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Julius Nyerere Dam: Achievement Refutes False Narratives on Egypt-Africa Cooperation

The inauguration of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in Tanzania has been described as a major demonstration of Egyptian-Tanzanian cooperation and a tangible response to media narratives seeking to portray Egypt’s role in Africa inaccurately.

Anthropologist and founder of the Pan African Initiative on Media and Journalism, AfroMedia, Hassan Ghazaly, said the project demonstrated that the true nature of relations between countries was best measured by tangible achievements and development projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.

Ghazaly said the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant represented an important model of African cooperation founded on partnership, mutual interests and the exchange of expertise.

According to him, the project reflected the capacity of African expertise to execute strategic projects capable of addressing present needs while creating opportunities for future generations.

He stressed that the strength of the continent lay in greater integration among African countries and the ability to transform their resources and capabilities into tangible development outcomes.

Ghazaly further said cooperation based on common interests and respect for national sovereignty remained an effective pathway to sustainable development, adding that major infrastructure projects provided a more credible picture of international partnerships than inaccurate media narratives.

AfroMedia, which has been monitoring developments in the African media landscape, reported that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in the Rufiji region, with an installed generation capacity of 2,115 megawatts.

The project is expected to significantly increase Tanzania’s electricity generation capacity, strengthen the stability of the national power grid and support the industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural and investment sectors.

Reports monitored by AfroMedia also indicated that President Hassan underscored the need to protect the plant’s infrastructure, water resources and surrounding environment to guarantee its sustainable operation and long-term efficiency.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly also participated in the inauguration, where he described the project as a significant example of Egyptian-Tanzanian cooperation in energy, investment and infrastructure.

Madbouly reportedly praised the capacity of Egyptian companies to execute major infrastructure projects to international standards, particularly in Africa, saying the success of the hydropower project could further deepen cooperation between Tanzania and Egypt in trade, investment, construction, roads, ports, agriculture and energy.

The Tanzanian Energy Minister, Deo Ndejembi, also highlighted the country’s efforts to expand its high-voltage transmission network to connect power-generation facilities with domestic load centres and regional electricity markets.

He said Tanzania was pursuing stronger regional electricity interconnections to expand opportunities for energy exchange and trade with neighbouring countries.

According to him, Tanzania was negotiating electricity exports to Zambia while also pursuing power-exchange arrangements with Kenya and other countries in the region, a development that could strengthen the country’s position as an energy hub in East and Central Africa.

Former President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, similarly described the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant as a project capable of positioning Tanzania as an energy and economic hub for East and Central Africa.

Adesina stressed the need for Tanzania to maximise the electricity generated by the project to drive mineral beneficiation, agro-processing, industrialisation and employment.

He encapsulated the challenge in a simple message: “You have built the power. Now use it to build the future.”

Ghazaly, while reflecting on the development, said the Julius Nyerere project demonstrated that Africa possessed the expertise and capabilities required to pursue an increasingly integrated development path when supported by political will and partnerships based on trust and mutual benefit.

He also called for greater responsibility among African media organisations in reporting the continent’s development stories, particularly by highlighting successful projects that contribute to economic growth, social stability and improved living conditions.

According to him, the future of Africa would be determined by joint efforts and tangible achievements rather than slogans, adding that the Julius Nyerere project reinforced the view that Egyptian-African relations could be anchored on cooperation, integration and shared interests.

He said such cooperation was consistent with the principle of mutual benefit and peaceful development among African nations, stressing that development partnerships should advance common interests without causing harm to any party.

The AfroMedia Initiative said the facts surrounding the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant contradicted narratives attempting to present an inaccurate picture of Egypt’s role in Africa.

It maintained that major development projects offered their own evidence through their impact on citizens and national economies, adding that the results of such cooperation remained a lasting testimony to the relationship between participating countries and peoples.

“Truth is built through action, and achievements remain the strongest message,” the initiative stated.

Musa Pledges Total Dedication to APC Campaign Role, Reaffirms Commitment to National Security

ABUJA — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has pledged total dedication to his newly assigned role as Secretary I of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, while reaffirming his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s national security.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, on August 24, 2026, the Minister expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership of the APC for the confidence reposed in him through the appointment.

