Prominent personalities from across Nigeria’s public and private sectors gathered in Abuja to celebrate the launch of the Dr. Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo Foundation, an event held in commemoration of the 40th birthday of Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, Deputy Director and Head of the Strategic Communications Directorate at the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, in a statement he signed and made available to journalists noted that the event attracted key figures including Victor Muruako Esq, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission; Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA); and Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Special Adviser to the President on Tax Reform. They were joined by several other distinguished Nigerians who came together to support the Foundation’s mission.
A highlight of the evening was a touching performance by children living with sickle cell anemia beneficiaries of the Olowo Foundation whose presentations underscored the Foundation’s commitment to creating lives of purpose and lasting impact.
In his keynote address, Mr. Tony Elumelu praised the Foundation’s vision and reaffirmed the need for sustainable interventions in empowering vulnerable communities. He was followed by Professor Muhammad M.O. Kah, a respected academic and champion of African excellence, who emphasized the role of transformational leadership in advancing social equity.
The ceremony concluded with a toast by Victor Muruako Esq, who lauded Dr. Olowo’s legacy of service, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to national development.
The Dr. Rabiu Olowo Foundation is focused on improving the lives of underserved communities through initiatives in health, education, and youth empowerment, with special attention to individuals affected by sickle cell anemia.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), Germany, and Spain, has launched four major initiatives worth €110 million to strengthen peace, security, economic integration, and institutional development across the West African region.
The high-level launch event, held yesterday at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, brought together over 80 senior officials, ambassadors, and development partners from West Africa and Europe. The initiatives are being jointly implemented by international development agencies, including GIZ, UNIDO, ITC, AECID, Expertise France, and Fundación FIAP.
Speaking at the event, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, said the projects are aimed at driving not just peace and security, but also boosting trade, governance, institutional frameworks, and cooperation with partner countries.
He reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to ensuring the initiatives deliver tangible impact across the region.
“These projects are expected to contribute significantly to the region’s development by supporting trade within the community and strengthening ECOWAS’ strategic orientations,” Touray said.
“The budget of these projects is €110 million, coming from the EU, Germany and Spain. We are grateful for the continued and multifaceted support towards these four projects, because the objectives pursued are vital to ECOWAS and its Member States.”
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, underscored the EU’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West Africa.
According to him, the initiatives reflect a deepened partnership with ECOWAS, focused on governance, institutional capacity, regional trade, and people-centered development.
Speaking also, the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Annett Günther, emphasized that the launch marked more than the start of new projects.
“It reflects our shared commitment to trade, peace and security, and good governance in West Africa,” she said, highlighting that the projects support ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which aims to build a citizen-centered community for peace and prosperity.
Günther noted the strategic importance of the programmes, adding “Trade and services are a key driver of employment and innovation and a powerful lever for economic transformation. In addition, countries that trade with each other are less likely to experience war or internal conflicts.”
Speaking further, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. María Higón Velasco, praised ECOWAS for its leadership in regional cooperation and reiterated Spain’s support through AECID’s ongoing partnership with the Commission.
She stated that the initiatives would help deepen coordination with member states and development partners, in line with the ECOWAS-AECID Work Programme 2025–2028.
Top representatives from implementing agencies also reiterated their commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes for West Africa.
UNIDO Director General, Gerd Müller, described the projects as vital to building fair supply chains and green economies.
ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said the programmes would unlock market access and enhance small business competitiveness, while GIZ Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Markus Wagner, affirmed that supporting ECOWAS means unlocking the region’s potential through inclusive and lasting progress.
Held alongside ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, the launch drew wide participation from African Union officials, EU member states, ambassadors, UN leaders, and civil society stakeholders, reflecting strong regional ownership and global cooperation.
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum is deeply disturbed and alarmed by the ongoing atrocities in Benue State. The systematic extermination of innocent civilians has reached a level that words cannot adequately describe.
