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“Let me take the abuse”, you take the privileges, Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of, I will drive the change, Tinubu tells governors
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Autonomy drive not to take councils away from states
NGF aligns with President’s leadership for progress
Governors are critical to food security and prosperity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said yesterday.
He reminded them that their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving rapid national growth.
He expressed gratitude for their collaboration while highlighting key areas requiring joint effort.
The President spoke when Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) paid him a New Year homage at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development.
“The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you.
“The agricultural value chain depends on you.
“You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” President Tinubu said.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and shared responsibility in driving grassroots development.
He assured the governors there was no intention to undermine their control over local governments.
He urged them to focus on delivering transformative governance at the grassroots, noting that effective local governance was crucial to restoring hope and improving lives.
Quashing rumours of a rift over local government autonomy, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to fostering a partnership that prioritises the welfare of the people and strengthens democratic institutions.
He said: “We will not fight within us. I will drive the change.
“You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government.
“Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it.”
Calling for stronger collaboration, the President added: “We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves.
“Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us.”
He also urged the governors to take pride in their efforts.
“There is no state we visit and not be proud of its development. We have better allocations now.
“Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of,” he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey in the last 19 months, the President expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive.
“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together.
“I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he said.
The President announced that he will visit Enugu on January 4.
President Tinubu welcomed his declaration by ThisDay as Man of the Year.
Activist to Tinubu: prioritise welfare
According to him, “what they considered a failure initially is now a success.”
NGF chairman/Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak described ThisDay’s decision as a significant endorsement of the administration’s policies.
He noted that the acknowledgement from a newspaper known for critical media coverage reflects the tangible progress made.
“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest.
“So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day.
“So, in terms of agriculture, the policy is working. We’ll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100 per cent sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa,” he said.
The governor urged the President to visit states to see the ongoing transformations firsthand.
He assured the President of the steadfast support of the governors, particularly in contributing to local security architecture to further enhance the nation’s security.
“I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term”, AbdulRazaq said.
“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the state helmsmen’s resolve to support the President’s leadership and vision.
He said they appreciate President Tinubu’s strong leadership and determination to transform the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima assured Nigerians that the positive impact of the Tinubu Administration’s policies will begin to manifest in the coming weeks and months.
Speaking during the visit, Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s economic trajectory and a brighter future for its citizens.
He noted that the economy is already showing signs of recovery.
He expressed confidence that 2025 will herald significant economic activity and improvement in the lives of citizens.
Shettima said: “The economy has started picking up, and in the coming weeks and months, Nigerians will start smiling for the better.
“We are working assiduously with the National Assembly to come up with robust solutions to our national challenges.
“No nation is immune to the economic headwinds across the world.
“The crisis in Ukraine and so many other global trends are affecting us adversely because we are part of the global community.
“But I want to assure Nigerians that the economy is turning the corner, by the grace of God, we have crossed the Rubicon and we are on a path to sustained growth.
“We wish Nigerians well.”
ROLL CALL OF GOVERNORS
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Hope Uzodimma (Imo); Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Babagana Zulum (Borno); Monday Okpebholo (Edo); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti): Peter Mbah (Enugu): Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) and Ahmed Ododo (Kogi).
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UPDATED: Police Arrest Adeyemi Over Alleged False Claim as PFIPC Director-General in Osun
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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.
Adeyemi, who had been the subject of an intensive manhunt by security agencies, was apprehended following intelligence-led operations weeks after investigations into allegations about the purported federal agency’s activities.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the suspect was arrested without incident by a team of IRT operatives and has been moved into police custody for further interrogation.
He confirmed the arrest while speaking to our correspondent in Abuja.
His arrest followed days of coordinated efforts by security operatives, who had earlier raided his family residence while tracking his whereabouts. Reports indicated that investigators questioned his family members during the search for the suspect.
Adeyemi came into national prominence after controversy erupted over the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation widely described by government officials as having no legal backing or official recognition.
The controversy deepened following allegations that the suspect claimed close links with top government officials and allegedly used the platform to project influence in government circles.
Oyo police rescue abducted farmer after joint security operation
The matter also generated public attention after claims surfaced that huge sums of money were exchanged in connection with promises of government appointments. Those allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
The Presidency had earlier distanced itself from the activities of the organisation, while the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, denied any connection with the group or its activities, maintaining that neither the office nor the Presidency authorised the operations of the PFIPC.
Police investigators are expected to interrogate Adeyemi on the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the organisation, the authenticity of documents allegedly used in its activities, and claims that some individuals were deceived into believing it was an official government body.
Investigators are also expected to determine whether other suspects were involved in the alleged scheme and whether additional offences, including impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, forgery and conspiracy, may have been committed.
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the arrest or announce possible charges against the suspect. Demographics
The arrest is, however, expected to advance investigations into one of the most controversial cases involving the alleged use of a non-existent government agency to project influence within the Presidency.
Adeyemi is expected to remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment before a competent court.
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Breaking : Nigerian Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Terrorist Network in Borno
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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.
The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.
“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”
The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.
“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.
According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.
“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.
“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.
He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.
“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.
The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.
He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.
“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.
According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.
“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.
He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.
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BREAKING: Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers in Oyo Forest Operation
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Eight kidnappers arrested
Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigerian security agencies have successfully rescued a group of kidnapped pupils and teachers following a coordinated operation in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Photos circulating after the operation show the rescued victims gathered in a rural forest location alongside security personnel shortly after they regained their freedom.
According to available information, the victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers before security operatives launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission. The operation, carried out through coordinated efforts by security agencies, led to the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with security officials and are expected to undergo medical examinations and trauma counselling before being reunited with their families.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests were made during the operation or if a ransom was paid. However, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of the area, who commended the swift response of the security agencies while calling for increased security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.
The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing some parts of the country, particularly the threat of school-related kidnappings, which have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders.
Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are continuing to track down the perpetrators and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
Further official details are expected as the authorities provide updates on the operation.
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