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Tinubu Appoints Okocha, 64 Others As Ambassador-nominees, Seeks Senate’s Confirmation

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Tinubu Appoints Okocha, 64 Others As Ambassador-nominees, Seeks Senate’s Confirmation

President Bola Tinubu has increased the number of Ambassador-nominees to 65 and forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation.

The president’s request, read in plenary Thursday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, consists of 34 career ambassadors and High Commissioners as well as 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

The Presidency had last week released the names of 32 ambassador-nominees, featuring names of some prominent Nigerians.

Notable nominees among the non-career ambassador-nominees are: Sen. Ita Enang from Akwa-Ibom, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) and Sen. Folasade Bent (Adamawa) and Segun Ige (Edo)

Three ambassador-nominees, namely: Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo), earlier forwarded to the senate, had been screened by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The new nominees had consequently been forwarded to the committee for screening within one week.

The full list of the ambassadorial nominees per state reads: “Ezenwa Chukwuemeka (Abia), Maimuna Ibrahim (Adamawa), Monica Ogochukwu (Anambra), Mohammed Lele (Bauchi),
Endoni Sindo (Bayelsa) and Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno).

Others are Jane Adams Michael (Cross River), Clark Alexandra (Delta), Chimma Davies (Ebonyi),
Oduma Ehinose (Edo ), Segun Ige (Edo), Adeyemi Emmanuel (Ekiti), Onaga Kingsley (Enugu) and Magaji Umar (Jigawa).

Other nominees in the category of Career Ambassadors are Mohammed Dahiru (Kaduna), AbdulSalam Zayat (Kano), Shehu Barde ( Katsina ), Aminu Nasiu ( Katsina ), Abubakar Musa-Musa ( Kebbi) ,Mohammed Idris ( Kebbi) ,
Bako Adamu Umar (Kogi).

” The rest are: Sulu Gambari (Kwara), Ramata Mohammed (Lagos), Shaga John Shama (Nasarawa), Salau Mohammed (Niger) and Ibrahim Danlami (Niger).

Others are: Adeola Mopelola (Ogun),
Ruben Samuel (Ondo), Akand Adekola (Osun), Adedokun Esther (Oyo), Gedagi Joseph (Plateau), Luther Ayokalata (Rivers), Danladi Yaku (Taraba) and Bello Dogondaji (Zamfara).

Names on the list of the 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees are Sen. Grace Bent (Adamawa), Sen. Eta Enang (Akwa – Ibom), Nkechi Okocha (Anambra ),
Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi), Philip Ikurusi (Bayelsa).

They include Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue), retired Vice Adm. Ibok Ibas ( Cross River), Abasi Braimah (Edo) and Erelu Adebayo (Ekiti).

Others are: Olumilua Ayotunwa (Ekiti),
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State), Mrs. Chioma Ohakim (Imo ), retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Kano State).

“The rest are; Tasiu Maigari (Katsina), Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu (Kogi) and Olufemi Pedro (Lagos).

“Mohammed Aliyu (Nasarawa State),
Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) Joseph Iji (Ondo), Fani-Kayode (Osun), Prof. O. Adewole (Osun), Florence Ajimobi (Oyo), Lola Akande (Oyo), Prof. Nora Daduut (Plateau), Yakubu Gambo (Plateau).

“Chukwujinka Okocha (Rivers ), Haruna Abubakar ( Sokoto ), Jerry Samuel Manwe (Taraba) and Adamu Nangree (Yobe)

New Defence Minister, Musa Assumes Duty, Pledges Synergy Among Armed Forces

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New Defence Minister, Musa Assumes Duty, Pledges Synergy Among Armed Forces

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in retired Gen. Christopher Musa as the new Minister of Defence.
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‎The president administered the oath of office on Musa in his office at the State House, Abuja.
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‎Tinubu had described Musa as a “fine gentleman” whose track record in service positions him to drive a more integrated national security response.”
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‎The new defence minister’s appointment comes less than 48 hours after the resignation of his predecessor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar.
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‎Musa, 58, served as the Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to Oct. 2025, during which he oversaw broad counter-terrorism operations and inter-agency coordination efforts.
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‎His nomination was transmitted to the Senate on Tuesday and was swiftly confirmed after rigorous screening on Wednesday, a development Tinubu praised as an evidence of legislative support for his security vision.
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‎With the swearing-in now complete, Musa assumes full ministerial duties as the Tinubu administration pushes to consolidate recent gains and accelerate reforms aimed at delivering lasting peace and national stability.
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‎The brief ceremony was attended by top government officials including Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu and thd Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
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‎Musa told State House Correspondents after the event that he would ensure better synergy among the Armed Forces to tackle terrorism and all forms of insecurity in the country.
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‎”My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country.
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‎”The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies and all Nigerians being carried along as we have always said, that security is everybody’s responsibility.
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‎” It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on it, and that’s what we’re going to and I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.
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‎” I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.

