The Nigerian Army has refuted allegations contained in a trending video alleging that the establishment of the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs, which is supposed to be a force of unity in a secular country, is aimed at Islamising and destroying the nation.

A trending video recalled that the initiation of such policies in countries like Turkey and Libya resulted in a crisis which the countries and others like them are yet to recover from.

The video urged the Army to focus on the fight against insecurity, bandits and terrorists as well as defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and secularism rather than allegedly diverting from its mandate and engaging in worrisome policies.

Responding in a statement, the Army headquarters said it has been notified of a viral report suggesting that it runs a School of Islamic Affairs, ignoring other faiths.

“The viral report also made a futile effort to portray the Nigerian Army as exclusively encouraging religious bigotry among its personnel.

“Considering the gravity of this falsehood, the Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that this propaganda in its entirety is dead on arrival as it clearly does not reflect the values of our esteemed institution.

“The Nigerian Army is a secular organisation that upholds the principle of religious freedom for all its personnel and ensures that personnel, irrespective of ranks, is free to practice their religions without any form of bias or endorsement of a specific religion.

“Our unwavering commitment to secularism guarantees that religious diversity is respected and accommodated, allowing soldiers to observe their faith without hindrance to their duties.

“For clarity, the Nigerian Army operates multiple religious training institutions to cater for the diverse faiths of our personnel.

“In addition to the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs located in Nigerian Army Cantonment Ikeja, Lagos, the Nigerian Army also has the Nigerian Army Protestant Training School in Yaba and the Nigerian Army Chaplain Catholic Training School in Ojo Cantonment.

“These schools frequently engage in interfaith collaborations, promoting unity and cohesion among our diverse members.

“Our dedication to secularism is aimed at fostering a professional and inclusive environment where individuals can serve their country without fear of religious discrimination or bias.

“This approach ensures that all officers and soldiers can practice their beliefs in a supportive and respectful setting.

“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of secularism and religious freedom, ensuring that all personnel can serve with dignity and respect for their individual beliefs,” the statement read.

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

The Chief Executive Officer of Kitovu Technology Nig Ltd, Mr. Nwachinemere Emeka, has disclosed that food insecurity is eminent in Southeast with the continuous herders farmers clash climate change and soil degradation.

Mr Emeka made this known in Abia Ministry of Agricultural while interacting with a section of journalists.

He called on stakeholders including government, farmers to act fast and key into this year farming season.

Emeka stated that Southeast depend, heavily from food that comes from the North, adding that with climate change, herders farmers clash, if nothing is done, and if government does not invest more in agriculture, food insecurity is eminent in the zone.

He urged government to always remember the lesson COVID-19 thought all, where there were total lockdown and there was no movement of goods and Services.

He however commended governor Alex Otti for the numerous efforts put in place to ensure food sufficiency in Abia.

Emeka disclosed that the governor has taken a bold step by accepting to digitalized agriculture in the state adding that his company, Kitovu has been contacted and currently collating names of farmers, location of farms and what they produce for digitalized Agriculture in the state.

He said when this is achieved, the state would be able to have a comprehensive data with information of farmers in the state and would end the era of portfolio farmers who are riping where they did not sow.

Mr Emeka disclosed that the benefit of digitalized agriculture is that there will be comprehensive policy in agriculture which government can rely on, farmers can be connected globally and aid them in competition, and with a touch of the computer they can link to any part of the world and also it will enable government know the real farmers they have in the state and deal directly with them in times of interventions.

He reiterated that his company has done full enumeration of farmers in Abia North Senatorial zone, 70% already done in Abia Central and in few weeks that of Abia South Senatorial zone will commence.

Emeka disclosed that they will train staff of ministry of Agriculture on how to access their platform for the betterment of farmers, adding also that his company also put into consideration storage facilities adding that when farmers do not have where they secure their farm produce they losses.

He stated that Kitovu is into building multiple solution, supporting farmers, giving advice to farmers and encouraging the youths to embrace farming.

Emeka hinted that Kitovu is currently operating in three countries, Nigeria, Benin Republic and Ruwanda.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun command, has warned the general public against a fake recruitment scam circulating on social media, stating that no recruitment exercise was currently ongoing.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta yesterday by the command’s spokesperson, Mr. Dyke Ogbonnaya.

According to Ogbonnaya, some scammers are using a senior officer’s photographs and goodwill to deceive and swindle unsuspecting individuals.

He clarified that official channels and media outlets would announce any genuine recruitment exercises.