The suffering of the Benue people is a tragic reminder of our collective failure to protect them from those who seek to continue the rain of violence and chaos.
The blood of our brothers and sisters cries out from the ground, and their cries are a deafening condemnation of the inaction and indifference of those in Positions of Power who have failed to put an end to this carnage.
In light of this continued assaults on the people of Benue State, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) urges the Youths of the state to rise up without delay and defend themselves and their ancestral lands with every ounce of their strength and determination.
In these challenging times, we also urge the political leaders of Benue State to unite and stand together as one voice, regardless of their political affiliations or ambitions.
No political goal is worth sacrificing the lives of your people. You must set aside Your differences and focus on the task at hand: securing a peaceful and prosperous future for Your State.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Benue State as they grapple with the tragic loss of life and the devastation wrought by the recent attack on Yelwata
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to the people of Benue State, and to the entire nation.
May God grant you the strength and resilience to persevere through this difficult time.
we implore the security agencies to intensify their efforts in rooting out the perpetrators of these horrific acts and bringing them to justice.
We stand in solidarity with you and are committed to working together to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are held accountable for their actions.
James Paul Adama Convener, Concerned Christian Youth Forum. Abuja, Nigeria
…Says “The Future is Not Something We Wait For, It Is Something We Must Create and Own”
Maryam Aminu
In a bold step toward deepening youth engagement and national development, the Federal Government has officially flagged off the registration process and unveiled the website for the National Youth Conference 2025 (Youth Confab 2025).
Speaking at the press launch, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a “generational turning point” and “a national movement” with the theme: Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future.
“This is more than just a conference,” Olawande stated. “It is a call to action and a platform for us to listen, learn, and lead together.”
Anchored on a participatory and inclusive framework, the Youth Confab 2025 is backed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and promises to bring together young Nigerians from every community, ward, state, and the diaspora.
“With over 70% of our population under the age of 35, Nigeria’s destiny is directly linked to the creativity, energy, and aspirations of her youth,” the Minister noted.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, السنية, emphasized the significance of the launch.
“It is with immense joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this momentous occasion the official launch of the National Youth Conference 2025 portal, marking the formal commencement of this landmark national youth gathering, a journey we are embarking on together,” he stated.
He noted that the Youth Confab is not just another event, but a strategic platform designed to amplify the voices, dreams, and innovative solutions of young Nigerians from every corner of the country.
He described the newly launched portal as more than a website, but a digital gateway that will facilitate seamless delegate registration, virtual consultations, and serve as the primary hub for conference updates and interactions.
“By unveiling this digital gateway, we are opening the door to nationwide participation, collaboration, and bold ideas that will shape the future of our country,” he added.
The chairman expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to youth development, praised the Honourable Minister for his visionary leadership, and thanked all stakeholders and partners supporting the initiative.
The conference will feature a phased structure that includes diaspora virtual engagements, grassroots consultations across the 360 federal constituencies, zonal consolidation meetings across the six geopolitical zones, and a national conference in Abuja where youth-driven policy recommendations will be developed and presented to top government officials.
The confab will address six core thematic areas: governance and leadership, economic transformation and job creation, education and future skills, technology and digital innovation, climate change and energy transition, as well as social inclusion and security.
Olawande emphasized that the Youth Confab is not another talk shop, but a credible and transformative platform that empowers young Nigerians to shape policies and participate meaningfully in the nation’s development.
He also announced the launch of the official website https://nationalyouthconfab.gov.ng – where interested youth can register, contribute, and stay engaged.
“Let us embrace this as a moment of hope and healing a chance to move from protest to policy, from problems to solutions,” he urged. “The future is not something we wait for; it is something we must create and own.”
Both the Minister and the Planning Committee Chairman encouraged students, creatives, entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals, and young Nigerians in the diaspora to seize the opportunity and make the Youth Confab 2025 a defining moment in the nation’s history
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun is among 41 distinguished Nigerians who clinched the Silent Heroes Award at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja, weekend.
