First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Advocates Complete End to Child Marriage

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on families, community leaders, and policymakers to intensify efforts toward protecting girl child rights, ending child marriage, and expanding educational investments. The First Lady issued the appeal in a formal message commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed under the theme End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights. Senator Tinubu emphasized that every girl deserves the fundamental right to learn, grow, and pursue her ambitions free from discrimination, violence, or harmful traditional practices. She stressed that when girls are empowered through quality education and healthcare, entire families prosper, communities strengthen, and the nation advances socially and economically. The First Lady celebrated the resilience and leadership potential of young girls across Nigeria, urging all tiers of government to enforce child protection frameworks. She reaffirmed her commitment through the Renewed Hope Initiative to advocate for policy frameworks that guarantee equal opportunities for every Nigerian child. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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CAS Sunday Aneke Leads Recovery Efforts at Ondo Air Crash Site

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, led senior Nigerian Air Force officers to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to oversee search, recovery, and technical investigation operations. The high level site visit followed Monday’s fatal aviation accident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931. Arriving at the crash site, Air Marshal Aneke extended profound condolences to the families of all victims, honoring their selfless service, sacrifice, and dedication to national duty. He assured the bereaved relatives that the Air Force community stands fully united behind them during this deeply painful period of national grief. The Air Force chief reaffirmed the military command’s resolve to carry out search and recovery operations according to global aviation standards, maintaining total operational transparency and administrative diligence. He emphasized that every technical detail would be examined to establish the precise cause of the accident. Air Marshal Aneke commended the operational coordination exhibited by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, and the Ondo State Government. He further acknowledged the civil defense corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi Tech Construction Company, community leaders, and local volunteers for their joint response efforts. Extending gratitude for executive support, the CAS appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing guidance and leadership throughout the crisis. He assured the commander in chief and the public that all retrieved evidence would be secured, documented, preserved, and subjected to forensic evaluation by aviation crash experts. Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, confirmed that recovery operations are progressing smoothly across the crash area in close coordination with emergency agencies. AVM Ebiowe verified that the crash perimeter remains secured by armed personnel to preserve physical wreckage and flight recordings. The investigation leadership added that all recovered items, flight instruments, and personal effects are being cataloged according to standard crash site protocols. The Nigerian Air Force remains focused on completing ground recovery operations while extending comprehensive psychosocial support to the families of the victims. The military command urged the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified speculation regarding the operational cause of the crash. Air Marshal Aneke requested patience as technical investigators work to produce a conclusive, fact-based report on the incident. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Tragic Mishap: Nigerian Air Force Releases Names of 25 Victims in Ondo Aircraft Crash

The Nigerian Air Force has formally released the official manifest containing the names of twenty five military personnel and civilian passengers who tragically lost their lives during an aircraft crash in Ondo State. The catastrophic incident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, occurred on Monday in the Igbokoda area, sending shockwaves across the entire defense establishment. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, released a poignant public statement expressing his deepest personal condolences to the grieving families of the fallen officers and passengers. Describing the unexpected air disaster as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the entire country, he prayed for solace for the bereaved loved ones. The Chief of the Air Staff reassured the mourning families that the Nigerian Air Force stands fully prepared to offer comprehensive administrative, welfare, and emotional support during this difficult period of loss. He emphasized that the service remains profoundly grateful for the selfless sacrifices made by the brave personnel while executing their national security duties. According to an official statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehime Ejodame, the aircraft carried five flight crew members and twenty passengers. The flight crew was led by Flight Captain Squadron Leader MI Aburime, alongside Co-pilots Squadron Leader AP Man Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, supported by technical crew members. The technical crew onboard included Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC, whose specialized technical expertise supported flight operations. Their operational dedication was warmly acknowledged by colleagues as the Air Force community mourns the unexpected demise of these highly trained technical specialists in the line of duty. The passenger manifest listed several senior and junior officers, including Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, and Master Warrant Officer Matini BA. Additional military personnel identified were Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, and Lance Corporal Eledan GE. Civilian passengers onboard the ill fated transport aircraft were also formally identified by the military authority as Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola. The Air Force leadership extended direct condolences to the families of the civilian victims, promising equal support and attention throughout the upcoming burial proceedings. Following the tragic event, Air Marshal Aneke officially ordered a comprehensive high level investigation to uncover the precise technical and operational factors surrounding the accident. Expert aviation investigators have been deployed to the crash site in Igbokoda to retrieve flight recorders and conduct thorough forensic analyses of the wreckage. The Air Force leadership assured the public that regular, accurate, and verified updates will be communicated as technical findings emerge from the official investigation board. Air Marshal Aneke urged citizens and media organizations to refrain from spreading unverified speculation on social media, emphasizing the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of the affected families. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Democratic Inclusion: INEC Partners Canada and IFES to Advance Voter Education for 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially flagged off a high level two day National Inclusive Voter Education Training for its Gender and Inclusivity staff in Abuja. Under the leadership of Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, the Commission is accelerating preparations to deliver a seamless, transparent, and completely inclusive electoral framework ahead of the eager 2027 General Election. Supported by the Government of Canada through its Fund for Local Initiatives and organized in close collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the training seeks to empower field personnel. The primary objective centers on equipping officers with modern tools to deliver customized voter education that addresses the unique needs of every Nigerian voter demographic. The intensive workshop convened key officers from the Gender and Inclusivity Department across all 36 state offices and the Federal Capital Territory. Gathering at the Exclusive Serene Hotel in Wuye, Abuja, participants were exposed to practical methodologies designed to eliminate communication barriers and expand public engagement ahead of the next major electoral cycle. This strategic exercise highlights the administrative direction of Prof. Amupitan, whose tenure remains firmly anchored on producing free, fair, credible, and universally accessible elections. By prioritizing equal access, the Commission aims to build public confidence and ensure the upcoming electoral outcome reflects the unfiltered democratic preference of the entire population. Demonstrating this commitment, the Commission has intensified its direct consultative engagements with civil society groups, including the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities. These collaborative discussions focus on removing physical and systemic obstacles to ensure voters with special needs can exercise their franchise without hindrance across all polling units nationwide. Speaking during the opening ceremony, First Secretary for Political Affairs at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, Colton Bridges, reiterated Canada’s steadfast belief in inclusive democratic governance. He noted that Canada’s direct financial backing through the Fund for Local Initiatives forms part of a broader commitment to supporting credible democratic institutions throughout Nigeria. Drawing from his operational experience observing elections in Ondo, Anambra, and Osun States, Bridges commended the visible progress made by the electoral umpire in assisting voters with physical disabilities. He nevertheless stressed that true electoral inclusion must expand beyond disability considerations to address wider socio economic realities present across diverse communities. Bridges specifically identified vulnerable groups requiring tailored voter education strategies, including non English speakers, citizens with low literacy levels, inhabitants of hard to reach rural hinterlands, and populations living without reliable internet connectivity. He urged participants to implement innovative messaging formats capable of reaching every corner of the country effectively. The Canadian envoy expressed optimism that the two day practical seminar would provide participants with refined strategies to reshape voter education campaigns across their respective states. Through continuous capacity building and international partnerships, the Commission continues to build a resilient foundation where no eligible citizen is left behind. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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IMMIGRATION REFORM: NIS SOKOTO GRADUATES 14TH COMMAND COURSE WITH FOCUS ON SMART BORDERS AND DIGITAL MANAGEMENT

