Muslim Students Ask Niger Governor Umaru Bago to Cancel New Year Crossover Party Amid Rising Insecurity, Mourning Families and Calls for Statewide Prayers

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Niger State Area Unit, has urged Governor Umaru Bago to suspend the planned New Year Crossover Night Party scheduled to hold at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, citing growing security concerns across the state. The students’ body said the timing of the celebration is inappropriate, as many communities are grappling with insecurity, loss of lives, and ongoing mourning.
In a statement, MSSN noted that families across Niger State are currently engaging in fasting and prayers, seeking divine intervention for peace and stability. According to the group, hosting a public party at such a sensitive time could be perceived as insensitive and may send the wrong message to grieving families and communities affected by violence.
The organisation also highlighted that religious scholars and faith leaders are leading special prayer sessions statewide, warning that a large social event could disrupt the solemn and sacred atmosphere. MSSN further alleged that the event is being organised and funded by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sadiq Yusuf, and the Vice Chairperson of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Hajiya Safiya Tanimu Nasidi.
As an alternative, the students’ body proposed a statewide interfaith night of prayer to promote unity, reflection, and collective supplication for peace. The statement concluded with prayers for Governor Bago’s leadership and for lasting peace and prosperity in Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Declares Annual Thanksgiving Day To Commemorate Igbo Survival Of Nigeria-Biafra Civil War

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has officially designated the last Sunday of every January as an annual thanksgiving day to commemorate the survival of the Igbo people during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War of 1967–1970. The resolution was unanimously adopted during the group’s Imeobi meeting held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu.

Announcing the decision, Ohanaeze’s Deputy President General, Prince Okechukwu Nwadinobi, explained that the thanksgiving day is meant to acknowledge what the organisation describes as divine intervention that spared the Igbo from total annihilation during the war. He stated that all Igbo people are encouraged to attend church services on the chosen day to express gratitude to God for preservation and survival amid the horrors of the conflict.

Nwadinobi noted that the leadership of Ohanaeze, under Senator Azuta Mbata, considered it necessary to institutionalise the annual thanksgiving, stressing that without God, the support of a few Nigerians, and intervention from the international community, the Biafran cause and the Igbo people might not have survived. He recalled that the war was marked by deliberate attempts to wipe out Biafra, making survival itself a profound historical milestone worthy of remembrance.

Beyond the thanksgiving initiative, Nwadinobi outlined several interventions undertaken by the current Ohanaeze leadership to safeguard Igbo interests nationwide. These include a high-level delegation to Lagos over the demolition of Igbo-owned businesses in Festac Town and the Trade Fair Complex, engagement with affected traders after the Mandilas Plaza fire incident, and the formation of professional teams to guide Igbo entrepreneurs on best business practices.

He also disclosed a new partnership between Ohanaeze and Otu Oka Iwu, a body of legal experts, aimed at providing free legal services to Ndigbo on issues affecting their welfare and rights.

In a goodwill message, former Archbishop of the Enugu Anglican Communion, Dr. Emmanuel Olisa Chukwu, welcomed the resolution, describing it as spiritually significant. Recounting his near-death experience during the war, including the Asaba genocide, the cleric said the decision resonated deeply with the Igbo people, whom he described as deeply religious and sustained by faith through decades of hardship.

Royal Glamour: Ooni of Ife Steals the Spotlight at Imo Event

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, made a grand entrance at an event in Imo State, and the moment was beautifully captured in viral photographs.

The pictures, shared on The Cable’s official X account on Tuesday, September 29, 2025, showed the revered monarch arriving in style alongside his entourage.

The ceremony marked the unveiling of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s new book titled “One Decade of Progressive, Impactful Leadership in Nigeria.” The event took place at the refurbished Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre in Owerri.

Dignitaries at the gathering included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other prominent national figures, making it one of the most talked-about occasions of the day.

Tinubu Declares: “Nigeria’s Worst Days Are Over” As Imo Hosts Landmark Projects

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s hardest times are behind it, emphasizing that the nation is firmly on the path to recovery.

