked outrage online, was posted on the grocery store’s platform.

In the video, the influencer/vlogger said: “I can get beans and Garri Ijebu at Bokku without any Omo Igbo cheating me.”

In a couple of platforms, not a few people had asked for a boycott of the Store.

One X user,  ‘Pharaoh’ in a response said: “Imagine a brand as big as Bokku Mart relying on ethnic stereotyping and slurs for marketing. The whole marketing team sat down, watched this video, approved it and not one person thought ‘without any omo Igbo cheating me’ was wrong???? You people need to do better.”

Osondu Chibuzo remarked: “People who were taught from childhood to hate the Igbo tribe. I don’t even expect @bokkumart to issue a statement on this disgraceful advertisement. Do I even patronise them? Justrite and Jendol are closer to me, and both have better customer service.”

Another user by the name, Drew, wrote: “That’s exactly what I discussed with my guy yesterday, with the way tribalism war is in this country, you guys still come up with this rubbish. Omo na wah for them sha.”

For Ola, it is: “Funniest thing, cheating is not tribal based. Those who want to cheat you will cheat you regardless of where they come from. However, this is too sensitive to put out there. Your marketing could still have been successfully done without adding the omo Igbo comment.”

Chisom Miracle wrote: “Bokku Mart is relying on  tribalism and tribalistic statements for effective marketing and sales. This will definitely backfire. Why denigrate a whole tribe to cheats and also use the convenient slur ‘omo Igbo’?”

However, Bokku Apologises when a media house, The Guardian reached out. It said: “We are sorry, very sorry. An influencer used the words and she’s been cautioned. We’ve taken it down everywhere and do not condone this at all. If anything, we are very pro Nigerian in our dealings and will never intentionally hurt any arm of what makes us a beautiful country.”

Alleged Coup: Sources Reveal Identities Of Officers Involved

By
James Orji
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Soldiers
Identities of names and officers who allegedly took part in a recent botched coup has been revealed.
According to Sahara Reporters 16 senior military officers who allegedly took part in the foiled coup are currently being detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA.
The revelation comes on the heels of the denial by a former governor of Bayelsa state, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva that he was the sponsor of the coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The former governor said through his aide on Wednesday that he’s a true democrat and could not have been involved in any coup plot against the Tinubu’s government, saying he’s a staunch supporter of the president.
Sylva spoke following the raid on his Abuja home by a detachment of military men last week.
The federal government has however denied that coup took place.
The online newspaper had earlier  reported that an officer of the Nigerian Navy, Lieutenant Commander B Abdullahi, was identified as one of the senior military officers detained.
Sources in the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the officers, drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, were picked up in coordinated operations by military intelligence after weeks of secret surveillance.
Below are the profiles of the detained officers as compiled by Premium Times:
1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321) Brigadier General Sadiq is believed to be the suspected leader of the alleged coup plot.
This is not his first brush with controversy. In October 2024, he was reportedly detained for “alleged diversion of rice palliatives and selling of military equipment, including generator sets and operational vehicles to scrap yards.”
2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (N/10668)
Colonel Ma’aji, born on March 1, 1976, is a Nupe native from Niger State.
3. Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (N/13036)
Lt. Col. Bappah, from Bauchi State is a member of the 56 Regular Course.
4. Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Hayatu (N/13038)
A native of Kaduna State.
5. Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap (N/13025) from Plateau State, Dangnap. He was court-martialed in 2015 alongside 29 others for offences linked to the Boko Haram war.
6. Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (N/12983)
Lt. Col. Almakura, also from Nasarawa State, was born on March 18, 1983.
7. Major A.J. Ibrahim (N/13065)
From Gombe State, Major Ibrahim was born on June 12, 1987.
8. Major M.M. Jiddah (N/13003)
Born on July 9, 1985, Major Jiddah hails from Katsina State.
He is an Infantry officer and member of the 56 Regular Course (2004–2008).
9. Major M.A. Usman (N/15404)
Major Usman, from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
10. Major D. Yusuf (N/14753)
Born on May 26, 1988, Major Yusuf hails from Gombe State.
He serves in the Ordnance Corps.
11. Major I. Dauda (N/13625)
From Jigawa State, Major Dauda joined the Army through the Direct Short Service Commission (Course 38).
12. Captain Ibrahim Bello (N/16266)
Born on July 28, 1987, Captain Bello is a member of the Direct Short Service Commission Course 43.
13. Captain A.A. Yusuf (N/16724)
Captain Yusuf is a Nigerian Army officer with limited public records available.
14. Lieutenant S.S. Felix (N/18105)
Lt. Felix is among the junior officers in detention. Details about his role remain unclear.
15. Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (NN/3289)
Lt. Commander Abdullahi serves in the Nigerian Navy and is one of two non-Army officers detained in connection with the alleged coup plot.
16. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (NAF/3481)
Squadron Leader Adamu serves in the Nigerian Air Force. His alleged involvement remains under investigation.
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Coup Plot: NDDC MD, Ogbuku, Resurfaces, Meets Agric Stakeholders In Niger Delta

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dr Samuel Ogbuku

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst report of his arrest in connection with alleged coup plot, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, on Thursday, addressed agricultural stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The engagement, which formed part of a two-day strategic meeting preparatory to the forthcoming Niger Delta Agricultural Summit, attracted Commissioners for Agriculture and Permanent Secretaries from all nine Niger Delta states, as well as representatives from key agricultural agencies and private sector partners.

In his address, Dr. Ogbuku urged stakeholders in the region to begin a conscious shift from dependence on crude oil to a diversified economy anchored on agriculture, stressing that agriculture remains the most viable path to achieving food security, job creation, and sustainable regional development.

“The Niger Delta must look beyond oil. Agriculture holds the key to our economic transformation and long-term stability.

“Through collaborative planning and targeted investments, we can unlock the enormous potential of our farmlands and create sustainable livelihoods for our people,” Ogbuku stated.

He emphasized that the NDDC under his leadership was already implementing programmes that integrate agricultural innovation, agribusiness incubation, and youth empowerment to drive inclusive growth across the region.

The social media has been washed with report of Ogbuku’s arrest and detention in connection with a botched coup.

Pinnick Distances Self From Alleged Misuse Of Funds For FIFA Kebbi Project

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Amaju Melvin Pinnick

By Akinwale Kasali

Amaju Pinnick, former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, has debunked claims that the funds meant for the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State was misused.

The former FIFA Member described the accusations as “completely misconstrued” and unfounded.

Defending the project’s management, Pinnick maintained that it was handled according to FIFA’s strict financial guidelines.

He explained that every stage of the process was carefully monitored by the international body.

Pinnick stated, “If FIFA gives you their money, they audit their money, they know A to Z, and they have standards. So if the contract was about $1.1 million in 2020, how much was it in naira?

Less than ₦400 million, that’s what people don’t know.”

Pinnick further clarified that although the COVID-19 pandemic caused some construction delays, the budget remained unchanged and no extra funds were allocated.

“Everything went according to plan. You can hate Amaju Pinnick, but love Nigerian football,” he stated.

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