The Nigeria Immigration Service successfully celebrated the graduation of its 14th Command Course at the Immigration Command and Staff College in Sokoto, emphasizing high technology operational frameworks. The event focused on modernizing national border administration under the theme Smart Borders Leveraging Technology for Efficient Migration Control and Border Management. Representing Comptroller General KN Nandap, Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Human Resources SU Agba delivered the keynote address to the senior officer cadre. The leadership stressed that integrating digital tools into daily immigration routines remains non negotiable for addressing contemporary national security challenges. Acting Commandant of the college Musa Chonoko commended the 77 graduating middle tier officers for completing the rigorous strategic leadership curriculum. He urged the graduates to uphold absolute integrity, administrative discipline, and professional excellence as they assume higher managerial responsibilities across national formations. In her formal message, the Comptroller General charged the graduating officers to act as transformation agents, strategic planners, and problem solvers within their respective state commands. She reiterated that adopting intelligent technology, enhancing multi agency operations, and fostering subordinate mentorship will drive modern migration management. The graduation ceremony attracted prominent dignitaries, including representatives from the Sokoto State Government, the Sultanate Council, and heads of regional security services. Guests commended the service for prioritizing staff capacity development, acknowledging the vital role played by modern immigration management in protecting national sovereignty. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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AIRPORT INTERCEPT: RETIRED WORKER ARRESTED AT LAGOS AIRPORT WITH N16M COCAINE HIDDEN IN SHOES AND LUGGAGE

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 38 year old businessman, Philip Tunde, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for attempting to smuggle 4.80 kilograms of cocaine abroad. The suspect was intercepted at Terminal 2 during outward clearance procedures while attempting to board a Royal Air Maroc flight bound for Milan, Italy. A thorough physical search of his personal luggage uncovered 16 carefully wrapped parcels of cocaine concealed inside the hollowed soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes. Additionally, forensic inspectors discovered 195 custom wraps hidden inside the tubular aluminum framework of four rolling travel bags. During preliminary interrogation, Tunde confessed to investing N16 million in cash to acquire the illicit shipment found inside the footwear, claiming the remaining drugs hidden in the bag frames belonged to an overseas accomplice. The suspect revealed that his source capital came from an industrial injury compensation payout received after losing finger tips in an Italian manufacturing plant. The narcotics agency simultaneously announced major operational busts at strategic maritime ports, including over 1.2 tonnes of high grade Canadian Loud valued at N3.8 billion at Tincan Island Port and 124 kilograms of Thai Loud at Apapa Port. In Rivers State, port inspectors seized 109,600 bottles of illicit codeine syrup originating from international shipping corridors. Further tactical raids across Lagos led to the recovery of 209,000 tramadol tablets from an abandoned residential compound in Ago Palace, alongside targeted arrests in Osun, Plateau, Kogi, and Edo states. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended the officers for their relentless intelligence driven efforts, pledging sustained pressure against international illicit syndicates. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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MILITARY EXPANSION: PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES NEW BATTALIONS FOR ISEYIN AND KISHI IN OYO STATE