The IGP was awarded for his magic wand against armed robbery and kidnapping across the country.
The Award was received on his behalf by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi.
According to the organizers, the IGP has silently changed the narratives in crime frighting with the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad, massive rehabilitation of police barracks across the country and lifting of police infrastructures within a very short period.
Representative of the IGP receiving SHA
One of the star projects inaugurated by the Police boss, which stands him out is the commissioning of the Nigerian police resource centre in Jabi Abuja and other projects withing Abuja and other police formations in Lagos and other states.
Under Egbetokun’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant successes in crime reduction, including the arrest of 30,313 suspects and the recovery of 1,984 firearms and 23,250 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, over 1,581 kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued.
Egbetokun has emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing, which has led to notable achievements, including the rescue of over 300 kidnapped victims and the arrest of over 10,000 suspects in connection with various crimes across the country in just three months.
The police force has implemented community policing initiatives, fostering better collaboration between the police and local communities, enhancing trust and cooperation. This approach has contributed to improved security and public safety.
He has introduced reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for operational excellence and public trust. These reforms include the adoption of modern technology and intelligence-gathering techniques to improve response to security threats.
The police force, under Egbetokun’s leadership, has emphasized institutional integrity, with notable officers being recognized and rewarded for their gallantry, professionalism, and integrity in service. The annual Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony is one such initiative that promotes merit and excellence within the force.
In a world where loud voices often dominate the spotlight, a rare evening in Abuja paid tribute to a different kind of strength the power of quiet impact. The 7th Edition of the Silent Heroes Awards (SHA) illuminated the elegant halls of the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, on Saturday night, honouring 41 exceptional Nigerians whose dedication and service often go unnoticed but never unfelt.
Organized by the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, the prestigious event drew together trailblazers from across the country public servants, media professionals, farmers, faith leaders, and more all united by a shared ethos: service without spectacle. It was a night of dignity, gratitude, and powerful stories finally receiving their due recognition.
In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, ably represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, called for a renewed spirit of patriotism and national unity amid turbulent times.
“Nigeria needs silent heroes now more than ever people who serve quietly, patriotically, and purposefully,” Rear Admiral Bankole said. “Let us love Nigeria. From the corners of our rooms to our offices, let us be the government we want. If we all do the right thing in our own small ways, it will radiate across the country.”
Rear Admiral Bankole also took a moment to personally commend Mr. Sunday Odita, senior journalist and one of the event’s organizers, for his decades-long dedication to national service and embedded reporting with the Nigerian military.
“I’ve known Sunday Odita since my youth. He has shown unshakable commitment to Nigeria’s service institutions. This is the kind of patriotism we need.”
Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, Project Coordinator of SHA, emphasized the vision behind the awards “The Silent Heroes Awards is built on a simple yet powerful ethos to identify, honour, and celebrate those whose contributions to humanity are both significant and selfless.”
She cited Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as an embodiment of these values. His transformation of the ministry into a results-driven, future-focused institution was one of many stories spotlighted during the evening.
The ceremony also marked the launch of “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes” (Volume 3) a commemorative publication chronicling the lives and legacies of both past and present honourees.
A wide array of categories was featured, celebrating individuals from various sectors. Some of the distinguished honourees included:
Prince Arthur Eze – Silent Hero in Philanthropy
Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) – Silent Hero in Community Empowerment
Hajia Zubaida Umar, DG of NEMA – Silent Hero in Emergency Management
Kehinde Adewole, Publisher & Reporter – Silent Hero in Journalism
Pastor Daniel Olukoya – Silent Hero in Faith
Dr. (Mrs.) Adedolapo Fasawe – Silent Hero in Health
Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG of NIMC – Silent Hero in Governance
Daniel Black – Silent Hero in Agriculture
Vivian Ikechika – Silent Hero in Broadcast Journalism
Hamza Suleiman – Silent Hero in Investigative Journalism
Dr. Neemat Abdulrahim – Silent Hero in Education
Also honoured were Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, business mogul Tony Elumelu, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebhole.
