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Nigeria Moves To Streamline Emergency Response With Single 112 Hotline

Maryam Aminu

Nigeria has taken a major step toward overhauling its emergency response system with the adoption of a unified hotline, 112, aimed at improving rapid intervention and saving lives across the country.

The decision was approved at the 157th meeting of the National Economic Council, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who described the move as critical to strengthening public safety infrastructure.

Under the new directive, the Nigerian Communications Commission will spearhead the rollout of the system, working closely with the Office of the Vice President.
Both bodies will jointly coordinate a multi-agency committee responsible for aligning emergency communication processes nationwide.

The committee is expected to bridge existing gaps among federal, state, and local emergency services, ensuring a seamless and faster response mechanism. The initiative is designed to replace the current fragmented system of multiple emergency numbers with a single, easy-to-remember contact point.

Shettima, while addressing council members, stressed that inefficiencies in emergency response have often resulted in avoidable casualties.

He noted that the reform goes beyond technology, describing it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to protecting lives.

Although the 112 emergency line already exists within Nigeria’s telecom structure, authorities acknowledge that its effectiveness has been limited by poor coordination, lack of standardisation, and low public awareness.
The NCC is therefore expected to drive nationwide integration and sensitisation efforts.

Telecommunications providers will also play a key role in the implementation, particularly in linking the number to call centres, deploying geolocation capabilities, and connecting first responders such as police, fire services, and medical teams.

Experts say the initiative could significantly improve response times if properly executed, positioning Nigeria closer to global standards in emergency communication systems.

The council also reviewed ongoing reforms in police training institutions and commended progress made by a committee led by Peter Mbah. It directed the Ministry of Finance to fast-track the release of pending funds while ensuring fair distribution across the country.

With the policy now in place, attention shifts to execution, where stakeholders say effective coordination and public awareness will determine the success of the 112 emergency system.

Foundation Opens New Pathways For Persons With Disabilities

By Maryam Aminu

In a determined effort to shift people with disabilities from the margins of survival to the centre of economic participation, the Emerald Humanitarian Foundation has launched an empowerment initiative in Enugu, offering practical skills aimed at fostering independence and sustainable livelihoods.

The programme, which commenced on April 19 – 20, 2026, brought together persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) and underprivileged students for an intensive training covering the production of household essentials such as soap, bleach, and disinfectants, alongside basic shoe-making techniques. The intervention is designed to tackle unemployment and social exclusion, particularly among vulnerable populations who often lack access to structured opportunities.

At the opening session, the programme coordinator, Kingsley Mba, described the initiative as a deliberate response to the growing challenge of street begging among persons with disabilities. He noted that beyond economic hardship, the practice exposes individuals to serious risks including road accidents, exploitation, and abuse.

Mba explained that the foundation’s approach is centred on equipping beneficiaries with practical, income-generating skills that can enable them to build stable sources of livelihood. He added that the initiative extends beyond training, as participants will also receive starter materials and guidance on accessing markets for their products.

He further disclosed that the foundation is already planning to expand the initiative nationwide, with a vision to establish empowerment hubs across the six geopolitical zones of the country, beginning with the South-East.

Participants at the training expressed optimism about the opportunities the programme presents. One of the beneficiaries, Jennifer Ezeme, described the experience as impactful and timely, noting that it offers a pathway to self-reliance for many individuals facing similar challenges.

Another participant, Chukwuebuka Emeka, said the initiative could significantly reduce dependence on street begging by providing practical alternatives for income generation, especially at a time when many persons with disabilities are grappling with economic hardship.

Also contributing to the training was Anthony Chukwu, a shoe-making entrepreneur and founder of Golden Boy Ventures, who shared insights drawn from his personal journey. Living with a disability, Chukwu emphasised that skill acquisition remains one of the most effective tools for achieving financial independence.

He pointed out that while charity may offer temporary relief, empowerment through enterprise provides long-term stability. Drawing from his experience, he highlighted the importance of resilience and opportunity, noting that he has successfully built a business in Enugu despite mobility challenges, mentoring over 15 apprentices, many of whom are also persons with disabilities.

