Month: October 2025

Tinubu reduces Presidential pardon list after public outcry

Emporium Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reviewed and reduced the list of individuals granted presidential pardon and clemency from 175 to 120, following widespread public criticism over the inclusion of persons convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.   In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the decision was taken after consultations with the Council of State and a reassessment of the process in accordance with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution.   The review, according to…

Tinubu launches NINAuth App, says credible National Identity system key to Nigeria’s development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a credible, secure, and verifiable national identity management system, describing it as a critical pillar for achieving Nigeria’s developmental goals. Speaking at the State House during the official launch of the NINAuth App, a digital mobile-based identity authentication application developed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the President said the new platform underscores his administration’s resolve to leverage technology for efficiency, transparency, and accountability in governance. According to him, the new app will soon be adopted by all…

Niger Police deploys Deputy Commissioners, Tactical teams ahead of Nov. 1 LG Elections

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has announced massive security deployments across the state ahead of the November 1st Local Government Councils elections to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise. Spokesperson of the Command, SP W. A. Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has ordered the deployment of three Deputy Commissioners of Police to the three senatorial districts of the state for election security monitoring and supervision.   According to Abiodun, the move is part of broader efforts…

Dabiri-Erewa applauds Prof. Idayat Owolabi’s historic CBE Honour from King Charles III

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Professor Idayat Bolanle Owolabi, a Nigerian-born scholar and University of Ibadan alumna, on her conferment as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by His Majesty, King Charles III.   Prof. Owolabi received the honour in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025 list announced on October 10, 2025, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the health sector in the United Kingdom.   In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Abdur-Rahman…

NAHCON strengthens staff capacity ahead of 2026 Hajj …. Gears up for Saudi MoU signing

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to staff development and operational excellence as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj exercise. On Thursday, the Commission held the second edition of its Monthly In-House Lecture and Training Series at the Hajj House, Abuja, focusing on key aspects of Hajj and Umrah operations. The hybrid session drew participation from both headquarters staff and those in Zonal and Outreach Offices who joined virtually via Zoom. This month’s lecture, themed “The Role of the National Reception Team in Successful Hajj…

HallowMace Foundation condemns Coup rumours, reaffirms support for democracy in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The HallowMace Foundation Africa has issued a strong condemnation of alleged coup plots in Nigeria, declared its firm and unwavering commitment to democratic governance and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.   In a statement signed by Ambassador Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director, and Ambassador Oguh Hyginus John, Head of the Public Communications Desk, the Foundation described military intervention as an “antiquated and unacceptable model of governance that has been globally repudiated.”   The organisation maintained that even the most flawed civilian administration remains preferable to any form of military regime,…

BREAKING: Tinubu decorates newly appointed Service Chiefs with new ranks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs with their ranks during a ceremony held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.   Those honoured were General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abass, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Marshal Kevin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence.   The symbolic ceremony marked a new phase in Nigeria’s military leadership and…

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas takes command as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Naval Staff

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A new chapter has opened in the Nigerian Navy as Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal) on Thursday formally took over as the 23rd Indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) from Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal) at a colourful ceremony held at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.   The handover ceremony, which marked the end of an era and the beginning of another, featured the signing of official documents, the handing over of the Navy Ensign and ceremonial binoculars, and the symbolic lowering and hoisting of the Admiralty…

Nnamani hails appointment of Lt. Gen. Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff …. Says President Tinubu’s choice reflects “rare discernment, statesmanship

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani (GCON), has congratulated Lieutenant General Olufemi Olusola Oluyede, mni, on his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.   In a statement on Wednesday, Nnamani described the appointment as both timely and providential, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for what he termed “rare discernment and statesmanship” in selecting a leader of Oluyede’s calibre to head the nation’s Armed…

Senate screens, confirms Generals Oluyede, Shaibu, Others as new Service Chiefs

Emporium Reporters

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, directed him to “take a bow” and assume office immediately.   His confirmation came shortly after the upper chamber also cleared General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff, signaled the formal commencement of the screening and approval process for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs.   The exercise, held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja under tight security, involved both open and closed-door sessions as lawmakers vetted the nominees’…