NDDC Boss, Ministers Bag Excellence In Public Service Award

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NDDC Boss, Ministers Bag Excellence In Public Service Award

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been conferred with the BusinessDay Excellence in Public Service Award alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and seven other Ministers.

The award was presented to Ogbuku by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during the 2025 BusinessDay Public Service Lecture and Excellence Awards in Abuja.

Speaking during the ceremony, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer expressed joy over the award and remarked that it showed that Nigerians appreciated the work the NDDC was doing in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

Ogbuku stated: “It is a recognition of our hard work all through the year. We thank God for the opportunity of service, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving us the platform to showcase our ingenuity. He put together a team that has transformed the administration and development of the Niger Delta region.

“We also thank the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who has provided us with technical and administrative support. This honour calls on us to do more and reminds us that next year we must redouble our efforts and do better.

“We will not rest on our oars until we satisfy the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region and take development to the nooks and crannies of the region as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged the recognition of his ministry’s collective efforts to rebuild public trust and enhance Nigeria’s information ecosystem under the current administration.

“Over the past 2 years, we have focused on redefining Nigeria’s national communication architecture to promote transparency, professionalism, and citizen-centred governance. We have revitalised the national orientation framework, strengthened government-to-citizen communication, and advanced reforms that promote media responsibility, ethical standards, and public accountability.

“The Ministry remains committed to building a more informed, united, and values-driven society. We will continue to strengthen public communication channels and deepen the reforms necessary for a healthier, more transparent information space.”

Giving his impressions on the award to the NDDC Managing Director, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said that the honour would energise the Commission to do more.

He said the award has validated the contributions of the NDDC in driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta. “This recognition and acknowledgement will encourage us to continue contributing to the development of our region and the nation.”

Also speaking, the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, described the award as a significant recognition for the NDDC. He thanked the BusinessDay newspaper and noted that the NDDC would continue to give back to the communities in the Niger Delta region.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Publisher of Business Day, Mr Frank Aigbogun, said that the BusinessDay awards were meant to honour functionaries in strategic government positions who demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership.

He noted: “The BusinessDay Public Lecture and Award Series is a veritable platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and business experts to discuss the most pressing issues facing Nigeria’s economy and proffer implementable solutions.”

Aigbogun, represented by the Editor of BusinessDay, Mr. Lolade Akinmurele, said that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. “It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.”

” There is no doubt that this year’s Public Service lecture and award, with the theme: Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities”, is very apt, given the current critical challenges the country faces.

Military Rescues 318 Kidnap Victims, Eliminates Scores Of Terrorists

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Military Rescues 318 Kidnap Victims, Eliminates Scores Of Terrorists

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops rescued no fewer than 318 kidnaps victims and eliminated scores of terrorists across theatres of operation in November.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja.

Onoja said the troops conducted clearance operations, intelligence-driven raids, and targeted air and maritime strikes across the North East, North West, North Central, South East, and South South regions.

He said the efforts led to the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and bandits, while 69 criminal elements and their family members voluntarily surrendered.

“In a major boost to security, 318 kidnap victims were rescued, and oil theft worth over N217.6 million was foiled, with 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO recovered.16 illegal refining sites were deactivated during the operations.

“North East – Operation HADIN KAI saw troops eliminate several terrorists, arrest six collaborators, and rescue five kidnap victims in Borno and Adamawa states.

“Air support missions reinforced ground operations, destroying terrorist camps.

“North West – Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the neutralisation of multiple terrorists, 13 arrests, and nine rescued victims across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi states.

“Air interdictions destroyed enemy logistics and hideouts,” he said.

Onoja said the troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE, apprehended 32 suspects, neutralised multiple extremists, rescued 20 kidnap victims, recovering arms and vehicles in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi states, and the FCT.

In the South-South, he said the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE stopped oil theft worth N12.12 million, destroyed four illegal refining sites, and apprehended 25 oil thieves.

In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDOKA neutralised several terrorists, made four arrests, rescued four kidnap victims and destroyed terrorist camps and logistics.

He commended troops for their professionalism and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to enhance operations.