General Musa described the appointment as a call to higher service and assured the party leadership, stakeholders and supporters across the country of his unalloyed commitment to executing the strategic responsibilities of the office with diligence, administrative rigour and single-minded focus.

He said he would work towards ensuring the success and victory of the APC at the polls.

However, the Defence Minister stressed that his constitutional responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of citizens remains absolute and uncompromising.

According to Katung-Babatunde, the Minister maintained that the country’s security remains the foremost priority of the Ministry of Defence.

“National security remains our highest imperative,” General Musa was quoted as saying.

He further assured that ongoing military operations, strategic reforms and inter-agency collaborations across the defence sector would continue without interruption and with increased vigour.

The Minister reiterated the commitment of the defence establishment to protecting Nigerians and advancing President Tinubu’s vision of a safe and prosperous nation.

“Our resolve to uphold the mandate of the Ministry of Defence, protect our people, and drive Mr. President’s vision for a safe and prosperous Nigeria remains firm and unshakeable,” he stated.

General Musa also called on APC members and other patriotic Nigerians to remain united in support of the administration, expressing confidence that the ruling party would achieve electoral success while continuing to deliver governance and strengthen security across the country.

The statement was signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence.

Pastor Komaiya’s Sermon Intentionally Distorted, Says Precious Adugbo

Precious Adugbo, a member of The Master’s Place International Church, has condemned what he described as misleading reports circulating online concerning Pastor Korede Komaiya’s sermon titled “Supernatural Speed.”

Adugbo, who said he was physically present during the service, alleged that portions of the sermon had been taken out of context and presented in a manner that misrepresented the overall message delivered by the cleric.

The controversy followed a testimony during the sermon in which Pastor Komaiya spoke about the transformative power of God and the possibilities that could arise from applying principles taught in his messages.

According to reports circulating online, critics focused on remarks attributed to the pastor, including: “If you do what I teach, you will be a millionaire in 90 days, if not shorter. If you do what I teach, you will cross billions in six months.”

However, Adugbo argued that presenting the statements in isolation without the broader context of the sermon created what he described as a false impression of the pastor’s message.

Adugbo, who has advocated that members of the public should “listen to the full message,” urged Nigerians to disregard what he called misleading publications and instead listen to the complete sermon before forming an opinion.

“These reports are not clarifications. They are distortions. They are false,” he said.

He maintained that listening to the complete sermon would provide a clearer understanding of the context and intention behind Pastor Komaiya’s remarks.

“People must take the time to listen to Pastor Komaiya’s teachings for themselves. Anyone who does will discover that his messages are impactful, transformational and entirely free from the ambiguity being forced upon them,” Adugbo said.

He also defended the cleric against what he described as reckless misrepresentation, arguing that religious leaders who have contributed to society should not be judged solely on isolated statements circulated on social media.

“Men like Pastor Korede Komaiya are not theorists, neither are they people who are chasing social media validation. Without men like Pastor Korede Komaiya, this society and this nation would already be in a far more dangerous and broken state,” he said.

Adugbo added that such individuals had contributed to holding society together and therefore deserved support and prayers rather than what he described as unfair public attacks.

“They have helped hold the line. They deserve our prayers, our support, and our protection from reckless misrepresentation,” he said.

Ukomu Igala Demands Probe Into Alleged Assault, Detention of Tony-Tony

Maryam Aminu

The Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) Worldwide has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an urgent, independent and transparent investigation into the reported arrest, alleged assault and continued detention of Mallam Abdulwahab Tijani, popularly known as Tony-Tony.

The organisation also raised concerns over the impact of coal mining activities on communities in Kogi East, calling for stronger protection of residents, the environment and critical infrastructure in areas hosting mining operations.

In a statement dated August 20, 2026, the UIO said it remained committed to pursuing justice for Tony-Tony through lawful, peaceful and constitutional means while protecting the legitimate interests and well-being of the Igala people and their communities.

The organisation said its petition followed reports of the alleged physical assault of Tony-Tony and his continued detention at the Koton-Karfi Correctional Facility.