Across Nigeria, persons with disabilities continue to face structural barriers that limit access to education, employment, and social inclusion. As a result, many are forced into street begging, often in unsafe environments such as busy highways and public markets, where they are exposed to exploitation and violence.

Against this backdrop, the Emerald Humanitarian Foundation’s intervention represents more than a training exercise. It signals a strategic effort to dismantle cycles of poverty, promote inclusion, and restore dignity by enabling beneficiaries to harness their potential and participate meaningfully in the economy.

Troops Kill 216 Terrorists, Rescue 188 Hostages In Sweeping Nationwide Offensive

Emmanuel Daudu/Maryam Aminu

Nigeria’s military on Thursday declared a decisive escalation in its war against terrorism and criminality, announcing the killing of 216 insurgents, the arrest of 284 suspects, and the rescue of 188 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country in April 2026.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stated that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded “significant operational successes” during the period, noting that the offensives cut across all theatres and targeted terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening national security.

He said the military, within the month under review, “neutralised over 200 terrorists in multiple engagements, rescued 188 abducted civilians comprising women, children, the elderly, farmers, and worshippers, and restored them to their families,” while also dismantling several terrorist strongholds.

The defence spokesman added that troops “stormed and destroyed terrorist camps, criminal enclaves, improvised explosive device (IED)-laden hideouts, and illegal armament production facilities,” stressing that the operations also led to the arrest of “284 key ring leaders, logisticians, and collaborators who had hitherto operated with impunity.”

Providing a regional breakdown, he disclosed that in the North-East, troops killed 136 terrorists, arrested 144 suspects, rescued 18 victims, while nine insurgents surrendered, noting that sustained offensives continued to weaken insurgent capabilities in the region.

He further stated that in the North-West, troops neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 32 suspects, rescued 70 kidnapped victims, and recorded the surrender of one terrorist, adding that operations in the zone were intensified to curb banditry.

Onoja explained that in the North-Central, troops under Operation Savannah Shield killed 21 terrorists, arrested 17 suspects, and rescued 10 victims, while troops of Operation Enduring Peace “eliminated 18 terrorists, arrested 48 suspects, and rescued 53 kidnapped victims.”

Observing one minute silence for fallen heroes

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also “neutralised 14 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects, and rescued 35 victims,” describing the combined efforts as a major boost to security in the region.

According to him, in the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 17 suspects, destroyed two illegal refining sites, and recovered 101,443 litres of petroleum products, noting that the operations dealt a blow to oil theft and economic sabotage.

He said in the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka killed three terrorists, arrested 16 suspected criminals, and rescued two kidnapped victims, maintaining that security forces remained resolute in tackling emerging threats in the zone.

The defence spokesman emphasised that the achievements recorded were “not abstract statistics,” explaining that “behind every rescued victim is a family made whole, and behind every destroyed enclave is a community reclaimed.”

He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remained committed to professionalism and accountability, stating that all operations were conducted “in strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement, the Laws of Armed Conflict, the Rome Statutes, and relevant provisions of International Humanitarian Law.”

Onoja assured Nigerians that the military would sustain the tempo of operations nationwide, stressing that troops remained determined to protect civilians and dismantle all criminal networks threatening the country’s peace and stability.

One minute Prayer section for fallen heroes

Troops Kill 216 Terrorists, Rescue 188 Hostages In Sweeping Nationwide Offensive

Emmanuel Daudu/Maryam Aminu

DEFENCE MINISTRY INAUGURATES STRATEGIC COMMITTEES TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY AND VETERANS WELFARE

…. Emphasize FG commitment to moving from policy intentions to actionable implementation of policies….

According to Enderline Chukwu
(DD) Information and Public Relations
For: Director Information and Public Relations in a press release disclosed that the Honourable Minister of Defence General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) OFR has on Wednesday 29th April, 2026 at the Ministry’s headquarters Ship house, Abuja formally inaugurated three strategic technical committees aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national defence architecture, enhancing long-term military planning, and improving the welfare and institutional recognition of veterans.

The Minister emphasized that the inauguration ceremony is aimed at bringing to the fore the Federal Government’s commitment to moving from policy intentions to actionable implementation in addressing critical defence and security priorities.
The committees inaugurated include:
The Technical Committee on Integrated Border Security System,
the Defence Sector Capital Requirements Plan Committee and
the Committee on Veterans Welfare and Institutional Reform.

