EU to deliver €20m defence support to Nigerian Armed Forces

 

The European Union (EU) is set to deliver 20 million euros defence support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Abuja by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Ms Leah Katung-Babatunde.

Katung-Babatunde said the discussion took place when the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, received the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, and his delegation at the Ship House, Abuja.

She said Mignot was on a working visit to discuss critical defence bilateral agreements, including review of security cooperation between Nigeria and the EU.

According to her, Mignot commended the minister for his efforts in changing the security dynamics in the country and invited him to a meeting of ministers of defence in Brussels later in the year.

She also said the engagement centred on modalities for the EU’s bilateral assistance of 20 million euros for the AFN under the European Peace Facility (EPF).

She ​‌‌‍⁠‌‍⁠⁠‍​⁠‌⁠⁠⁠⁠​‌​further said that ambassador revealed that an EU technical delegation would be visiting Nigeria in November to agree on delivery details.

She quoted Musa as expressing gratitude to the EU for consistency in supporting Nigeria and assured the ambassador of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians and development of the country.

The minister said that relative peace was gradually returning to troubled parts of the country due to the efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies.

He however noted that kidnapping along major highways and attacks on isolated communities persisted and were being tackled. Newspot.

NUJ FCT mourns death of journalist, Felix Onigbinde 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Felix Onigbinde, a Photojournalist with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper.
Onigbinde, who reportedly fell into a coma last week and was admitted to the Garki General Hospital, Abuja, before his death, was a dedicated and award winning photojournalist whose career reflected his commitment to the gathering and dissemination of information in the service of society.
He began his journalism career with Daily Trust newspaper before joining the Nigerian Tribune, where he worked until his demise. As a photojournalist, Onigbinde played a role in documenting events and telling stories through images, contributing to the work of the media in informing the public.
The NUJ FCT Council said his death was particularly heartbreaking, noting that his passing had created a painful void among colleagues and friends, as well as in the wider journalism community.
The Council in a statement issued on Saturday by the the Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle extended its heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune, Photojournalists Association of Nigeria ( PJAN )  his colleagues, friends and professional associates, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Council also commiserated with his immediate family, particularly his wife and two children, who are left to cope with the loss of their husband and father.
Onigbinde, who hailed from Ife Modakeke, in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, will be remembered by those who knew him for his contribution to journalism and his service to the public through his profession.
The Council prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to comfort his wife, children, extended family, colleagues and all those mourning his passing. Authority.

EU provides €225,000 in humanitarian aid to conflict-displaced populations in Kebbi State

Following severe conflict-induced displacement across Kebbi State in north-western Nigeria, the European Union (EU) is releasing €225,000 (around 340 million Nigerian Naira) in humanitarian assistance to support affected communities.
This EU funding will enable the Nigerian Red Cross to provide timely, lifesaving assistance to conflict-displaced persons in Kebbi State over six months. The response will prioritise multipurpose cash assistance, enabling affected families to meet their most urgent needs, alongside protection services for the most vulnerable. The action will be supported by continuous monitoring of population movements and the engagement of local volunteers, and will contribute to laying the groundwork for longer-term recovery efforts by other actors.
Reaching approximately 7,700 conflict-displaced people across settlements and host communities in Kebbi State, the response prioritizes the most vulnerable groups—including female-headed households, persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, and those facing acute protection risks—to deliver targeted support where it is needed most.
This funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Security in Kebbi State has severely deteriorated following an escalation of armed attacks and communal violence across seven Local Government Areas. While displacement has been ongoing since mid-August, a sharp surge in violence around August 31, 2026, served as the operational trigger for this response, affecting over 16,600 people across the state, with 7,706 displaced and 108 injured. Facing a complex security landscape marked by organised banditry, armed group activity and communal violence, displaced families in temporary sites and host communities remain in urgent need of shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection.
The European Union and its Member States are amongst the world’s leading donors of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity towards people in need around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent, and alleviate human suffering and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.
Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflicts and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.
The European Commission has signed a €16 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to support the Federation’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).
The Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) was established in 1979 and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF. For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates grants from the Fund, which can be replenished by the donors. Authority.

