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Tinubu Skips UNGA For Third Straight Year, Hands The Global Stage To Shettima

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that he will not be physically present at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, ending weeks of speculation and marking the third consecutive year he has missed the gathering in person since taking office in 2023. The decision came in a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman to Vice President Kashim Shettima, announcing that Tinubu had directed the Vice President to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high level session. The development reverses earlier official indications that the President would travel to New York, after Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had said in July that arrangements had been made for Tinubu to attend, including a seating arrangement close to United States President Donald Trump during the General Debate. A provisional list of speakers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria subsequently showed Shettima, not Tinubu, listed to address the Assembly, effectively confirming the President’s withdrawal before the Presidency’s formal statement. The Presidency has not given an official reason for the President’s absence, though some reports have linked the decision to a planned protest by Nigerians in the United States during the annual gathering, a claim the government has neither confirmed nor denied. Shettima will lead a high level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials to the General Debate holding from September 22 to 28, under the theme Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation, A United Nations That Delivers For All. Nigeria’s UN envoy, Jimoh Ibrahim, has since moved to reassure Nigerians that the country retains its front row seat and will continue to play a full diplomatic role at the gathering, insisting that Shettima’s presence, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu and other officials, ensures Nigeria’s interests remain fully represented. Reactions have continued to trail the President’s absence, with opposition figures questioning the decision and renewing scrutiny of Tinubu’s pattern of skipping the UN’s premier diplomatic gathering since assuming office. Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate before returning to the country at the conclusion of his engagements in New York. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Germany’s Far Right Storms To Victory In The East As Merz Calls Results A Disaster

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Germany’s far right Alternative for Germany party has delivered another blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, winning the northeastern state of Mecklenburg Vorpommern with about 38 percent of the vote in elections held on Sunday, just two weeks after a historic breakthrough in Saxony Anhalt. Merz’s Christian Democratic Union crashed below the 5 percent threshold required for parliamentary representation in the state, a result the Chancellor himself described as a disaster and the party’s worst showing in its history in the region. The result leaves the Social Democratic Party, led by popular state premier Manuela Schwesig, trailing the AfD narrowly with about 36.5 percent, as the two parties fought the main battle for control of the state while the CDU was reduced to a bystander. In a separate election held the same day in Berlin, the far left Die Linke party topped the poll with roughly 25 percent, defeating the ruling CDU which managed about 19 to 20 percent, with Die Linke’s lead candidate, Elif Eralp, declaring that love and justice had triumphed over hatred in the capital. The AfD also made gains in Berlin, rising to around 13.5 percent from 9.1 percent in the last state election in 2023, a result observers say signals growing far right support even in Germany’s most cosmopolitan city. AfD co leader Alice Weidel celebrated the outcome, declaring her party the new people’s party in Germany and insisting that the CDU could not continue under Merz’s leadership, describing the Chancellor as strongly damaged by the results. Merz, whose approval ratings have reportedly fallen to about 14 percent after just 16 months in power, vowed in a televised address to press ahead with his reform agenda despite the heavy losses, even as doubts mount within his own party over whether he can continue to lead. Analysts point to a combination of factors driving the far right’s rise in the east, including an ageing population, a shortage of skilled workers and rising anti immigration sentiment, alongside affordability concerns that dominated the separate campaign in Berlin. The twin results add further pressure on Merz’s coalition government in Berlin, coming just two weeks after the AfD’s landslide victory in Saxony Anhalt, and raise fresh questions about the far right’s continued momentum heading into future national contests. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Manchester City Hit Five Past Sunderland, Chelsea Stunned 3-0 As Premier League Weekend Delivers Fireworks

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The Premier League weekend produced one of its most dramatic rounds of the season so far, headlined by Manchester City’s five goal demolition of Sunderland and a shock heavy defeat for Chelsea at the hands of Brentford. Manchester City 5-3 Sunderland Chelsea’s troubles continued as they were thrashed by Brentford in a result that will pile further pressure on the club heading into the coming weeks of the campaign. Brentford 3-0 Chelsea Liverpool made it back to winning ways with a narrow away victory over Bournemouth, while Arsenal produced a dominant away display of their own against Brighton. AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool | Brighton 3-0 Arsenal Fulham and Manchester United shared the points in a tightly fought draw, while Leeds United and Crystal Palace could not find a way past each other in a goalless stalemate. Fulham 1-1 Manchester United | Leeds United 0-0 Crystal Palace Nottingham Forest suffered a narrow home defeat to Coventry City, while Everton edged out Ipswich Town in a tense encounter at Goodison Park. Nottingham Forest 0-1 Coventry City | Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town Newcastle United came from behind to see off Hull City, and Tottenham Hotspur were involved in a seven goal thriller against Aston Villa, ultimately falling short at home. Newcastle United 2-1 Hull City | Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Aston Villa With City’s emphatic win and Chelsea’s heavy defeat dominating the headlines, the round has once again reshuffled the conversation at both ends of the table as the season continues to take shape. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Enugu Rangers Stun Kun Khalifat 4-2, Kano Pillars Put Four Past Doma United On Bruising NPFL Weekend