Gen. Musa informed that the establishment of these committees reflects a deliberate and coordinated effort to address evolving security challenges, improve operational readiness, and ensure that those who have served the nation are accorded the dignity and support they deserve.

On border security, the Minister noted that Nigeria’s extensive and complex land and maritime boundaries require a coordinated, Smart, intelligence-driven, and technology-enabled approach. He charged the Technical Committee on Integrated Border Security System to undertake a comprehensive review of existing frameworks, identify operational gaps, and recommend an integrated solution that ensures interoperability, real-time information sharing, and effective inter-agency collaboration.

Addressing the Defence Sector Capital Requirements Plan Committee, the Minister highlighted the importance of forward-looking investment planning in maintaining a capable and responsive Armed Forces. The committee has been tasked with developing a realistic, prioritised, and costed 5–10 year capital investment framework aligned with national security objectives and fiscal realities that includes assessing existing infrastructure, identifying capability gaps, and projecting future requirements in line with emerging threats and technological advancements.

On veterans’ welfare, the Minister underscored the need to preserve the dignity, identity, and well-being of former service personnel. He stated that the Committee on Veterans Welfare and Institutional Reform will focus on strengthening welfare systems, improving access to support services, and developing a standardized national dress code for veterans.
This initiative, he explained, is intended to promote uniformity, restore dignity, and align Nigeria’s practices with global standards while reflecting national identity and military heritage.

Speaking further, the Honourable Minister charged members of the committees to carry out their assignments with professionalism, diligence, and a strong sense of national duty stressing the importance of stakeholder engagement, transparency, accountability, and value for money in delivering practical and implementable recommendations.

All the committees have been given a timeline of one month to submit comprehensive reports, including actionable recommendations and clear implementation roadmaps.
The Ministry assured the committees of its full support in facilitating the successful execution of their mandates.

This initiative marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s defence and security framework, enhance institutional coordination, and strengthen national resilience.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah appreciated the Honourable Minister for his commitment to national security advancement and improving the welfare of the officers. He assured that the leadership of the Honourable Minister is resolute and committed to supporting and seeing to the welfare of the officers/veterans. He called on the committees to see the assignment as a call to national service and execute the assignment with patriotism.

AAAU Hosts CIoTA Induction, Honours Acting Vice-Chancellor, Advances Sustainable Aviation

The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), successfully hosted a special induction and workshop on 28th April 2028 at the Festus Keyamo Auditorium, AAAU Permanent Site.

The event, themed “Sustainable Aviation Development and the Role of Professional Certification,” brought together key stakeholders from the transport and aviation sectors, including the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Dr. Danjuma Ismaila Adamu, FinsTA, who served as the Guest Speaker.

The programme commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem and introduction of dignitaries, followed by an opening address by the President/ Chairman of Council, CIoTA, Prince Segun Obayendo, FinsTA, who was represented by Mazi Philip Okoronkwo.

This was followed by a welcome address delivered by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of AAAU, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, acmi, after which goodwill messages were presented.

The keynote address, centered on the theme of the event, was delivered by Dr. Danjuma Ismaila Adamu, who emphasized the importance of continuous training, regulatory compliance, and sustainability as critical drivers of growth in the aviation sector. This was followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session.

A key highlight of the event was the investiture of the Acting Vice-Chancellor as an Honorary Fellow of CIoTA, alongside the induction of new members into the Institute.

Awards were also presented, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Acting Librarian of AAAU, Dr. Dorcas Ibinaye, followed by a group photograph session.

The programme ended on a strong note of renewed commitment by stakeholders to drive innovation, strengthen collaboration, and uphold global best practices in advancing sustainable aviation and transport systems across Nigeria and Africa.

FRC Storms NYSC Camps, Mobilises Corps Members For Fiscal Discipline Nationwide

By Maryam Aminu

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has taken its nationwide campaign on prudent financial management to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps, engaging thousands of corps members and urging them to embrace accountability, transparency, and responsible use of resources as future leaders of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Strategic Communication Directorate, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, the Commission said the sensitisation drive covered six states the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna where corps members were exposed to key principles of fiscal responsibility.