Peter Obi Media rejects VP Shettima’s “Diminished Obi” comment as an affront to decency

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has strongly condemned Vice President Kashim Shettima’s disparaging comments about their principal and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a statement on Sunday, the Office said: “The VP discourteously referred to Obi as “diminished” while calling on Northerners to show respect to Atiku Abubakar.”
The office expressed disgust with the utterances of the VP and wondered why he would introduce section sentiments in praising one presidential candidate and disparaging another apparently because Atiku is a Northerner.
“Although Shettima has the right to oppose Obi, it is difficult to understand why he would demand respect for one opposition leader while casually dismissing another.
“As a man of great decency, our candidate has conducted his campaign professionally and decorously.
“He has consistently focused his remarks on issues and has neither discussed nor used abusive language against anyone. Shettima and Obi served as governors during the same period.

“However, Obi’s performance in Anambra State across key areas of governance surpassed Shettima’s record in Borno State, as demonstrated by performance statistics and the awards he received.
“During his tenure as governor of Anambra, Peter Obi earned recognition for his fiscal discipline and investments in education and healthcare.
“If Shettima contests any aspect of Obi’s record, he should present the facts rather than resort to political name-calling.”
Going forward, the Media Office also “calls on South-East political leaders who have shown disrespect toward Obi to take a lesson from the Vice President, who joined them in disparaging their brother while demanding respect for his northern counterpart in the opposition.
“We urge Igbo leaders in the APC and all Nigerians to draw the appropriate lesson from this episode and note that political loyalty must never justify tolerating disrespect toward a fellow Nigerian.
“Those who oppose Obi should scrutinise his ideas and record rather than resorting to personal abuse. Nigeria needs a contest based on records and ideas, not selective respect and political denigration. “The Nigerian people, rather than Shettima’s rhetoric, will determine Peter Obi’s political relevance,” the statement concluded.

 

World Singing Day: Peter Obi Media Office celebrates Obi-Kwankwaso singers in Nigeria, abroad

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has expressed greetings and felicitations with those who are promoting the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections through songs on the occasion of this year’s World Singing Day.
The Day is observed annually on the third Saturday of October.
In a statement on Saturday, the Office said: “Today, October 17, 2026, Peter Obi Media honours Nigerian singers at home and abroad whose voices, creativity, and musical gifts continue to enrich national life and inspire millions.

“We especially celebrate the gifted Nigerian musicians who have used their talents to communicate their hopes and aspirations for a better Nigeria through songs connected with the Peter Obi–Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso political project.”
Peter Obi and Engr Rabiu Kwankwaso are running for Nigeria’s Presidency in the forth coming election as President and Vice President respectively on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Media Office listed some of those who are promoting the ticket with songs to include KASI, “the young Anambra girl whose song, “Peter Obi or Nothing,” captured the enthusiasm of her supporters.
“We also recognise Tijjani Gandu, associated with the Hausa-language song “Obi-Kwankwaso Clear,” and Mr DapBoy, whose song “Lokaci” conveys support for Peter Obi’s 2027 aspiration.

“We acknowledge every young and emerging artist who has embraced music as a vehicle for expressing political convictions, hopes for national renewal, and the desire for a Nigeria that works for everyone.

“From Igbo highlife and Hausa melodies to Yoruba rhythms, English, and Nigerian Pidgin, our musical diversity demonstrates the richness of our culture and the potential of our unity.
“To Nigeria’s singers and musicians, we affirm that your talent is valuable, your creativity merits recognition, and your voices form an essential part of the nation’s cultural heritage,” the statement added.
It went further to say: “We urge you to continue applying your gifts responsibly in support of peace, unity, hope, and meaningful national dialogue.

“On this World Singing Day, we honour you not only for the songs you perform but also for the creativity, courage, and passion you contribute to our national conversation.

“Happy World Singing Day to Nigerian singers everywhere. May our diverse voices continue to enrich our shared humanity and inspire the building of a better Nigeria,” the Office conclude.

 

Court hands UBA major victory in N156bn debt recovery against Vaswani Brothers, Stallion Group

 

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has secured a significant legal victory in its debt recovery proceedings against Stallion Group, following a court judgment which upheld the Bank’s position on all issues submitted for determination.

In a sweeping decision, delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor  of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday,  granted all the reliefs sought by UBA, affirming the validity of the appointment of a Receiver/Manager, the enforceability of the mortgage security and the liability of the guarantors.