During his one-day working visit to Imo State, Tinubu commissioned the Owerri-Umuahia Road, Assumpta Flyover, and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre. He also unveiled Governor Hope Uzodimma’s book “A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria”, describing it as a record of the APC’s journey.

Tinubu highlighted positive economic strides, noting that:

GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025

Inflation dropped to 20.1% from 24.5% earlier this year

Foreign investors are regaining confidence


He urged Nigerians to remain patient as reforms take root, praised Uzodimma’s leadership, and thanked Imo residents for their continued support.

Meanwhile, other major developments across Nigeria include:

Rivers State Government cancels Independence Day parade in line with FG directive.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo insists Nnamdi Kanu’s detention equals “keeping Ndigbo behind bars,” calling for his release.

Atiku Abubakar explains absence at Olubadan’s coronation, citing protocol issues, but later paid a personal visit to congratulate the monarch.

Ganduje Arrives Imo for Governor Uzodimma’s Book Launch

Former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, has arrived in Imo State ahead of the official launch of a book authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Ganduje was warmly received at the airport on Monday, September 29, 2025, by Governor Uzodimma alongside senior government officials.

The book, titled “Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria”, will be unveiled on Tuesday at the Late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre in Imo. It chronicles ten years of governance milestones, reforms, and developmental policies that have influenced Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The high-profile event is expected to draw notable political leaders, state governors, members of the National Assembly, policymakers, and other dignitaries from across the country.

Ganduje’s presence at the ceremony underscores the significance of the launch, given his reputation as a prominent APC stalwart and influential voice on governance and party affairs.

The book presentation is anticipated to spark conversations on Nigeria’s democratic progress, current challenges, and the nation’s future trajectory.

How N2bn loan allegation stopped Buhari from appointing Audu Ogbeh SGF – El-Rufai.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday night revealed how a false bank-loan allegation derailed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s initial plan to appoint Chief Audu Ogbeh as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

Speaking during a Night of Tribute held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, El-Rufai narrated a behind-the-scenes encounter shortly after the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 2015 presidential election.

According to him, a close friend who had worked for the party’s victory sought his help to secure the SGF position.

El-Rufai said he approached Buhari, then president-elect, who explained that he intended to pick a Christian from the Middle Belt for the top job and asked El-Rufai to relay the decision.

El-Rufai recounted that Buhari later confided he had settled on Audu Ogbeh, describing him as his only choice for the post.

However, the plan changed when some individuals around the president allegedly claimed that Ogbeh owed banks as much as N2 billion from his agricultural ventures and would be distracted by personal debts.

“The next time the president called me, he said some things had come up and he was appointing someone else as SGF,” El-Rufai told the audience.

“After the announcement, I found out he had been told Chief Ogbeh owed a huge loan and would focus on repaying it instead of the job.

Tinubu joins world leaders at 2025 Tokyo international conference.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, for the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

His participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Japan and the broader Asian market.

Tinubu, alongside other heads of government and global leaders, attended the opening ceremony of the conference at the Pacifico Yokohama International Conference Centre.

According to a statement shared on Wednesday, August 20, by presidential aide Dada Olusegun via his X handle, the three-day event, which runs from August 20 to 22, provides a platform for discussions on Africa’s economic transformation, private investment, and innovation.

Olusegun noted: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives at the Pacifico Yokohama International Conference Centre and joins other Heads of Government for the opening ceremony of the 2025 Tokyo International Conference on African Development.”

News Brief: Tinubu Must Lead on Social Welfare, Not Delegate to Governors — Falana.

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take direct responsibility for combating poverty in Nigeria, rather than deferring social welfare duties to state governors.

In a statement on Sunday, Falana reacted to Tinubu’s recent plea to APC governors to “wet the grass” by addressing grassroots economic hardship. While acknowledging the President’s concern, Falana insisted the Federal Government must move beyond appeals and fully fund existing national welfare programmes.

He criticised the 2025 budget allocation of ₦32.7 billion to the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), comparing it unfavorably to the ₦39 billion reportedly spent on the International Conference Centre renovation. “This government cannot justify underfunding welfare while indulging in expensive renovations,” Falana said.