The campaign featured a keynote address developed by the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, and delivered across camps by designated team leads under the theme, “Building a Stronger Nigeria Through Fiscal Responsibility.”

Representing the Acting Chairman, FRC officials commended the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, for granting access to the orientation camps despite the tight schedules of corps members, noting that the collaboration was critical to shaping a new generation of financially responsible citizens.

The Commission stressed that fiscal responsibility is not limited to government budgeting but extends to how individuals manage both public and personal resources.

According to the FRC, fiscal discipline must evolve into a national culture capable of driving sustainable development and restoring trust in public institutions.

Established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, the Commission reiterated its mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and discipline in the management of public finances, adding that its oversight role is key to safeguarding public funds and ensuring efficient allocation of national resources.

While highlighting strides made in improving compliance among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as strengthening monitoring of revenues and expenditures, the Commission noted that more work remains to entrench fiscal discipline nationwide.

Corps members were therefore urged to take ownership of the campaign by becoming advocates of accountability within their communities and demonstrating personal financial discipline.

The Commission also drew attention to Section 51 of the Act, which empowers citizens to seek legal enforcement of its provisions, underscoring the importance of civic participation in governance.

At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, the engagement took an interactive turn as corps members participated in a question-and-answer session, with the team lead, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, providing clarifications on key issues. Participants who demonstrated strong understanding of the topic were rewarded with airtime, adding an engaging dimension to the exercise.

Across the six camps, FRC teams led sensitisation efforts, including Otsowo Emiko Henry and Esther Edeh in Benue; Billy Somukieni Newton and Ubah Nzubechi in Kogi; Adedayo Akeem Jagun and Njoku Jude Kelechi in Kaduna; Bede Ogueri Anyanwu and Anthony Nweke in Niger; Audu Intoh Sam and Jonas Johny Komo in Nasarawa; as well as Rachael Angbazo and Hafsat Ibrahim Tahir in the FCT.

The Commission concluded the outreach with a call on corps members to serve as ambassadors of fiscal responsibility, insisting that Nigeria’s progress depends on citizens who are committed to transparency, integrity, and responsible stewardship of resources.

Rotary Club Of Abuja, Three Arms Zone Unveils Leadership At The Heart Of Nigeria’s Governance

By Maryam Aminu

In a symbolic fusion of service and statecraft, the Rotary Club of Abuja, Three Arms Zone has officially inaugurated its charter leadership in a vibrant Presidential Night ceremony held in Abuja, positioning itself as a civic force operating at the very core of Nigeria’s governance structure.

The high-profile event drew Rotarians, dignitaries, and guests from across sectors, marking not just the installation of a new leadership team, but the formal emergence of a club with a distinct identity rooted in national influence and public service.

Delivering his address, Charter President, Sir Uche Nwosu, described the moment as both historic and strategic. He traced the club’s evolution from its inaugural meeting on July 14, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex to its official chartering on August 22, 2025, with 32 founding members.

According to him, the club’s unique concept anchored on Nigeria’s tripartite system of governance: the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary sets it apart as “The Seat of Government,” offering a rare platform to drive impactful service initiatives within the corridors of power.
“This is not just another Rotary club,” Nwosu noted. “It is a movement designed to bridge leadership and service at the highest levels of national life.”

He acknowledged the critical role played by the sponsoring Rotary Club of Abuja, Maitama, alongside notable Rotary leaders including District Governor Joy Nky Okoro, Convener Festus Agbazue, Adviser Dominic Ifidon, Guardian Rt. Hon. Dominic Ifeanyi Okafor, and Assistant Governor Emeka Iloegbunam for their guidance and support in bringing the vision to life.

Beyond ceremony, the club highlighted its early footprint in humanitarian service. Initiatives already executed include youth and women empowerment programmes, distribution of relief materials to pregnant and nursing mothers at the National Assembly Clinic, and the installation of a Rotary emblem at a strategic roundabout near Rotary House in Abuja.