In a strategic bid to bolster security architecture across key agricultural zones, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of new military battalions in Iseyin and Kishi towns. Located in the strategically vital Oke Ogun zone of Oyo State, the new deployments aim to curb cross border security threats, kidnapping risks, and rural banditry. The major security development was announced on Independence Day by Major General AB Mahmuda, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army. The announcement was delivered during an official courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo. Under the new operational framework, the two newly created military units in Oke Ogun will operate under the direct command and administrative supervision of a newly established Military Brigade and Garrison in Oyo town. This localized structure is expected to reduce response times to operational emergencies across regional trade corridors. The royal institution commended the federal government for prioritizing the safety of agrarian communities in Oyo North, highlighting the potential boost to farming activities. Military commanders emphasized that tactical deployment protocols and physical site infrastructure will commence without delay. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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MARITIME SAFETY BREAKDOWN: BENUE SUSPENDS NUMW BRANCH, ORDERS ARREST OF BOAT SKIPPER AFTER BURUKU DISASTER

The Benue State Government has taken decisive enforcement action following a disastrous boat mishap at the Buruku river crossing point, suspending local union operations and ordering immediate arrests. The directive targeted the Buruku crossing point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers following an accident that left several passengers missing. In an official public statement, Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy Denis Ter Iyaghigba ordered the immediate suspension of union activities after conducting a comprehensive on the spot assessment visit. The state government took swift administrative control of the crossing area to enforce safety standard compliance and prevent further loss of life. The enforcement order extended to the immediate suspension of the transport line operator, alongside the formal arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the incident. Police authorities and maritime enforcement officers moved swiftly to secure the suspect for further criminal interrogation and investigation into operational negligence. An inter ministerial committee has been officially constituted to determine the immediate, remote, and structural causes of the fatal river accident. Concurrently, state officials are coordinating with local emergency divers to intensify ongoing search, rescue, and recovery operations across the affected waterway section. Reiterating the administration’s zero tolerance policy for safety violations, Commissioner Iyaghigba emphasized the mandatory enforcement of life jacket usage at every river transit point across Benue State. Additionally, a strict seven day ultimatum was issued to the owner of an abandoned barge linked to the tragedy to clear the vessel or face permanent state confiscation. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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REGIONAL ALLIANCE: NORTH EAST GOVERNORS RECHARGE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR SECURITY, TRANSPORT AND ENERGY EXPANSION

Governors under the banner of the North East Governors Forum have reaffirmed their collective commitment to regional development, socio economic integration, and enhanced security across all six subregional states. The communique, signed by Forum Chairman and Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, highlighted significant milestones achieved since the coalition was founded in Gombe in March 2020. The high level meeting was attended by the leadership of Borno, Adamawa, and Gombe states, while Bauchi and Yobe states sent deputy governors to ensure full administrative representation. The strategic session focused on aligning security protocols, accelerating infrastructural master plans, and establishing self sustaining economic structures across state lines. Expressing gratitude to the federal government for prioritizing vital infrastructure, the forum praised ongoing efforts on the Port Harcourt Jos Bauchi Gombe Maiduguri rail corridor, the Kolmani frontier oil exploration, and key interstate highways. However, the leaders explicitly requested the prompt resumption of stalled oil exploration initiatives within Borno State, specifically calling for active work in Magumeri and Gubio local government areas. Addressing the subregion’s power deficits, the governors celebrated the integration of the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant into the national grid while urging state administrations to leverage new national power legislations. The forum encouraged aggressive adoption of solar mini grid installations, citing the abundant sunshine across the region, while demanding accelerated federal movement on the Mambila Hydropower Project following recent legal resolutions. The forum commended ongoing humanitarian and infrastructural interventions by the North East Development Commission, while calling for expanded investments in education and the immediate release of outstanding scholarship awards. The leaders placed special priority on combating the out of school children challenge through targeted, modernized support for Tsangaya education centers across member states. To tackle rising logistical costs and transport tariffs, the regional body announced a partnership with Green Ville Energy to establish a comprehensive Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas network. This operational shift will coincide with the launch of thousands of electric tricycles, taxis, and buses provided through federal support via the regional development commission. Further boosting connectivity, the governors finalized plans to establish a dedicated regional air shuttle designed to streamline movement for trade, development personnel, and emergency operations. Regional leaders noted that seamless intra regional mobility remains critical to building economic resilience against external economic shocks. On regional safety, the governors praised the operational successes achieved by security agencies and local vigilante groups while commending the populace for their unwavering resilience against extremist threats. The leadership pledged to expand youth empowerment programs across vocational, technical, and digital industries to prevent vulnerable populations from being exploited by criminal syndicates. The North East Governors Forum concluded its session by confirming that its next executive council meeting will convene in Gombe on December 18 and 19, 2026, to evaluate implementation progress. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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