Traditional institutions were not left out. His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba and grand patron of the awards, received a standing ovation for his consistent support of grassroots excellence.
Among the honourees, Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals described his award as a testament to the Corps’ renewed drive under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
“I dedicate this award to our Commandant General for building a results-oriented security framework. The fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage must be a united front, built on trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all arms of our national security apparatus,” he said.
Looking to the future, organizers announced plans for an ambitious expansion: the Africa Heroes Awards, a continental counterpart aimed at spotlighting silent heroes across Africa who embody the same spirit of humble excellence and service.
In a world where loud voices often dominate the spotlight, a rare evening in Abuja paid tribute to a different kind of strength the power of quiet impact. The 7th Edition of the Silent Heroes Awards (SHA) illuminated the elegant halls of the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, on Saturday night, honouring 41 exceptional Nigerians whose dedication and service often go unnoticed but never unfelt.
Organized by the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, the prestigious event drew together trailblazers from across the country public servants, media professionals, farmers, faith leaders, and more all united by a shared ethos: service without spectacle. It was a night of dignity, gratitude, and powerful stories finally receiving their due recognition.
In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, ably represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, called for a renewed spirit of patriotism and national unity amid turbulent times.
“Nigeria needs silent heroes now more than ever people who serve quietly, patriotically, and purposefully,” Rear Admiral Bankole said. “Let us love Nigeria. From the corners of our rooms to our offices, let us be the government we want. If we all do the right thing in our own small ways, it will radiate across the country.”
Rear Admiral Bankole also took a moment to personally commend Mr. Sunday Odita, senior journalist and one of the event’s organizers, for his decades-long dedication to national service and embedded reporting with the Nigerian military.
“I’ve known Sunday Odita since my youth. He has shown unshakable commitment to Nigeria’s service institutions. This is the kind of patriotism we need.”
Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, Project Coordinator of SHA, emphasized the vision behind the awards “The Silent Heroes Awards is built on a simple yet powerful ethos to identify, honour, and celebrate those whose contributions to humanity are both significant and selfless.”
She cited Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as an embodiment of these values. His transformation of the ministry into a results-driven, future-focused institution was one of many stories spotlighted during the evening.
The ceremony also marked the launch of “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes” (Volume 3) a commemorative publication chronicling the lives and legacies of both past and present honourees.
A wide array of categories was featured, celebrating individuals from various sectors. Some of the distinguished honourees included:
Prince Arthur Eze – Silent Hero in Philanthropy
Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) – Silent Hero in Community Empowerment
Hajia Zubaida Umar, DG of NEMA – Silent Hero in Emergency Management
Kehinde Adewole, Publisher & Reporter – Silent Hero in Journalism
Pastor Daniel Olukoya – Silent Hero in Faith
Dr. (Mrs.) Adedolapo Fasawe – Silent Hero in Health
Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG of NIMC – Silent Hero in Governance
Daniel Black – Silent Hero in Agriculture
Vivian Ikechika – Silent Hero in Broadcast Journalism
Hamza Suleiman – Silent Hero in Investigative Journalism
Dr. Neemat Abdulrahim – Silent Hero in Education
Also honoured were Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, business mogul Tony Elumelu, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebhole.
Traditional institutions were not left out. His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba and grand patron of the awards, received a standing ovation for his consistent support of grassroots excellence.
Among the honourees, Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals described his award as a testament to the Corps’ renewed drive under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
“I dedicate this award to our Commandant General for building a results-oriented security framework. The fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage must be a united front, built on trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all arms of our national security apparatus,” he said.
Looking to the future, organizers announced plans for an ambitious expansion: the Africa Heroes Awards, a continental counterpart aimed at spotlighting silent heroes across Africa who embody the same spirit of humble excellence and service.