The event also featured a keynote lecture by respected financial economist, Uche Joe Uwaleke, who underscored the role of capital market participation in driving sustainable economic development. He called for stronger financial literacy, disciplined investment culture, and broader citizen engagement in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

Participants at the ceremony renewed their commitment to Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self,” pledging sustained collaboration to advance humanitarian causes across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

With its leadership now firmly in place, the Rotary Club of Abuja, Three Arms Zone is setting its sights on becoming a strategic hub for service-driven leadership leveraging proximity to power to deliver measurable social impact and shape a more inclusive civic future.

Jaga Slams former VP Yemi Osinbajo over remarks on ‘the prosperity gospel’

Nigerian music sensation Testimony Jaga has slam former vice president, Yemi Osinbajo over his remarks about the gospel.

The former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has drawn criticism from gospel artist Testimony Jaga and several others over his recent comments on the “prosperity gospel” doctrine.

Osinbajo, a pastor, had earlier rejected the notion that wealth and physical well-being are guaranteed outcomes of faith, stating that such teachings do not form part of core Christian doctrine.

He made the remarks during a live discussion at Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, where he responded to arguments raised by Pastor Korede Komaiya.

Reacting in a widely circulated video, Testimony Jaga disagreed with the former vice-president, maintaining that the message of the gospel encompasses both spiritual and material dimensions.

“There’s no such thing. There’s only a gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, sir,” he said.

The singer also expressed reservations about the incident distinction drawn between prosperity teachings and the broader Christian message, emphasising the need for a more holistic interpretation.

The exchange has sparked renewed debate within Nigeria’s Christian community over differing perspectives on the interpretation of the gospel and the place of prosperity teachings in modern ministry.

Observers say the discussion reflects broader conversations on theology and the role of church leaders in shaping doctrinal understanding

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MINISTER MATAWALLE ARE FALSE, MISLEADING, AND INFLAMMATORY — UNITED FRONT FOR RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IN NIGERIA

The United Front for Religious Tolerance in Nigeria strongly condemns recent online publications alleging that the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, attempted to bribe a United States official to suppress reports on Nigeria’s security situation.

These claims, reportedly attributed to a member of the Florida House of Representatives Kimberly Daniels during a Facebook live broadcast, are entirely false, unfounded, and lack credibility.

We state unequivocally that the Honourable Minister has never engaged in, nor would he condone, any act of bribery or misconduct. The allegations are baseless and do not reflect his conduct or public service record.

We are concerned about the damaging impact of such unsubstantiated claims at a time when Nigeria is confronting complex security challenges. Insinuations that the Minister sought to influence American officials through “coordinated messaging” are not only misleading but risk heightening tensions in an already fragile environment.

Dr. Matawalle has consistently maintained that insecurity affects all Nigerians; Christians, Muslims, men, women, young and old, and is not targeted at any single religious group or region. The violence perpetrated by non-state actors cuts across the country and requires collective, not divisive, responses.

While we welcome genuine international interest in Nigeria’s security, we reject attempts to politicize the crisis or undermine the sovereignty of our democratic institutions. Calls to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture based on misinterpretation of events are inappropriate. Concerns should be channeled through proper diplomatic and investigative processes, not inflammatory public broadcasts.

The Honourable Minister remains focused on his mandate. He has been at the forefront of strategic engagements with domestic and international partners to restore peace, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He will not be distracted by campaigns of calumny or malicious propaganda.

According to a press release signed by Barrister Okie Okechukwu For: United Front for Religious Tolerance in Nigeria, These campaigners of calumny are trying to drag his name to the mud because of his support for Mr. President, which is unshakable, he has refused to join the conspiracy against the re-election of our amiable jagaban. Furthermore in his home state politics, his growing influence and loyalty to President Tinubu is unsettling them and also a threat to the political class who feels they will not get his support in the upcoming elections.
It is absurd, malicious, preposterous and naive for the woman ( kimberly Daniels) the American legislator who claims to know Nigeria more than us. She should channel her bitterness against Nigeria to somewhere else as Nigeria is moving towards greatness and economic independence under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

We urge the public and media to disregard these misleading reports and to verify information before amplification. Reckless allegations of religious bigotry and corruption only serve to heat up the polity and distract from the urgent task of securing our nation.