The Court observed that the Defendants did not dispute the existence of their indebtedness to the Bank but challenged the amount claimed. It further held that the reconciliation of accounts between the parties did not extinguish or negate the underlying indebtedness.

In a major affirmation of UBA’s enforcement rights, the Court upheld the appointment of the Receiver/Manager and confirmed his entitlement to take possession of the mortgaged property and seek appropriate protective orders.

 

The Court also dismissed objections raised by the 12th Defendant, holding that it had failed to establish any proprietary rights over the mortgaged property. Consequently, its consent was not required for the creation of the mortgage, and its objections were rejected.

 

Significantly, the Court restrained the Defendants from diverting receivables due to them from government agencies, thereby reinforcing the Bank’s ability to protect its recovery interests.

 

The judgment also affirmed the liability of the guarantors, strengthening UBA’s legal position in pursuing recovery of the outstanding obligations.

 

The decision represents a comprehensive victory for UBA, with the Court resolving all issues in the Bank’s favour and granting all the reliefs sought.

 

The ruling is particularly significant for the enforcement of creditors’ rights in Nigeria, underscoring the legal validity of properly constituted security arrangements and the authority of duly appointed receivers to enforce creditors’ interests.

 

It also reinforces the principle that disputes over the precise amount of an outstanding debt do not, by themselves, invalidate the underlying indebtedness or prevent creditors from exercising their lawful recovery rights.

The judgment marks a major milestone in UBA’s efforts to recover its exposure to Stallion Group and safeguard the interests of the Bank and its stakeholders.

Why the Aminu Kano cap fits Peter Obi: Nigeria’s unfinished project of unity

 

Following a recent podcast portraying the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as an Aminu Kano reborn because of their shared philosophy towards the poor in society, there have been some remarks supporting this fact and even going further to adduce other reasons why the Aminu Kano cap squarely fits Peter Obi.

The Aminu Kano cap is more than a piece of traditional attire that represents a commitment to the poor, modest living, social justice, and a political philosophy that places ordinary people at the centre of governance. When Peter Obi wears it, the symbolism invites a wider conversation about the relationship between leadership, social inclusion, and national unity.

The comparison between Aminu Kano and Peter Obi rests on three themes: concern for the poor, modesty in public life, and the need to make every Nigerian ethnic group feel that the country belongs to them. This last segment of the commonality between Obi and Aminu Kano seeks to deepen the conversation, especially as Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is from Kano.

A further dimension emerges when the ethno-political histories of Nigeria are thoroughly X-rayed. Aminu Kano and Obi are of the Hausa and Igbo tribes, respectively. Ethnicity has been a significant factor in Nigerian politics as political power is examined alongside the distribution of Nigeria’s highest political offices along ethnic lines since 1999.

In terms of population, the six biggest ethnic groups in Nigeria, in this order, are the Hausas, the Yoruba, the Igbos, the Ijaw, the Kanuri, and the Fulani. From 1999 to date, all but the Hausas and Igbos have tested political power in this country at the level of President and Vice President. Yoruba—twelve years as President (Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu), eight years as Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo), Fulani—eleven years as President (Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari), eleven years as Vice President (Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo), Ijaw—five years as President and three years as Vice President (Goodluck Jonathan), Kanuri—four years as Vice President (Kashim Shettima).

These historical statistics raise a question worth discussing as the country searches for lasting political unity and stability. Can a political partnership between a prominent Hausa leader and a prominent Igbo leader help address longstanding feelings of exclusion and strengthen the idea of a common Nigerian identity?

Aminu Kano, a Hausa, was a northern political reformer associated with social justice and the interests of ordinary people.

Peter Obi is a contemporary politician whose public message emphasises prudent management, accountability, and poverty reduction.

Aminu Kano’s political legacy is closely associated with challenging entrenched privilege and advocating for disadvantaged people. Peter Obi has also built much of his public political message around frugality, accountability, and improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Their historical contexts are different, and their records should be assessed on their own merits. Nevertheless, the comparison provides a useful framework for discussing a shared political ideal: government should serve the people, particularly those who have the least access to power and opportunity.