Onoja also called for support for veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched on Tuesday.

Sustained Collaboration Critical To Rivers Economic Security, Fubara Tells Naval Chief

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Sustained Collaboration Critical To Rivers Economic Security, Fubara Tells Naval Chief

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says sustained collaboration between the State Government and the Nigerian Navy remains crucial to protecting national assets and ensuring safe waterways.

The governor made the remark on Thursday while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.

Governor Fubara said the State’s support for the Navy is essential because it lacks the specialised technology and expertise needed to secure its vast maritime environment.

“I don’t have the technology or expertise to do it. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

“And to make that responsibility effective, we must collaborate and provide support where needed.”

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara presenting a gift to Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff at Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Governor Fubara pointed to the strategic position Rivers State occupies as the country’s main crude oil hub, with major distribution lines running through coastal and waterway areas.

He said effective naval operations will help save lives and prevent environmental damage, which directly benefits the State.

“You know how strategic Rivers State is. Most major distribution lines originate here, and they are in the waterways,” he said.

“When anything goes wrong, lives are lost and the ecosystem is destroyed. You are helping us prevent that. So, thank you.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Navy.

“My promise hasn’t changed. We need to work together to succeed,” he said. “We will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure you succeed.”

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas emphasised Rivers State’s importance to the nation, noting that it hosts several critical energy assets and key naval training institutions.

He said part of his responsibility is ensuring the safety of these national assets, which Nigeria relies heavily on.

The Chief of Naval Staff, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, explained that his visit was an operational tour to assess the readiness of naval formations.

He expressed appreciation for the State Government’s support, including the recent donation of six gunboats and a school building.

“These will greatly improve our operational capabilities,” he said.

Vice Admiral Abbas appealed for continued support from the State Government to strengthen naval operations in the region.

Appeal Court Affirms Judgment Restraining VIO From Stopping, Impounding Vehicles

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Appeal Court Affirms Judgment Restraining VIO From Stopping, Impounding Vehicles

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, affirmed a lower court judgment barring the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), also known as VIO, from further stopping, impounding or confiscating vehicles on the roads and imposing fines on motorists.

A three-member panel of justices of the appellate court held that the appeal filed by the DRTS was unmeritorious.

The panel, therefore, resolved the three issues identified for determination, against the appellant (DRTS).

Justice Evylen Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Oct. 2, 2024, barred the VIO from further stopping, impounding or confiscating vehicles on the roads and imposing fines on motorists.

Marshal Abubakar, an Abuja-based lawyer, had filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming that some DRTS officials confiscated his Honda car without affording him fair hearing.

Abubakar sued the DRTS, the Director of Road Transport; the Area Commander, Jabi, and the Team Leader, Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In the Oct. 2, 2024 judgment, Justice Maha upheld Abubakar’s case and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

Justice Maha agreed with the plaintiff that no law empowers the respondents to stop, impound, confiscate and seize vehicles or impose fine on motorists.

The judge held that the first to the fourth respondents, who are under the control of the fifth respondent (FCT minister) are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists.

She issued an order restraining the 1st to the 5th respondents either through their agents, servants and or assigns from impounding, confiscating the vehicles of motorists and or imposing fines on any motorist.

Justice Maha held that doing so is wrongful, oppressive and unlawful.

The judge also issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on behalf of the first respondent from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.

She proceeded to award a cost of N2.5million against the defendants.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the DRTS appealed the judgment and asked the appellate court to upturn the judgment.

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, who read the lead judgment, held that the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1243/2024, filed by the DRTS was without merit.

Justice Oyewumi awarded a cost of N1 million against the appellant (DRTS) and in favour of the respondent (Abubakar).

Tinubu Increases Ambassadors Nominees to 65, Seeks Senate Confirmation

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Tinubu Increases Ambassadors Nominees to 65, Seeks Senate Confirmation

President Bola Tinubu has increased the number of ambassador-nominees to 65 and forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation.

The president’s request, read in plenary Thursday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, consists of 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners as well as 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

The presidency had last week released the names of 32 ambassador-nominees, featuring names of some prominent Nigerians.

Notable nominees among the non-career ambassador-nominees are: Senator Ita Enang from Akwa-Ibom, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) and Sen. Folasade Bent (Adamawa) and Segun Ige (Edo)

Three ambassador-nominees, namely: Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo), earlier forwarded to the senate, had been screened by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The new nominees have consequently been forwarded to the committee for screening within one week.