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Matchday action across the Nigeria Premier Football League produced a flurry of goals and shock results on Sunday, with Enugu Rangers turning on the style away from home and Kano Pillars delivering a statement win over league pace setters Doma United. Kano Pillars 4-1 Doma United Enugu Rangers travelled to face Kun Khalifat and came away with four goals of their own, overturning an early deficit to leave with all three points in one of the weekend’s most entertaining fixtures. Kun Khalifat 2-4 Enugu Rangers Elsewhere, Inter Lagos secured a narrow away win over Enyimba, while Plateau United continued their strong home form with a comfortable victory over Shooting Stars. Enyimba 0-1 Inter Lagos | Plateau United 3-1 Shooting Stars Abia Warriors picked up a convincing away win at Sporting Lagos, while Nasarawa United and Rivers United shared the spoils in a tightly contested draw. Sporting Lagos 0-2 Abia Warriors | Nasarawa United 1-1 Rivers United FC Warri Wolves edged out Kwara United in a low scoring affair, while Ikorodu City and Barau FC played out a goalless draw the previous day. Warri Wolves FC 1-0 Kwara United | Ikorodu City 0-0 Barau Katsina United returned to winning ways with a narrow victory over Niger Tornadoes, and Ranchers Bees held off a late fightback from Bendel Insurance to secure maximum points. Katsina United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes | Ranchers Bees 2-1 Bendel Insurance With results across the round now in, attention turns to how the standings shift heading into the coming week, with Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers both boosting their positions on the back of impressive attacking displays. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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JAMB Strikes Deal With NECO, NABTEB And NBAIS To Speed Up O Level Verification

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has signed an agreement with the National Examinations Council, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies on the upload and verification of candidates’ O Level results. The agreement is aimed at further streamlining the process of accessing and verifying O Level results during the admission process for prospective university students nationwide. Under the new arrangement, JAMB is set to onboard the three examination bodies onto its O Level verification system, allowing candidates’ results to be accessed and verified more efficiently than before. The development is expected to improve coordination between JAMB and the examination bodies, reducing difficulties candidates may encounter during O Level verification going forward. Officials say the streamlined system will particularly benefit candidates whose results are currently scattered across multiple examination bodies during the admission process. The partnership reflects JAMB’s ongoing efforts to digitise and simplify the broader Nigerian university admissions process for candidates and institutions alike. Candidates have been advised to follow verified updates as JAMB continues to expand its O Level verification system ahead of the next admission cycle. The Board said further details on the practical implementation of the new system would be communicated to candidates and institutions in due course. The agreement marks another step in JAMB’s continued push toward a more coordinated and transparent national examinations ecosystem. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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FCT Police Round Up 300 Suspects In Sweeping Raids On Crime Flashpoints

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The FCT Police Command has intensified its crackdown on crime, raiding identified flashpoints, shanties and uncompleted buildings across the territory to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard residents. The operation led to the arrest of about 300 persons for screening and profiling, with knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs recovered from suspected criminal hideouts during the exercise. The Command said suspects found to have committed offences will be charged to court, while those cleared after thorough screening will be released without further action. Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, warned residents against illicit drug abuse, describing it as a factor that can impair judgement and fuel criminal behaviour across communities. He directed officers involved in the raids to remain professional and operate strictly within the law, warning against extortion, intimidation and harassment of residents during the exercise. The Commissioner stressed that the raids were carried out with due regard for the rights of residents, even as officers moved decisively against identified criminal hideouts. Officials say the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to make the Federal Capital Territory safer for residents and visitors alike. The Command urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities to support ongoing efforts to keep the territory safe. Further raids are expected to continue as part of the Command’s sustained crackdown on crime across identified flashpoints in the territory. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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FG Sets Up Panel Over 37 Deaths In NSCDC Custody, Suspends 21 Officers Pending Probe