The cap, therefore, can be interpreted as a symbolic expression of solidarity rather than merely a fashion statement. Its significance lies in the values it evokes and the actions that those values demand.

 

The following table illustrates the ethnic backgrounds commonly attributed to presidents of the Fourth Republic:

 

Olusegun Obasanjo 1999–2007 Yoruba

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua 2007–2010 Fulani

Goodluck Jonathan 2010–2015 Ijaw

Muhammadu Buhari 2015–2023 Fulani

Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2023–present Yoruba

 

This history supports an important distinction in the argument: the Igbo have not held the executive presidency since the restoration of democracy in 1999. Ditto for the Hausa; even the dragging together of Hausa and Fulani challenges this assertion, but empirically it has been Fulani dominating.

Consequently, a credible political analysis should distinguish Hausa identity from the broader Hausa-Fulani political category, rather than treating them as interchangeable.

The key point remains whether Nigeria’s political arrangements adequately recognise the country’s many ethnic communities and whether access to the highest offices helps citizens feel that they belong to one nation.

 

The experiences of presidential representation since 1999 differ. The Yoruba, Fulani, and Ijaw have had people commonly identified with their respective communities occupy the presidency. The Igbo have not held the executive presidency, while the historical classification of Hausa and Fulani leaders requires care.

It is therefore more precise to frame the question around the uneven distribution of national political power and the enduring perception of exclusion, rather than claim that all six groups have equal political standing or that every group has been completely excluded from the number-one and number-two offices.

 

If, therefore, Aminu Kano and Peter Obi’s political philosophy prioritises poverty reduction, education, employment, public accountability, and access to essential services, their partnership could offer a common policy platform that crosses ethnic boundaries. The substance of their policies and their implementation records would matter more than symbolism alone.

In Obi and Aminu Kano’s philosophy, citizens who feel overlooked by the political system may attach importance to visible recognition of their communities. A cross-ethnic partnership could create an opportunity to address those concerns, provided it is inclusive of other ethnic groups, regions, and religious communities as well.

Nigeria’s minorities and many other communities also have legitimate concerns about representation.

In conclusion, the Aminu Kano cap on Peter Obi can serve as a reminder that the struggle for a more inclusive Nigeria is not the property of one ethnic group or political tradition. It invites reflection on the relationship between social justice, modest leadership, and national belonging.

The historical question of Igbo representation in the executive presidency is real. The broader question of Hausa representation, however, must be stated with greater precision because Hausa and Fulani identities are distinct even where political classifications overlap.

An Obi–Kwankwaso partnership would carry potentially significant symbolism, but its contribution to unity would depend on its policies, its treatment of all communities, and its ability to make citizens feel included in the national project.

The ultimate test of Nigerian unity is not whose cap a leader wears, but whether every Nigerian—Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, and the many other communities—can see a place for themselves in the country’s leadership, opportunities, and future. God help us.

 

Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large.

State Police Bill almost ready, for transmission to NASS in 2 weeks — Presidency

 

The National Policing Bill is 90 per cent ready for transmission to the National Assembly and is expected to be forwarded within two weeks, says Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group on State Police, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking with journalists after the group’s steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja.

He said the committee would hold one more meeting to address outstanding issues and incorporate observations from state governors before transmitting the bill to the National Assembly.

“The National Policing Bill is more or less ready for transmission to the National Assembly. We will probably have one more meeting after this to cross the t’s and dot the i’s and make sure every area is covered. So, we are 90 per cent ready.

“The governors have one or two observations, and we should be ready in about a week or so,” he said.

Gbajabiamila described the proposed legislation as “the most consequential Bill of the administration so far,” noting that it had undergone rigorous deliberations since the working group’s steering committee commenced discussions on August 3.

He also expressed confidence that the proposed constitutional amendments to establish state police would receive the necessary support, despite concerns over the pace of ratification by state Houses of Assembly.

Reacting to reports that only about six states had passed the Sixth Constitution Alteration Bill on state police, out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Gbajabiamila said there was broad national support for the reform.

“I see no reason why anyone will want to have a rethink on it,” he said.

The proposed state police framework is part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system and strengthen security arrangements across the country.

Those at Thursday’s meeting included the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba.