Ogbonnaya, however, advised the public to be cautious and vigilant to avoid falling victim to these scammers.

“We have been intimated of the social media scam by a syndicate group of unsuspecting persons using the photographs and goodwill of a senior officer in the Corps to smartly swindle individuals, groups, and others of their monies through this negative scheme.

“The Corps is using this medium to warn the general public to completely dismiss and avoid any such wrong impressions because it is a scam.

“The Corps, through its team of intelligence and surveillance, is doing everything in its power to uncover this syndicate and bring them to justice.

“Before this is unravelled, we hereby disassociate the Corps and the senior officer in that fake/scam alert from such anomalies and also warn those behind it to desist from such criminal acts.

“On a last note, if the Corps is going to recruit, there is a channel and always a general notification on such in the various media. Until then, let us stay safe from this bunch of scammers,” he said.

He, however, assured the public that efforts are underway by the command to uncover and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also urged residents to be aware and report any suspicious activities.

The Federal Government has declared Thursday as a public holiday to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ajani disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians for an uninterrupted 26 years of civil rule.

Tunji Ojo said, “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.

“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.’’

He reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Tinubu to the universal value of democracy based on freely expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday launched the distribution of professional kits to 10,000 midwives and nurses across the five Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

This initiative, according to her, is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity across the country.

Speaking before distributing the kits at the International Conference Centre(ICC), Enugu, Senator Tinubu disclosed that the number brought to a total of 60,000 kits (scrubs and Crocs) that had been so far distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country to provide midwives with the right tools and kits to encourage them in their work and improve healthcare delivery.

She said: “We are here today to flag off the distribution of the professional kits which will be distributed among the five states in the Southeast zone. Since the initial launch in January 2025, we have distributed 50,000 professional kits in five zones, namely Northcentral, Northeast, Northwest, Southsouth, Southwest and today, we are in Enugu to distribute the remaining 10,000 kits for the Southeest, making this the sixth and last zone. I thank God that today we’re concluding the distribution of these kits to every part of Nigeria. I’m very excited about that”.

The First Lady disclosed that the donation had been made possible through the generous support of an anonymous global partner dedicated to improving health outcomes for citizens.

“My first interaction with this partner was at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, followed by a meeting at the African Union Summit in 2024. The donor is committed to supporting the organisation of African First Ladies for Development and the healthcare sector in Nigeria with a specific focus on reducing infant and maternal morbidity and mortality,” she noted.

She disclosed that on Tuesday, June 10th, she would launch the Free to Shine campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age, in order to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers.

“Tomorrow(Tuesday, by the grace of God, I will be launching the free to shine triple elimination campaign for HIV AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis here in Enugu State.

“This initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV, which is also the vertical transmission and provide treatment for children born with HIV,” she said.

The First Lady also announced a donation of N100 million to be distributed among 1500 women petty traders in Enugu State by the wife if the state governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) will be providing an additional grant of N50 million to the wife of the governor of Enugu State to support 1000 women petty traders in Enugu State with the sum of N50,000 each to recapitalise their existing businesses.

“Also another N50 million courtesy of Tony Elumelu Foundation to another 500 petty traders,” she said.

While commending Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and his wife, Nkechinyere for making the event a success, the First Lady lauded the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali and his brother, Dr. Salako for their partnership and for their efforts.

“The executive director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina and the entire workforce for their dedication which focus on improving healthcare delivery for our citizens as an important pillar of development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.

Wife of Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, expressed great pleasure that the First Lady’s “inspiring political career has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the masses and ensuring that no one feels left behind”, stating that Senator Tinubu’s presence in Enugu only reaffirmed such commitment and endearing work ethic.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your selfless commitment to building an inclusive society, especially in the healthcare sector, as exemplified through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“This initiative has significantly impacted countless lives across our nation’s diverse geopolitical zones. Your noble endeavour has brought succour and hope to communities that have long yearned for such intervention. Here in Enugu State, we are profoundly grateful for the transformative outcomes of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“Midwives are at the front lines of maternal and child health. Empowering these important healthcare workers is crucial to the push to reduce maternal and under-5 mortality rates radically.

“The distribution of 10,000 professional kits—comprising Scrubs and Crocs—to our dedicated midwives across every zone is a significant boost to strengthening our healthcare system.

“This thoughtful gesture is a powerful affirmation of the value and dignity we place on our healthcare professionals. You haven’t simply voiced your ideals, Ma; you have also put them into action. This is a true reflection of transformative leadership,” Mrs. Mbah said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is not inferior to other universities in the country.

