President Bola Tinubu received a security briefing from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Presidential Villa — their first official meeting since Shaibu’s appointment and decoration. The briefing focused on the security situation in the North-East and other parts of the country.

Shaibu, who recently visited the region for an on-the-spot assessment, assured that Nigerians should expect improved security nationwide. The President had earlier charged all new service chiefs to deliver results, collaborate effectively, and tackle emerging threats in the North-Central, North-West, and South using modern technology.

President Tinubu assures U.S. of Nigeria’s victory over terrorism.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defeating terrorism in Nigeria, assuring the United States of continued cooperation despite ongoing political and security challenges.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized that his administration is fully engaging with international partners to strengthen national security and economic stability. His remarks followed concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump over Nigeria’s security situation.

The President made the statement shortly after swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh from Enugu State and Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State. Dr. Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Enugu State Attorney General, replaced Uche Nnaji, who resigned amid a certificate scandal. Doro took over from Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, now the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Prof. Joash Amupitan assumed duty on Thursday with a promise that the integrity of the nation’s electoral system was not negotiable. Amupitan resumed office shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

President Tinubu Swears In New INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The brief ceremony took place at 1:50 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. During the event, President Tinubu urged Amupitan to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

Amupitan’s inauguration follows his confirmation by the Senate on October 16, after undergoing a rigorous screening session.

Unemployment on the Run as Shettima Announces $220m Plan to Empower Nigerian Youths.

The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to equip graduates with hands-on work experience, mentorship, and professional training.

Shettima said the new phase of the NJFP seeks to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of qualified but unemployed graduates. According to him, the Tinubu administration aims to turn Nigeria’s youthful population into an engine of economic growth by integrating the programme into the national planning and budgeting system.

“Our goal is to raise $220 million not as charity, but as an investment in our most valuable asset: our young people,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President further emphasized that inclusivity would be central to the implementation of NJFP 2.0, ensuring participation across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds. Priority sectors include agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that since its inception in 2021, the NJFP has empowered over 13,000 youths with skills and placements, with the new phase targeting 100,000 job opportunities within five years.

UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, both reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its sustainability through government integration and long-term funding mechanisms.

Free Nnamdi Kanu: More reactions trail Abuja protest.

The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest’, convened by a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore went on as scheduled on Monday across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Sowore, who had mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration, planned that protesters would march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand for Kanu’s release.

But Justice M.G. Umar, issued an order on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining the protesters and other groups from staging any form of demonstrations for Kanu’s release in certain areas within the FCT.

The ruling barred the respondents and any individuals or groups acting on their behalf from protesting within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In line with Justice Umar’s ruling on the protest, men of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded all roads leading to the areas mentioned by the ruling, thereby, frustrating Sowore and his fellow protesters from ensuring that their plans materialized.

While barricading the roads, the police also shot teargas canisters to scare commuters and possible protesters from using the roads.

Despite attempts by security operatives to stifle the protesters from carrying out their programme, Sowore and the demonstrators moved to other areas like Utako and Apo areas of Abuja where they protested.

In the course of the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

Protesters Defy Court Order, Vow to Storm Presidential Villa.

According to report by Punch on Monday, October 20, 2025, tensions are mounting in Abuja as security forces prepare for a possible confrontation with #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters, who plan to march to the Presidential Villa today (Monday) to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This comes despite an interim injunction by the Federal High Court in Abuja restricting demonstrations near sensitive government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters.

The organisers, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, have vowed to proceed with what they describe as a peaceful protest, both in Abuja and across the South-East.

Damilare Adenola, the group’s Director of Mobilisation, maintained that the march is a constitutional right and a stand against the government’s “illegal and inhumane” actions.

Kanu remains in detention facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement. His 2021 re-arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria continue to spark legal and political debates. While critics view his detention as politically motivated, the government insists it is lawful prosecution.

The protest’s timing, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, has heightened government anxiety. Organisers, however, insist that they have informed the police and expect them to provide security rather than clamp down on protesters.

Over 115 lawyers, medical staff, and journalists have been mobilised nationwide to support the march.