Other participants were the Chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee, retired Justice Abdullahi Liman; Head of the Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat, Professor Olu Ogunsakin; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Lanre Smart; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research and secretary of the committee, Nnadubem Moghalu.

Representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Security Adviser, including AIG Abraham Nabhon Thomas, also attended the meeting. Authority.

Defence Minister pledges military’s neutrality during 2027 polls

 

The Minister of Defence, General Chris Musa (rts) has assured Nigerians that security agencies will remain neutral during elections and intensify efforts to protect lives, rescue abducted persons and dismantle terrorist and bandit camps across the country.

The minister gave the assurance on Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, alongside heads of security agencies, saying the President had emphasised the need for free, fair and credible elections.

He said security agencies were committed to providing a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise without intimidation or fear.

“All heads of security agencies are here. We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair and credible election,” he told State House correspondents after the meeting.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote.”

The minister urged political parties to trust the professionalism and neutrality of security personnel, stressing that no party or candidate would be allowed to intimidate others.

“For all other political parties to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral, we’re going to ensure that we give everybody opportunity to go and serve, so they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,” he said.

Addressing allegations that the Armed Forces were using underage children, the minister described the military as a professional institution and denied that underage persons were being recruited into its ranks.

He said the allegations appeared to relate to terrorists using underage children, adding that the military would continue efforts to eliminate terrorist hideouts and rescue victims of abduction.

According to him: “The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped, wherever they are. There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorist or bandits anywhere in Nigeria.”

The minister said the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening security operations, adding that President Tinubu had continued to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

Responding to a question on the urgency of protecting lives ahead of the elections, he listed increased recruitment, training exercises and equipment procurement among measures being taken to address security challenges.

He disclosed that the President would soon commission newly acquired aircraft and helicopters, which he put at approximately 10.

“Despite the economic issue, the issue of security is in the front burner of Mr President’s view,” he said.

The minister also welcomed the recent salary increase for members of the Armed Forces, expressing hope that similar concerns affecting police personnel and other security workers had been addressed, including those of pensioners.

He said the President wanted Nigerians to benefit from ongoing efforts to improve security and national wellbeing. Authority.

Obi Media to Tinubu: Come out and campaign, Nigerians are not voting for surrogate

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has criticized President Bola Tinubu for announcing that he would leave part of the 2027 Presidential campaign to surrogates to do for him.

In a statement, the Office said the excuse by the President that he would pay more attention to governance than running around to canvas for votes was not acceptable.

Said the statement: “President Bola Tinubu reportedly says the demands of governance may keep him away from the campaign trail. Nigerians deserve to ask: If he cannot make time to face the electorate, why should surrogates be sent to ask for their votes?

“The President cannot delegate accountability. He cannot outsource the defence of his record to political allies, party chieftains, and praise singers while millions of Nigerians struggle with the consequences of his government’s policies.

“Surrogates can speak for the President, but they cannot answer for his failures. They can repeat his promises, but they cannot make those promises a reality. They can campaign in his name, but they cannot carry his responsibility,” the Media Office said.

Alluding to the fact that the President was trying to avoid Nigerians as a result of the failure of the President, the Office said: “If the administration has delivered on its promises, why should the President be reluctant to defend that record before Nigerians himself?

“If the economy is improving, let him explain how that improvement is reflected in the cost of food, transportation, electricity, housing, and necessities. If his policies are working, let him face the citizens who want to know when the hardship will end.

“Mr President, governance is not an excuse to avoid accountability. In a democracy, governance is the very record a candidate must defend before asking for another mandate.

Nigerians are not being asked to elect your surrogates. They are being asked to assess you, your policies, your promises, and your performance. No surrogate can stand in your place when it is time to answer for the state of the nation.

“You cannot send surrogates to collect the votes while keeping the President away from the questions. You cannot delegate the campaign and expect Nigerians to forget who must answer for the record.

“The Nigerian people deserve a direct conversation with their President, not a relay of rehearsed talking points from political messengers.

“If there is a record to defend, let the President defend it. If there are promises yet to be fulfilled, let him explain them. And if Nigerians are being asked to renew his mandate, let him have the courage to face their questions.

“A President who seeks the people’s mandate must be prepared to face the people. Surrogates may carry the message, but they cannot carry the burden of accountability,” the statement concluded.