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The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, has constituted a ten member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Niger State Command, on suspicion of illegal mining. The action follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 17, with the Minister also suspending all officers involved pending the committee’s findings. Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, the Minister said the government owes affected families and the public a transparent account of events, directing the committee to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director General Jonathan Kure, includes Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma as Secretary, alongside representatives from the Minna Emirate Council, the Niger State Government and the Miners Association of Nigeria. The panel is expected to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and to recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, within a two week timeframe. The Minister directed NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the committee and preserve all evidence connected to the incident, warning that any attempt to destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses would be treated as a serious offence. Alongside the Niger State Commandant, 20 additional officers, including station guards, arresting officers and duty officers, have been named and suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The committee has been granted authority to co opt relevant experts, visit locations connected to the incident and request memoranda from members of the public as it carries out its work. The Minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Tinubu Sends Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation At 81st UN General Assembly

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shettima will lead a high level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials to the General Debate holding from September 22 to 28. At the debate, themed Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation, A United Nations That Delivers For All, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement outlining the country’s position on major global issues with implications for peace, security and economic growth. The Vice President will also participate in high level meetings during UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the continent. Shettima is expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries and international organisations on the sidelines. The engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships with global partners across various sectors. Officials say the trip will also allow Nigeria to strengthen its voice on reform of the global financial architecture and sustainable development priorities. The delegation’s participation forms part of broader efforts to position Nigeria favourably within multilateral cooperation frameworks at the United Nations. Shettima will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Defence Minister Tells AWC Graduates To Turn Knowledge Into Real Battlefield Results

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The Air Force War College Nigeria graduated 45 senior officers of Air War Course 12/2026 after nine months of intensive professional military education, strategic analysis and operational engagements, with graduands drawn from Nigeria and four allied countries, Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana and Morocco. Delivering the keynote address at the Tenth Anniversary Special Graduation Ceremony, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by Major General C Ofoche, charged the graduates to regard their graduation as an assumption of greater responsibility. He urged them to transform knowledge into sound planning, decision making and leadership, while championing jointness and unity of effort and harnessing emerging technologies alongside sound doctrine and resilient logistics. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professional training and mission focused capability development. The CAS, who noted that the graduation coincided with the College’s Tenth Anniversary, commended AFWCN for its contribution to professional military education and growing participation by Nigerian and allied officers. He disclosed that construction of the College’s permanent site in Abuja is ongoing, with the next Air War Course expected to commence there, while also highlighting ongoing NAF fleet modernisation efforts. Commandant of the College, Air Vice Marshal GA Mbaka, described the graduation as a significant milestone in the College’s decade long contribution to operational level military education, stressing the need for leaders to understand the wider dimensions of contemporary security challenges. Highlights of the ceremony included the conferment of Fellowship on the graduands and past Commandants, presentation of certificates and awards, and the inauguration of the AFWCN Alumni Association. The event also featured the launch of the Second Edition of the Airpower Magazine and the Tenth Anniversary Year Book, marking a decade of professional military education at the institution established in Makurdi in 2016. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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NELFUND Pays Out N164 Million To Over 3,000 Students At Federal University Zaria

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The Federal University of Education, Zaria, has received a total of N163,991,400 in education loan support from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund for the 2025/2026 academic session, benefiting 3,215 students. The institution confirmed receipt of the funds in a letter dated September 3, signed by Vice Chancellor Professor Yahaya Isa Bunkure and addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND. According to the confirmation, the funds were disbursed in eight tranches between December 2025 and February 2026 to support students with the payment of their registration fees for the academic session. The largest tranche, amounting to N49,126,900, benefited 980 students, while another N39,906,900 was disbursed to 766 students, with further tranches of N20,877,150 for 393 students and N17,203,150 for 318 students. An additional tranche of N13,660,500 supported 214 students, rounding out the eight disbursements that reached students across the institution during the period under review. Professor Bunkure expressed appreciation to NELFUND on behalf of the university, students and wider community, describing the support as a major contribution to students and their families amid prevailing economic challenges. The university confirmed that beneficiary students were issued receipts to promote accountability, transparency and proper documentation of the funds received throughout the disbursement process. Bunkure further commended NELFUND’s contribution to supporting students, noting that the initiative could have broader social benefits by helping young Nigerians remain engaged in education. He said the scheme’s continued support would help reduce the pressures associated with economic hardship on students and their families across the country. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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