He called for a ₦5 trillion investment in the NSIP, which supports youth employment, school feeding, soft loans, and cash transfers for vulnerable households. Falana also called out wasteful spending in the 2025 budget, citing ₦6.93 trillion in padded projects exposed by BudgIT.

With ₦11.195 trillion disbursed to states via FAAC in the last year, Falana said resources are available—what’s lacking is political will and prioritization.

He also demanded multi-stakeholder oversight for NSIP funds, including civil society and trade unions, to ensure transparency and real impact.

#FemiFalana #TinubuAdministration #SocialWelfare #NSIP #NigerianPovertyCrisis #Budget2025

JAMB Fixes 150 as Minimum Cut-Off Mark for University Admission.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has pegged 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities for the 2025 academic session.

The decision was announced on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, which took place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

According to JAMB, the approved cut-off marks for other tertiary institutions are as follows: 140 for colleges of nursing, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 100 for colleges of agriculture.

The announcement was confirmed via a post on JAMB’s official X handle, stating that the benchmarks were agreed upon by stakeholders, including heads of various tertiary institutions.

JAMB to Hold 2025 Policy Meeting Today

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will hold its 2025 Policy Meeting today, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Immediately after the meeting, JAMB is expected to announce the official admission cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and monotechnics across the country.

What to Expect During the Meeting:

1. Ratification and announcement of the minimum UTME cut-off marks for all tertiary institutions.

2. Finalization of the 2025/2026 admission calendar, including Post-UTME dates and deadlines.

3. Confirmation of admission guidelines, quotas, and processes for the academic session.

4. Official recognition of the top-performing UTME candidates for 2025.

5. Other key updates and resolutions regarding the 2025/2026 admission process.

"WE CAN'T NAME IT AFTER ARMED ROBBERS"- WIKE EXPLAINS RENAMING ICC AFTER TINUBU.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday dismissed the issue of sycophancy in renaming the International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja, Wike said the centre can’t be renamed after armed robbers.

The Minister also reiterated his earlier comment that the facility is booked till 2027.

He said: “That place is booked till 2027. Now you are saying, why did I name it after Bola Tinubu? Who should I name it after? Who is more qualified?

“What is called International Conference Centre? We have IBB International Golf Club. Why didn’t we leave it as the International Golf Club?

International Conference Centre is not a name tied to anybody.

What is sycophancy? Sycophancy that somebody showed leadership, supported me to achieve what was achieved?

It’s only when the person dies that we want to remember them. But while alive and pouring their energy into making the country better, we ignore them. I will not do that.

Why all this noise about renaming the ICC after Tinubu? Should we rename it after armed robbers?”

Bola Tinubu Conference Centre booked till 2027 Wike.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the recently inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has been booked till 2027.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, inaugurated the renovated Conference Centre, previously the Abuja International Conference Centre on the 10th June 2025, as part of projects to mark his second anniversary in office.

Following the inauguration, critics, including former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, had faulted the N39bn spent on the renovation of the ICC, noting that the sum could have been spent on other development projects, particularly in the Education Sector.

However, speaking during the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja on Thursday, Wike noted that despite the criticisms, the ICC had been booked until 2027, adding that he was seeking ways to adjust bookings to accommodate the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review’s request to use the place.

An ex-banker, Etim Etim, has questioned the ₦39 billion renovation cost for the International Conference Centre in Abuja, calling for more transparency in the allocation of funds for federal projects.

Wike Defends ₦39bn Conference Centre Renovation, Says Critics “Lack Taste”.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ₦39 billion renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, insisting the upgrade was thorough and reflective of Nigeria’s stature as the “Giant of Africa.”

Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, Wike dismissed criticism of the project’s cost and scope. He stated that aside from the original block structure, every other aspect of the facility had been overhauled.

“The only thing left untouched in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is the block work.

Those criticising the ₦39 billion spent on the rehabilitation of Bola A.T. International Conference Centre don’t have good taste -- Wike.