The movement has received broad political support, with opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi backing calls for Kanu’s release and urging dialogue instead of repression.

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert Ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja.

The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement released on Friday, the Embassy warned that the demonstration could cause disruptions, roadblocks, and possible violence. It urged Americans in Abuja to avoid protest zones and limit movement across the city.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest is expected to take place on Monday, October 20th, 2025. There may be traffic congestion, road closures, and potential confrontations between protesters and police near Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the statement read.

The embassy also advised residents to take extra precautions, recommending that children stay home from school and domestic workers who travel from outside Abuja not report to work that day.

The alert follows the announcement by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, who disclosed on October 9 via X (formerly Twitter) that the peaceful protest would be held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

Sowore described the planned demonstration as a “historic” call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu has been in custody since June 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Court Stops Sowore, Others from Holding October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining activist Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and others from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest demanding the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The order, issued by Justice M.G. Umar, followed an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force, which argued that the planned demonstration could threaten public peace and national security within the Federal Capital Territory. The court specifically barred the respondents from staging or promoting any protest around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Unity Fountain in Abuja.

Sowore, however, alleged that the order was granted “in chambers” after the same request had earlier been declined in open court. “After initially rejecting the motion to stop our protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers,” he wrote on his social media page, calling the move an attempt to silence dissent.

The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, had gained traction online and received endorsement from several political figures, including a former Vice President and a former Senate President. Organisers had vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu, who has been detained since June 2021 on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, has continued to attract widespread calls for release amid a lengthy legal battle.

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of the planned demonstration, warning of potential v+olence and traffic disruptions in the Central Business District, Eagle Square, and surrounding areas. The embassy advised its nationals to avoid protest zones, limit movement, and maintain a low profile throughout Monday.

US Presidential Adviser Dismisses Claim of Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has downplayed reports suggesting that Christians are being deliberately targeted in Nigeria.

Boulos made the statement during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

He dismissed what he described as “misleading claims” of a Christian genocide, saying the crisis in Nigeria goes beyond religion.

According to him, violence in parts of the country is driven by terrorism and insecurity, not faith.

His comment comes at a time when several U.S. lawmakers are urging Washington to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.

Responding to questions on the matter, Boulos said, “Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.”

He added that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS have killed both Christians and Muslims.

“People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts, but it’s very unfortunate,” he said.

Tinubu Approves 959 National Honours.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the conferment of 959 national honours and endorsed far-reaching reforms to strengthen the funding framework of the Nigeria Police Force.

Understands that the President made the approvals while presiding over marathon meetings of the National Council of State and the Nigeria Police Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the sessions, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Emanso Umobong, said Tinubu endorsed the report of the National Honours Award Committee covering 2024 and 2025, alongside special awards already bestowed since January 2025.

“The award of titles of honour and decorations of dignitaries is a yearly event at which the President honours deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity,” Umobong said.

She explained that the committee, chaired by Justice Sidi Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for national honours and 135 special awardees, bringing the total to 959 honourees.

According to Umobong, Tinubu had in the past year honoured individuals and groups such as Bill Gates for contributions to public health, Uncle Sam Pemu for journalism, and the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for sporting excellence.

Others include the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, recognised posthumously for environmental activism, and outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, celebrated for his decade of service to Nigeria’s democratic process.

She confirmed that the updated list of awardees would soon be published.

“Presidential Villa Is for Serious Leaders, Not Drunkards” — APC’s Jarrett Tennebe Dismisses Fears Over Jonathan’s 2027 Comeback

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tennebe, has responded to speculations that members of the ruling party fear a possible 2027 presidential comeback by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking in an interview with TVC News, Tennebe made it clear that the APC has nothing to worry about, emphasizing that the presidential villa is now reserved for “serious-minded leaders” — not for those who take governance lightly.

“I don’t think anybody is scared of former President Jonathan should he decide to run for the presidency in 2027,”
— Jarrett Tennebe, APC Member


Tennebe praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a focused and hardworking leader whose policies are already yielding positive results for Nigeria’s economy and citizens.