Renowned aviation media strategist and founder of Aviators Africa, Toni Ukachukwu, has been named one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Travel and Tourism Personalities for 2025 by the Africa Travel & Tourism Awards.
This distinguished honor celebrates Ukachukwu’s decade-long leadership and unwavering dedication to reshaping Africa’s aviation and tourism landscape through advocacy, innovation, and sustainable partnerships.
As the driving force behind Aviators Africa, Ukachukwu has played a pivotal role in amplifying Africa’s voice in global aviation discourse. His platform has become a beacon for industry insights, policy engagement, and cross-border collaboration creating bridges between stakeholders across the continent.
A key highlight of his work is the Aviators Africa Conference and Awards (AACA) a flagship event that convenes top-tier stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators to explore forward-thinking solutions for the sector. Under his leadership, the platform has spotlighted critical issues such as green aviation, inclusive tourism, and investment in underserved regions.
“This recognition validates years of commitment to not just aviation journalism, but to building a resilient and future-facing ecosystem for African travel and tourism,” said Ukachukwu. “I share this moment with every collaborator, partner, and believer in the dream of a connected Africa.”
Beyond media, Ukachukwu has been a staunch advocate for sustainability, youth inclusion, and intra-African tourism growth principles that continue to shape his vision for a globally competitive Africa.
The Africa Travel & Tourism Awards 100 Most Impactful People is an annual celebration of transformative leaders who are actively driving change, setting benchmarks, and redefining Africa’s tourism narrative on the world stage.
As the continent continues to unlock its tourism potential, leaders like Toni Ukachukwu are not only making an impact they are shaping the future of travel in Africa
In a significant show of traditional support for grassroots security initiatives, the Planning Committee of the South West Youth Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit, led by its Director General, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel, paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo.
The delegation visited the palace to formally invite the revered monarch as a guest of honour at the forthcoming South West Youth Security Summit, slated to hold on 17th July, 2025 in Osun State. The summit is expected to bring together young stakeholders across the region to address critical security challenges affecting communities.
Welcoming the committee, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as “timely and commendable.” He lauded the youth for taking proactive steps to confront the issues of insecurity, saying their collective action reflects a strong commitment to national development and peace. His Majesty offered prayers for the success of the summit and bestowed his royal blessings upon the team.
In response, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel thanked the monarch for his encouragement and support. He used the opportunity to highlight the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
He noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, significant attention has been directed at combating issues such as kidnapping, the herders-farmers crisis, ritual killings, internet fraud, drug abuse, and other social vices threatening the stability of the country.
“The President is not resting on this matter,” the DG emphasized. “He has mandated all security agencies to intensify efforts to secure every corner of Nigeria.”
Ade-Mario further reiterated that the South West Youth Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit aims to mobilize regional collaboration among youths, traditional institutions, and government agencies in crafting sustainable solutions to security threats and promoting national unity
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, alongside the Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has received the newly appointed Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Hon. Medinat Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the courtesy visit, Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe formally informed the ministers of her resumption of duty and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of senior citizens across the country.
“I have come to inform you that I have resumed duties at the helm of affairs at the National Senior Citizens Centre to carry on with the mandate of strengthening the protection of senior citizens’ right to dignity, independence, care, security, participation and self-fulfillment,” she stated.
She pledged that under her leadership, the Centre would work in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen social inclusion and recognize the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to national development.
In response, Yilwatda congratulated Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe on her appointment and encouraged her to build on the foundation laid by her predecessor while exploring both intra- and inter-ministerial collaborations to enhance support systems for the elderly.
“In line with the social contract under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, senior citizens must be availed of a dignified, healthy, happy, and secure life to the fullest,” the Minister said.
The new DG was accompanied on the visit by the North-Central Coordinator of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), Alhaji Raji Ibrahim, and Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Member of the House of Representatives for Surulere 2 Federal Constituency.
Africa Security Investigation News 