Year: 2026

Tinubu appoints Amb Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, seeks Senate confirmation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), subject to confirmation by the Senate. The nomination was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who said the appointment is in accordance with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026. President Tinubu has forwarded a letter to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, seeking the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador…

Nigeria’s sacrifice secured Liberia’s stability – COAS

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has declared that the peace and stability currently enjoyed by the Republic of Liberia stand as a testament to Nigeria’s deliberate commitment, African solidarity and the immense sacrifices of the Nigerian Army. Lieutenant General Shaibu made the remarks on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, where he attended as Special Guest of Honour during events marking the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). He emphasised that Nigeria’s intervention during…

Reps approve NHRC 2026 budget, laud 2025 performance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights has approved the 2026 budget proposal of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), commended the agency for what it described as an impressive performance in the 2025 fiscal year. The approval followed the presentation of the commission’s 2026 estimates by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), during a budget defence session at the National Assembly. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abiola Makinde, expressed satisfaction with the commission’s utilisation of its 2025 allocation and gave the nod to the proposed 2026 budget.…

NAPTIP rescues 23 Nigerians from Thailand in alarming cybercrime trafficking trend

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths from Thailand, uncovered a disturbing new trend in human trafficking targeting Nigerians for cyber-enabled crimes. According to NAPTIP Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, traffickers are increasingly targeting intelligent and skilled Nigerians, particularly those with IT and computer skills, and those with “clean” lifestyles free from alcohol or smoking. The victims are lured with promises of scholarships and legitimate employment opportunities abroad. Upon arrival in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos,…

The Citizen’s Ordeal By Dr Austin Orette

Emporium Reporters

If an individual can steal from the government willy-nilly and we find out many years later, and only after the fact, it means we have no checks and balances. Due to lack of checks and balances, the nation has become a prison where everyone is trying to escape.   Why was it easy for a former South-South governor to use state money for his campaign? What was the role of the members of the State House of Assembly? The primary responsibility of the members is to have oversight duties. They…

EGBETOKUN: WHEN THE SHERIFF IS GOOD

Emporium Reporters

About a month into his tenure as Nigerian president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with the constitutional mandate, appointed Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector General of The Nigeria Police Force.   Appointed, precisely, as the Inspector General of Police, on June 19, 2023, with a PhD degree (not honoris causa), the seasoned Egbetokun assumed the mantle with a strong academic background in Mathematics and Security Studies.   Having worked in different categories in the Police Force; as Chief Security Officer to the Lagos Governor between 1999-2005, coincidentally the now…

BEYOND 2027: WHY SENATOR MOHAMMED SANI MUSA DESERVES CONTINUED MANDATE FOR NIGER EAST By Adama Linus

Emporium Reporters

In the landscape of Nigerian politics, leadership is frequently judged by promises, eloquent speeches, and soaring rhetoric. Yet the genuine yardstick for any public servant remains the capacity to convert vision into concrete, life-changing results for ordinary citizens. Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, CON, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and widely known as 313, represents this exceptional category of leader. His outstanding performance in the 10th National Assembly has not only fortified national fiscal governance but has also delivered direct, meaningful benefits to the Niger East Senatorial District —…

FG suspends sachet alcohol ban, orders NAFDAC to halt enforcement over security, economic concerns

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has reaffirmed the suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately cease factory shutdowns, warehouse sealing, and public enforcement campaigns. This directive followed a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which highlighted the potential security risks of continued enforcement in the absence of a…

Be The Hope For The Hopeless! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.   Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, when the world feels heavy and dark, Allah calls us to be light. And know that, being “the hope of the hopeless” isn’t just about material charity; it is about offering a listening ear, a sincere Du’a, a gentle word,…

IGP Egbetokun promotes 141,054 Officers in 32 months, upholds merit-based system in NPF

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Since assuming office in June 2023, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has overseen the promotion of 141,054 officers across all ranks in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), marking one of the most significant upward movements in recent history. The Force describes the exercise as a reflection of its commitment to meritocracy, professionalism, and the welfare of its personnel. “This is a system that rewards professionalism and proven capacity,” IGP Egbetokun said. “We will not be swayed by those who trade in falsehood or seek to undermine the integrity…