Yuletide: Police Ban Fireworks, Seize Million Naira Bangers in Delta

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Yuletide: Police Ban Fireworks, Seize Million Naira Bangers in Delta

The Delta Police Command has announced a ban on the sale or use of all forms of fireworks and pyrotechnics in the state before, during and after the Yuletide.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
The ban came on the heels of the seizure of different kinds of fireworks, worth millions of naira by the command.
Edafe explained that the step was part of the command’s proactive measures to ensure a safe and peaceful Yuletide across the state.
He stated: “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, has reiterated that the ban on fireworks is still in force and that it will be enforced strictly.
“The ban includes the use, sale, and display of pyrotechnics, including fireworks and firecrackers, known variously as ‘knock-out’ and ‘banger’.
“This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce crime, as experience shows that criminally-minded persons can take advantage of this to unleash terror on law-abiding residents,” Edafe added.
He called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to desist from buying or using the prohibited items.
He also warned retailers to desist from the sale of the fireworks.
According to the statement, anyone found wanting will be arrested and prosecuted, and their goods impounded.
It further disclosed that the CP had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, all the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical commanders to ensure strict compliance.
He added that the state police boss had also given order to the officers to address any violation of the ban within their respective areas of responsibility.
“Furthermore, the CP appreciates the cooperation of Delta people in upholding the ban.
“Residents are urged to report incidents of the use or sale of fireworks to the nearest police station,” Edafe added.

China Backs Nigeria’s Security, Economic Reforms

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China Backs Nigeria’s Security, Economic Reforms

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria’s security efforts and ongoing economic reforms during a high-level meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar.

In a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, Yu said the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership had entered “the fast track,” driven by strong political trust and sustained collaboration.

He said the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan reflected China’s commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up and sharing development opportunities globally, including with Nigeria.

Yu noted that both countries had consistently supported each other on issues touching their core interests, stressing that China would continue to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism and improving security.

The envoy added that China remains ready to work with Nigeria to implement zero-tariff treatment for Nigerian exports and to prepare for activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, alongside the China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges.

“These efforts will further consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both nations,” Yu said.

Responding, Tuggar described China as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner and reaffirmed the country’s adherence to the one-China principle.

He commended China’s support for Nigeria’s economic and social development and expressed readiness to strengthen alignment of development strategies, expand cooperation in manufacturing, trade and investment, and elevate bilateral relations.

FG, Groups Partner To Mitigate Plastic Waste Pollution

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FG, Groups Partner To Mitigate Plastic Waste Pollution

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), says it will partner with the Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), Federal Government and other stakeholders to address the impacts of plastic pollution on biodiversity.

Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General, NCF said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Inclusive Plastic Action in Nigeria/National Validation Workshop for Assessment Report on the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Biodiversity.

The event was organised by the NCF in collaboration with the NPAP and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Onoja said that plastic waste pollution affected both the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem, adding that this inevitably also affected human health as most aquatic animals end up on tables as food.

He said that all hands must therefore be on deck to rid the environment of plastic pollution, as well as guide against further consumption of plastic waste by the citizens through aquatic foods.

He also said that the report on the assessment of the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity conducted by some experts in six states revealed that in the process of recycling plastic waste into micro plastic, the waste becomes embedded into the tissue of aquatic food like fishes.

He said that the dialogue was to address policy gaps, challenges, and opportunities to integrate biodiversity–plastic linkages into national planning and implementation.

According to him, the objective of the workshop is to validate findings on how plastic pollution affects ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots in Nigeria, align the assessment with key national policy frameworks of NPAP, Biodiversity Financing among others.

The NCF director general further said that the event was to address inclusion issues affecting informal waste workers like women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

“The dialogue is to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration and co-design practical, context-specific solutions.

“It is also to Identify clear entry points for integrating biodiversity–plastic pollution considerations into national
and sub-national decision-making,” he said.

Onoja further said that the organisation was collaborating with the Global Action Partnership (GAP) to see how plastic waste pollution affected biodiversity, adding that the involvement of the NCF in the dialogue was basically to assess this.

Also speaking, Mr Aliyu Auwal, Director of Communication and Strategic Partnership, Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) called for policies that would integrate waste pickers into the formal system.

He said that having such policies would give waste pickers backing thereby improving their welfare and livelihood.

“Waste pickers will be able to move freely within the communities and benefit from health insurances.

“They will also have a cooperative model, which at the end of the day would guarantee a micro insurance scheme, and this will be beneficial at old age,” he said.

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