“The presidential villa now is not for drinking of roots; it’s not for drunkards. The person there now is serious-minded and doing his job,” he added.


He further cast doubt on Jonathan’s political influence, claiming that even in his South-South base, the former president might struggle to secure more than 5,000 votes.

Concluding, Tennebe reaffirmed that the APC remains confident in its leadership and has no fears about any potential challenger as 2027 approaches.

65th Independence Anniversary: Tinubu To Address Nigerians October 1st By 7 AM.

The Federal Government on Friday unveiled the official line-up of events to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, with religious services, civic engagements, and cultural programmes scheduled under the theme: “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

Full Text: President Tinubu's Address In Ghana At John Mahama's Inauguration
According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the anniversary activities commenced on Friday, September 26, with a special Jumu’ah prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja, held at 1:00 p.m.

The religious services will continue on Sunday, September 28, with an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, September 29, the programme will shift to civic engagements with a world press conference at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

The highlight of the anniversary comes on Tuesday, October 1, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a national broadcast at 7:00 a.m. to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.

Later that morning, at 10:00 a.m., the traditional Independence anniversary parade will be held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and guests expected to attend.

The week-long celebrations will conclude on Friday, October 3, with the presidential unveiling of the National Values Charter (NVC) and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate at the State House Conference Centre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

First Lady, Remi Tinubu, Raises Over ₦20bn from Her 65th Birthday Celebration for the National Library Project.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has successfully mobilized over ₦20 billion towards the completion of the National Library project in Abuja.

Earlier in September, the First Lady, who turned 65 on the 21st, appealed to friends, associates, and well-wishers to convert birthday gifts and greetings into donations for the project instead of organizing a lavish celebration. She described the initiative as a cause close to her heart and dedicated her milestone birthday to God and education.

The donations are being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.”

Addressing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the completion of the National Library would be the greatest birthday gift she could receive.

She recalled her time as a senator on the Committee on Education, noting that despite repeated efforts, the ministry was unable to deliver the project, which was first initiated under President Shehu Shagari.

She emphasized the role libraries played in shaping her as a young person and expressed disappointment that the project has remained abandoned for decades.

On the criticisms trailing her initiative, the First Lady urged Nigerians to adopt a spirit of service to the nation, echoing the words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

So far, she said, over ₦20 billion has been raised, with more donations still coming in.

North-East Govs Meet Tinubu, Seek Oil Exploration, Completion Of Projects

North-East governors have urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise oil exploration in frontier wells and complete 17 critical road projects across the region.

Led by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the governors made the appeal during a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. They also called for work to resume at the Kolmani and Lake Chad oil wells.

The governors listed major projects, including the Kano–Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Maiduguri Railway line, Bama–Mubi–Yola Road, Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Damaturu Road, and Maiduguri–Monguno–Baga Road, among others.

Zulum, who chairs the North-East Governors’ Forum, commended Tinubu for consolidating peace in the sub-region and pledged the forum’s support for his administration’s security and development agenda.

Responding, the president assured the governors of his commitment to addressing the region’s infrastructural and developmental challenges.

Tinubu: Nigeria Met 2025 Revenue Target in August, Says Economy Now Stable

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria achieved its full-year revenue target as early as August, declaring the nation’s economy stable, resilient, and no longer at the mercy of external shocks.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of former members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Tinubu expressed confidence that his administration’s economic reforms are yielding results.

“Nigeria is not borrowing. We met our revenue target in August. Let Trump do his worst — we are stable,” the President stated.

He attributed the success to improved non-oil revenue and fiscal discipline, noting that the naira, which had spiked to ₦1,900 per dollar before his reforms, has now stabilised around ₦1,450.

“No one needs secret links to the CBN governor anymore to access forex. All you need to do is export, import, and create jobs,” he said.

Agriculture at the Core of Recovery

Tinubu disclosed that he has approved a nationwide agricultural mechanisation programme, which includes training centres and support facilities.

“Food security is our backbone. Once we defeat hunger, we defeat poverty,” he emphasised.