It expressed particular concern over reports that he sustained injuries to his head and face during his alleged arrest by some local vigilante operatives.

The UIO alleged that the operatives acted on the orders of the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Council, and called on the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

It also demanded that authorities ascertain Tony-Tony’s current physical condition and whereabouts, guarantee his safety and ensure that he receives appropriate medical attention if necessary.

The organisation further called for appropriate action against anyone found to have been connected with any unlawful conduct in the manner of the arrest, while stressing that any allegation that Tony-Tony violated the law should be handled in accordance with due process.

The UIO’s concerns extended beyond the individual case, as it disclosed that it had engaged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the effects of mining activities in Kogi East.

The organisation called for a constructive stakeholders’ dialogue involving government authorities, mining operators, host communities and other relevant stakeholders to address concerns over public health and safety, environmental protection, damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, community development and responsible mining practices.

The UIO said its position on coal mining in Kogi East was clear: mineral exploitation and development must be a “WIN-WIN” endeavour for both the country and the communities where mining takes place.

It argued that while the natural resources beneath the soil of host communities should contribute to national development, the communities should also derive tangible benefits from their exploitation.

“Host communities must not be left with unsafe mining sites, damaged roads, environmental degradation or diminished livelihoods,” the organisation said.

It therefore called for stronger enforcement of environmental, safety and community-development standards, alongside meaningful engagement with communities affected by mining activities.

On the alleged assault and detention of Tony-Tony, the organisation appealed to the relevant authorities to protect his rights and ensure that the allegations were investigated transparently.

“To the relevant authorities, our message is simple: Protect our people. Enforce the law. Uphold due process. Investigate allegations transparently. And ensure that justice prevails,” the UIO said.

The organisation also appealed to the Igala people in Nigeria and the diaspora to remain calm, cooperate with the authorities and maintain unity and hope while it pursues the matter through lawful channels.

The UIO reaffirmed that it would continue to address concerns arising from what it described as the undesirable consequences of coal mining in Kogi East through lawful, constitutional and peaceful means.

It said it believed that justice was strongest when pursued with “courage, restraint and respect for the rule of law”, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting communities, promoting responsible exploitation and development of natural resources, and advancing the Igala race and land.

The statement was signed by Maj Gen JAMES A ATAGUBA (rtd) fdc Ph.D, National Leader of Ukomu Igala Organization Worldwide.

Members of the organisation’s Board of Trustees listed in the statement are Dr. Mike ldachaba, Ph.D (Chairman), Rev. Paul Audu, FCA (Secretary), HRH Enejoh. J. Haruna, Hajia Salamatu Umar-Eluma, Jibrin S. Okutepa, (SAN), and Dr. Victor A. Adoji, Ph.D.

NiMet Hosts Inter-Agency Meeting Ahead of EW4All Nigeria Launch

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), on Friday, 21st August 2026, hosted an Inter-Agency Meeting in preparation for the official launch of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Initiative in Nigeria.

The meeting, chaired by the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, had the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, in attendance, while the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, joined virtually. The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed; the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju; and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) were also represented.

The Local Organizing Committee presented a progress report on preparations for the national launch, highlighting key inter-agency engagements, milestones achieved and priority actions.

The Inter-Agency Technical Committee also presented the Nigeria EW4All Implementation Roadmap 2026–2029, outlining the framework and priority actions for coordinated implementation of the initiative.

The meeting further strengthened inter-agency coordination and reaffirmed the commitment of NiMet and partner institutions to advancing people-centered, multi-hazard early warning systems, disaster preparedness and climate resilience across Nigeria.

Youth Help Desk Wins 2026 Civil Service Excellence Award

By Maryam Aminu

The Youth Help Desk of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has won the 2026 Civil Service Excellence Award for outstanding service delivery, after handling more than 5,000 citizen requests and resolving over 4,100 cases since its establishment.

The award, presented by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on August 15, 2026, recognised the Help Desk for its responsive, customer-focused, accountable and innovative approach to public service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, received the award on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and the Ministry.

Established in 2024 in alignment with SERVICOM standards, the Youth Help Desk is a flagship initiative of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development designed to bridge the gap between government and Nigerian youths.

