Day: April 28, 2026

Why Nigeria’s Next Foreign Minister Must Be a Career Diplomat (Part Two) By Raphael Oni

Emporium Reporters

I was overwhelmed by the number of calls I received from those who read Part One. It tells me that Nigerians—especially those who understand how the world actually works—are hungry for a foreign policy reset. Let me illustrate with a pointed example—one that separates the professional from the politician, the seasoned diplomat from the seasonal spectator. So let me now ground the argument in a single, unforgettable case study: the late Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru.   As one of the journalists who covered the Ministry during the 2012 xenophobic attacks, I…

Nigeria Condemns Killing of Mali’s Defence Minister, Reaffirms Anti-Terror Solidarity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of Mali’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Lieutenant General Sadio Camara, describing the incident as tragic and deeply troubling. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, conveyed Nigeria’s profound sympathy to the bereaved family, the Malian Armed Forces, and the government and people of Mali following the fatal terrorist attacks of April 25, 2025. He noted that the loss comes at a critical moment in Mali’s history, stressed that such acts…

NISER, NiDCOM Validate Diaspora Study to Drive Evidence-Based Policy for National Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with its global diaspora was taken on Tuesday as the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), convened a high-level validation workshop in Abuja. The workshop focused on a comprehensive study titled “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development.” Held at BON Hotel, Octagon, Jahi, the event brought together policymakers, lawmakers, development partners, diaspora experts, and representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). In…

APC Chair,Yilwatda Tasks Nigerian Youths to Safeguard Democracy, Back Tinubu’s Reforms

Emporium Reporters

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take a frontline role in defending and strengthening the country’s democracy, describing them as central to Nigeria’s political stability and future development. In a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, Yilwatda urged young Nigerians, particularly those within the 25 to 55 age bracket, to actively engage in the democratic process and resist attempts by what he described as self-serving political actors…

IGP Disu Reaffirms Commitment to Officers’ Welfare as PHML Board Members Visit Force Headquarters

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has received a delegation from the Board of Directors of Police Health Maintenance Limited (PHML) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in a renewed effort to deepen collaboration on healthcare delivery and medical welfare for police personnel. During the visit, the IGP was formally inaugurated as Chairman of the PHML Board, a development that signals strengthened leadership oversight and a renewed drive to improve access to quality healthcare services for officers across the Nigeria Police Force. The PHML delegation was led by DIG…

EFFURUN SHOOTING: Police Condemn Fatal Incident, Order Disciplinary Action Against ASP Nuhu Usman

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the fatal shooting of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, which occurred on 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State, describing the incident as a violation of operational protocols and existing firearms regulations. Preliminary investigations revealed that operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command had responded to credible intelligence from the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway, where a suspect was reportedly apprehended by members of a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel allegedly containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.…

Police, EFCC Rescue 14 Kidnap Victims from Calabar–Oron Waterways

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Fourteen abducted victims have been rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a coordinated operation along the Calabar–Oron waterways. The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed that the rescue followed sustained intelligence-driven operations, robust inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated tactical efforts targeting criminal elements operating within the maritime corridor. He noted that acting on credible intelligence, joint operatives intensified surveillance and carried out targeted operations across identified flashpoints, leading to the safe rescue of all 14 victims…

CAC Boss Inaugurates Beneficial Ownership Committee, Unveils Global Conference Plan

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Registrar-General/CEO of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, has inaugurated the National Working Group on Beneficial Ownership Information, described it as a critical driver of economic reform and growth. Speaking during the inauguration, Magaji said beneficial ownership transparency goes beyond a regulatory requirement, calling it “the cornerstone of good governance.” He noted that it plays a vital role in protecting the economy from abuse, strengthening investor confidence, and boosting Nigeria’s standing in the global financial system. He tasked members of the working group with leveraging their expertise…

NDLEA, Customs Seal Strategic Pact to Tackle Drug Trafficking, Boost Border Security

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have formalised a major inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and transnational organised crime. The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja. According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA, the communiqué was signed by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, marking a significant…

FCT Police Kick Off Constable Recruitment Exams, CP Sanusi Inspects Abuja Centre

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced the written examination for candidates participating in the ongoing Police Specialist and General Duty Constable recruitment exercise, with centres activated across the country. In Abuja, the exercise is being held at designated venues including the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Secondary School, where candidates turned out in large numbers to take part in the screening process. To ensure strict compliance with guidelines and transparency, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, personally visited the examination centre to monitor…