CPC Loyalty and Buhari’s Legacy
Addressing the CPC bloc within the APC, Tinubu thanked them for their patience over political appointments, assuring that ambassadorial slots and other positions remain open. He praised their unity, recalling the early merger talks that birthed the APC and joking about past disagreements with Buhari over party symbols.

He further pledged to honour the late President Muhammadu Buhari with a ‘Buhari House’ as a symbol of discipline, honesty, and prosperity.
“Part of what we inherited from Buhari was his honesty and justice. You won’t get anything less than that,” Tinubu affirmed.

CPC Leaders Reaffirm Support

House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who led the delegation, assured Tinubu of CPC’s unwavering loyalty and grassroots mobilisation for his 2027 re-election bid.

“We are together today, tomorrow, and forever,” Abbas declared.

Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former Nasarawa governor and CPC stalwart, hailed Tinubu’s “transparent and dignified” handling of Buhari’s state burial, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda represents a scientific and pragmatic plan for Nigeria’s restoration.

As the meeting closed, Tinubu promised Nigerians that “the joy at the end of this journey will belong to all.”

The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026–2030), designed to consolidate reforms and drive Nigeria towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Chairing the 151st NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the plan will build on the National Development Plan (2021–2025), align with Nigeria Agenda 2050, and ensure policy continuity.

Shettima stressed that the plan will be participatory, involving states, local governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth groups.

He also highlighted new interventions, including NASENI’s rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps to cut farmers’ energy costs and boost food security.

#NEC #RenewedHope #NigeriaEconomy #Shettima #Agenda2050 #BreakingNews

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday chaired the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with several governors in attendance, including those of Zamfara, Jigawa, Lagos, Anambra, Gombe, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and Ondo, as well as the Rivers State Sole Administrator.

The Council announced progress in the fight against Type-2 Polio virus, with cases reduced from 78 in 2024 to 42 as of August 2025. Kano and Katsina recorded over 80% decline, while Gombe had no new cases this year. However, Sokoto remains at high risk, recording 13 of the 23 new cases in 2025.

#Nigeria #NEC #Shettima #Governors #Polio #Health #BreakingNews

Oshiomhole Reflects: How Babangida Surprised Him With a Remark About His Late Wife

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has opened up about a memorable encounter during his days as a labour activist — one that left a lasting impression on him.

In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Oshiomhole recalled a visit to the Presidential Villa during General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. A seven-man labour delegation, led by then-NLC president Pascal Bafyau, had gone to meet with the military ruler.

According to Oshiomhole, Babangida stunned him by not only commenting on his posture — saying, “Oh Adam, you walk like a military officer” — but also asking after his late wife, Clara.

The senator admitted he was shocked by the military leader’s awareness of such personal details, noting that it revealed how much those in power knew about their challengers.

Reflecting on his time in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oshiomhole emphasized that his activism went beyond agitation. It was about courage, conviction, and the sacrifices of labour leaders who risked everything to secure the democratic space Nigerians enjoy today.

Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and ex-NLC president, said the encounter reinforced his belief in leadership that prioritizes service and responsibility to the people.

#AdamsOshiomhole #Babangida #LabourMovement #NigeriaDemocracy #Leadership

EXCLUSIVE: Tinubu’s Top Security Aides Implicated in $1.5m Bribery Scandal

President Bola Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Adegboyega Fasasi, and Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, have been accused of collecting $1.5 million to grant access for embattled NNPC CEO, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, to meet with the President at the Aso Rock Villa.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the payment was facilitated through Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, Atiku Abubakar’s son-in-law, who is under EFCC investigation for money laundering. Fasasi allegedly issued Villa access tags and promised to lobby the EFCC chairman on Haske’s behalf.

Investigators said the scandal is part of a broader pattern of bribery at the Presidential Villa, with Fasasi previously accused of collecting $500,000 from a Niger Delta militant in December 2024. Despite past controversies, including a removal order by the DSS in 2024, Fasasi was reinstated amid strong political backing.

The latest revelations have sparked concerns over corruption and abuse of power within the President’s security circle.

#Tinubu #NNPC #Corruption #EFCC #BreakingNews #Nigeria #BriberyScandal #AsoRock