The platform provides young Nigerians with an accessible channel to obtain information, seek assistance, lodge complaints and receive timely redress.

The Ministry said the more than 5,000 requests handled and over 4,100 cases resolved by the Help Desk demonstrate its commitment to responsive and citizen-centred governance.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, receiving the 2026 Civil Service Excellence Award on behalf of the Ministry from the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, in recognition of the outstanding performance and impact of the Youth Help Desk.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Keshinro expressed delight over the recognition, describing it as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Ministry’s workforce.

She said the award also demonstrated how effective policy implementation could translate into tangible and positive outcomes when government initiatives were designed to directly address citizens’ needs and concerns.

“I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the Honourable Minister and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. It is a significant recognition of the dedication and commitment of our officers and the impact of the Youth Help Desk in providing responsive and citizen-centred services,” she said.

Dr. Keshinro said the recognition would further motivate the Ministry to strengthen the Help Desk and sustain innovative approaches to service delivery.

“This award is not only an honour but also a responsibility to do more. We will continue to improve our systems, listen to our citizens and ensure that Nigerian youths receive efficient, accessible and responsive government services,” she added.

The OHCSF commended the Youth Help Desk for “setting a benchmark for excellent performance and a legacy of transformative impact.”

The recognition comes as the Ministry continues to position the Help Desk as a key platform for improving communication between government and Nigerian youths and ensuring that their concerns receive appropriate attention and redress.

Defence Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Military Veterans’ Welfare and Pension Concerns

ABUJA, Wednesday, August 19, 2026 — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the welfare, remuneration and pension concerns of military veterans, assuring them that the issues raised are receiving the attention of the relevant authorities.

The assurance followed a courtesy visit by representatives of military veterans to the Ministry of Defence at Ship House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

According to the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, H.O. Ogubike, who disclosed this in a press statement he signed, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, acknowledged the immense sacrifices and distinguished service rendered by Nigeria’s military veterans.

He said the Minister, who was represented at the engagement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, reaffirmed that the welfare of veterans remained a priority of the Federal Government.

Ogubike further disclosed in the statement that General Musa said concerns relating to wage and pension adjustments were receiving urgent attention, with relevant military, pension and financial authorities being engaged to achieve a fair, sustainable and implementable resolution.

He quoted the Minister as appealing to the veterans for calm, patience and constructive engagement, stressing that sustained dialogue remained the most effective means of resolving outstanding concerns while preserving the dignity, honour and mutual respect befitting those who had served the nation.

The Director stated that the Minister further explained that any adjustment to veterans’ entitlements must be properly computed, adequately funded and implemented in accordance with extant approvals, regulations and due process.

According to him, the Minister said such measures were necessary to guarantee sustainability and prevent unintended disparities in the implementation of veterans’ entitlements.

Ogubike added that General Musa assured the veterans that the Ministry would sustain engagement with their representatives and provide appropriate updates as progress was made towards resolving the issues raised.

The Director quoted the Minister as reiterating that the Federal Government deeply valued the patriotism, courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s military veterans.

“He remains committed to ensuring that their service to the nation is recognised not only in words, but through sustained attention to their welfare and legitimate entitlements,” Ogubike stated.

Nigeria Validates National Framework to Strengthen Health Communication Nationwide

ABUJA — Nigeria has validated a new National Health Promotion and Communication Strategic Framework aimed at establishing a coordinated, evidence-based approach to health communication and ensuring that Nigerians have access to reliable and consistent health information.

The framework was validated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria, following extensive consultations and engagement with stakeholders across the health sector.

The initiative is designed to bring various national health programmes under a single coordinated communication framework, with the aim of improving the quality, consistency and effectiveness of health messages delivered to citizens.

Health stakeholders said access to accurate and timely health information is critical to enabling individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

The new framework is expected to promote clearer and more consistent health messaging across the country while strengthening public confidence in official health information.

It will also provide guidance for health workers, government institutions and community stakeholders on effective health promotion and communication practices.

According to stakeholders, the framework will help address challenges associated with fragmented health messaging by ensuring that health communication efforts are better coordinated across national programmes and levels of government.