Obasanjo stated this yesterday when he played host to some of the university’s officials who came on a courtesy visit and alumni award presentation.

The former president said he has firsthand experience of the standard of the institution, hence his declaration.

He noted that in the past, there had only been one university in Nigeria for about 10 years, which is the University of Ibadan.

According to him, the second generation of universities, which are the federal and state universities, were also established just as the third generation, which are the private universities, also came into existence.

Obasanjo, however, said that despite these efforts, there was still a wide gap in university education in Nigeria, hence the establishment of NOUN, to ease the academic burden for those working or seeking distance learning.

“Despite the availability of universities, we’re still not coping; the gaps kept getting wider, which was why I said Open University is a necessity; it created more avenues and made it convenient for working-class citizens.

“Some people rose up, saying open university is inferior to non-open universities, but I was not discouraged.

“I said, let me go there and have a taste of what they’re saying it is inferior. Then I came in, I saw and I conquered.

“Two distinguished lecturers supervised me and supervised many other PhD students, and if they supervised me successfully, my PhD wouldn’t be inferior.

“So, if mine isn’t inferior and those before me are not inferior, National Open University has come to stay; at some point, we were more than half a million, and we are still growing,” Obasanjo said.

The former president assured the officials of his maximum support for the institution.

Prof. Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, the Director at the Directorate of Advancement and Linkages (DAL) of National Open University, declared that NOUN has been a great blessing, not just to Nigeria and Nigerians but to African countries.

Adesina-Uthman added that the university is not just a federal university but one of its kind in Africa and the biggest on the continent.

The DAL said the institution set out to assist Nigeria in human capital development to meet the international standard for manpower per 1000 population for a sustainable knowledge-based economy while also being effective in training human capital development for neighbouring countries.

She appealed to Obasanjo to support the university scholarships for the best programmes, which include scholarships for students from the flagship programmes.

Adesina-Uthman listed some of the institutions’ other needs to include the renaming of some buildings after the donors, a university hospital, a 50-room guest house and a 1000-capacity auditorium, among others.

“We need scholarships for some of our flagship programmes, including Entrepreneurship Studies, Criminology and Security Studies, Mass Communication, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution and Indigenous Students, too.

“We also want our Advancement and Linkages building named after the donor; University Hospital, 50 rooms; and NOUN Guest House, a 1000-capacity auditorium.

“Also, community services to our study centres’ host communities, such as consumables to primary and secondary schools in our host communities, e.g., customised textbooks and uniforms; water and toilet provisions; bus stop stands and so on,” she said.

Also speaking, Prof. Wilfred Ngwuanyi, the Director of Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Africa Study at NOUN, commended Obasanjo’s intellectual rigour, strategic foresight and consistent advocacy for African self-reliance.

He appealed to Obasanjo to assist the centre in collaborating with EFCC on research and publications.

He also sought the collaboration of the Chinese embassy in the establishment of a Chinese cultural centre through the former president.

Thereports  indicated that the highlight of the event is the conferment of the Alumni Award member to the former president.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, from shutting down 34 foreign embassies in Abuja over unpaid ground rents.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, the rights group warned that such an action would constitute a breach of international law and violate long-standing diplomatic protocols.

“President Tinubu should urgently caution and direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately withdraw the threat to close down 34 embassies in Abuja,” SERAP stated.

The group cited Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the inviolability of diplomatic missions.

According to SERAP, any attempt to forcibly shut down or repossess embassy properties would be illegal under international law.

“Article 22, paragraph 1, of the Vienna Convention states that ‘[t]he premises of the mission shall be inviolable,’” the group noted, adding that “Paragraph 3 further affirms that ‘the premises of the mission, their furnishings and other property thereon and the means of transport of the mission shall be immune from search, requisition, attachment or execution.’”

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, recently informed President Bola Tinubu that his group of companies paid a whopping N450 billion in taxes to the federal government’s coffers in 2024, thereby making it the highest tax-paying company in Nigeria. With this significant tax payment, Dangote companies are contributing more in taxes than all the country’s banks combined.

Dangote also revealed that, despite paying N450 billion in taxes last year, the group is committed to spending an additional N900 billion on road infrastructure across Nigeria.

The Deep-Sea Port Access Road, he said, is one of several roads built and being developed by the Dangote Group under the federal government’s tax credit scheme.

According to Dangote, the Deep Sea Port Access Road is “one of eight major road projects totalling 500 kilometres, including two in Borno State that will eventually link Nigeria to both Chad and Cameroon.”

He praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a courageous leader whose administration has revived investor confidence in the private sector.

He also thanked the president for envisioning and implementing the Lekki Deep Sea Port project and assured him of the private sector’s support for expanding infrastructure nationwide.

Dangote then revealed that the road leading to the state-of-the-art Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals will be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Dangote refinery complex is, in many ways, your brainchild,” Dangote told the president. Mr President, let me just say one thing — the main road leading into our refinery is now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road.”

Following the announcement, President Tinubu rose to shake hands with Dangote in a moment that drew applause from the dignitaries in attendance.

Ireland has deported 35 Nigerian nationals for breaching immigration laws, according to a statement from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), which oversaw the operation.

Among those deported were five children and nine women, with officials clarifying that the children were part of family groups.

All individuals were removed from the country on a chartered flight that departed Dublin Airport on the night of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, bound for Nigeria.

According to Irish Legal News, the operation marked the third charter deportation flight organised by Ireland this year and the first such flight to an African destination in 2025.

Ireland began using chartered flights for deportations in February.

Speaking on this development, the Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan emphasised the importance of enforcing immigration laws.

“Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced. The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have been issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process,” O’Callaghan said.

He added that individuals seeking to live in Ireland must follow legal migration pathways.

“If a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State, they must do so,” he said.

O’Callaghan noted that this was the third such operation conducted this year, adding that it “sends a clear message” about the consequences of remaining in Ireland without legal permission.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its immigration system.

The flight reportedly experienced an unscheduled stop due to a medical emergency onboard.

O’Callaghan said the issue was resolved and the plane continued its journey, with all 35 deportees arriving safely in Nigeria on Thursday morning.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, has temporarily relocated to Benue to tackle the ongoing security challenges in the state.

The Chief of Army staff, who arrived the Government House, Makurdi at about 1:35pm went straight into a closed-door meeting with Gov. Hyacinth Alia and left about 2:45pm.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the COAS did not address the media, traditional rulers, and heads of others security agencies in the state.

However, Gov Alia told the Benue Traditional Council and state security council members the purpose for the visit of the army chief.

Alia said the COAS had brought a message of hope to the people of Benue in the face of the renewed unprovoked attacks and killings perpetrated by armed herders.

He said the Chief of Army staff also condoled with the state government over the killing, and gave assurances of the Federal Government plan to address the situation.

The governor also disclosed that the death toll from Apa and Gwer West local governments had risen to 33 as of this morning.

The governor also held a close door meeting with Tor-Tiv, Prof. James Ayaste, Och’idoma, Dr John Eliagwu, represented by the Ad’Enone, Chief George Edeh, and other chiefs.

Others in the meeting were, commissioner of police, Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, State Director of SSS, among others.

The West African Examinations Council , Nigeria, has debunked claims that the English Language paper written during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2025, has been cancelled.

A viral press release, dated Friday, May 30, 2025, and circulated widely on social media platforms, falsely claimed that the May 28 English Language examination had been cancelled and that a new date would be announced.

However, in a statement issued yesterday, WAEC described the release as fake and the work of “mischief-makers.”

“The management of the West African Examinations Council would like to state that the press release being circulated did not emanate from the council.

“The said examination has not been cancelled,” the statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, read.

Although the origin of the false document is still unknown, WAEC emphasised that its communication with the public is strictly through verified channels.

The statement added, “The council is certain that the false claim is being peddled by mischief-makers who are bent on bringing the council to disrepute, to cause confusion and panic for candidates who sat the examination.”

WAEC further urged the general public, including candidates, parents, and schools, to disregard such unverified information and rely solely on official communication.

“All pieces of information from the council are disseminated via our official and verified social media handles, as well as accredited media platforms across the country.

“In the same vein, all press releases are issued and signed by the Public Affairs Department of the Council on behalf of the Head of National Office,” it stated.

Reassuring stakeholders, the council thanked the public for their continued trust over the past 73 years, adding that it remains committed to improving service delivery to Nigerian students.

“Once again, we thank all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in us… and we promise to always seek innovative ways to render quality services to the Nigerian child,” WAEC said.

It was earlier reported that the examination was conducted late at night, far beyond the scheduled time, on May 28, 2025.

This, according to multiple reports, may have fuelled speculation that the exam had been cancelled.

The examination body, however, blamed the delay in the conduct of the paper on heightened efforts to curb examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.

In an exclusive report, it was gathered that some officials of the exam body might be connected to the leakage, particularly the circulation of the English Language paper to the public four days before the examination.