The initiative is supported by WHO Nigeria, with funding from the Global Fund, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health system and improve access to credible health information.

The framework is expected to play an important role in supporting public health campaigns, disease prevention initiatives and community engagement, particularly during health emergencies and disease outbreaks.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the coordinated approach would strengthen public understanding of health issues, encourage healthier behaviours and improve the ability of communities to make informed decisions.

The validation marks another step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen health promotion and communication as essential components of universal health coverage and the broader goal of Health for All.

WHO: Nigeria Validates Revised Guidelines to Strengthen Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children

ABUJA — Nigeria has taken a significant step towards reducing child mortality with the validation of its revised National Guidelines on Inpatient Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and accompanying training modules for healthcare workers.

The updated guidelines are designed to strengthen the capacity of health workers to provide timely and quality inpatient care to children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, particularly those facing life-threatening complications.

Malnutrition remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, contributing to nearly 45 per cent of deaths among children under five and increasing children’s vulnerability to diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria.

Health experts say strengthening the management of severe acute malnutrition, particularly at the inpatient level, is critical to improving child survival and preventing complications that can lead to death.

The revised guidelines are expected to improve the identification, treatment and follow-up of children with complicated cases of severe acute malnutrition, including vulnerable infants below six months of age.

The review and validation process was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Irish Aid, UNICEF and other national partners.

According to stakeholders involved in the process, the revised guidelines have been aligned with the latest WHO recommendations while incorporating lessons and experiences from Nigeria’s nutrition programmes.

The updated training modules are also expected to equip healthcare professionals with practical knowledge and skills required to manage complicated SAM cases effectively and ensure continuity of care after hospital discharge.

Stakeholders said the initiative would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s health system and improving the quality of care available to some of the country’s most vulnerable children.

The validation of the guidelines comes at a time when Nigeria continues to intensify efforts to tackle malnutrition and accelerate progress towards reducing preventable deaths among children under five.

With effective implementation, health authorities and development partners believe the revised guidelines will help save lives, improve recovery outcomes and strengthen the country’s overall response to severe acute malnutrition.

The initiative further underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigerian government, international development partners and national health stakeholders in addressing childhood malnutrition and advancing child survival.

WHO: Kwara Strengthens Maternal, Family Healthcare Through ‘One Visit, Full Care’ Initiative

ILORIN — The Kwara State Government is strengthening healthcare services for women and families through an integrated care model designed to improve access to essential maternal, reproductive and other health services.

The initiative, known as “One Visit, Full Care,” is being supported in the state by the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and Jhpiego, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Kwara State Ministry of Health, with support from the Global Fund.

The integrated approach enables women to access multiple essential health services during a single visit, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV, tuberculosis (TB), malaria and neglected tropical disease (NTD) services.

The initiative is aimed at reducing missed diagnoses, cutting down the time and cost associated with multiple hospital visits, and improving access to quality healthcare for women and their families.

The need for the intervention comes against the backdrop of persistent maternal health challenges in Nigeria. Available figures indicate that the country’s maternal mortality ratio remains high at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, while only about 63 per cent of pregnant women receive antenatal care from a skilled health provider.

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV also remains a concern, accounting for an estimated 14 per cent of new HIV infections, underscoring the need for more integrated and accessible maternal and family healthcare services.

The approach brings together services that are often delivered separately, allowing healthcare workers to identify and address multiple health needs during the same visit.

Her Excellency, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Wife of the Kwara State Governor, has also reaffirmed her commitment to advancing integrated healthcare services across the state, particularly initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of women, children and families.

Health stakeholders said the model represents an important step towards ensuring that women receive comprehensive care without having to navigate multiple service points for different health needs.

Following the experience in Kwara, the integrated care model is now being expanded, with Anambra, Ebonyi and Gombe States preparing to adopt similar approaches.

The expansion is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to improve maternal and family health outcomes while supporting the country’s broader commitment to universal health coverage and Health for All.

The partners said the initiative demonstrates the value of collaboration between government, development partners and healthcare organisations in addressing persistent gaps in access to quality healthcare services.