In a moment that places Nigeria’s meteorological leadership firmly on the continental map, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has been named African Public Sector Leader of the Year at the 2026 African Leadership Persons of the Year Awards in Accra, Ghana.
The honour, conferred on Saturday, February 28, recognises Professor Anosike’s transformational stewardship of NiMet and his strategic push to elevate climate services, modernise early warning systems, strengthen aviation meteorology standards, and reposition the Agency as a critical driver of national development.
The high-profile ceremony formed a key side event of the 2026 African Leadership Conference themed “Reimagining African Governance and Development: New Pathways for Economic Transformation and Institutional Renewal.”
The gathering drew Heads of State, senior government officials, development partners, and institutional leaders from across the continent to deliberate on governance innovation, climate resilience, and economic transformation.
Organised by African Leadership Magazine, a leading pan-African publication and policy platform committed to promoting leadership excellence and sustainable development, the annual Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards spotlight leaders delivering measurable impact within their institutions and countries.
Professor Anosike joined an elite list of continental trailblazers honoured at the event, including John Dramani Mahama, named African of the Year; Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, recognised as African Political Leader of the Year; and Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, who received the African Inspirational Leader of the Year award.
Under Professor Anosike’s leadership, NiMet has undergone significant institutional reforms, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery while embedding transparency, automation, and data-driven systems into its core processes.
The Agency has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most digitally compliant public institutions, strengthening its credibility both locally and internationally.
Beyond institutional reforms, NiMet’s expanded role in climate intelligence and aviation safety has reinforced Nigeria’s resilience in the face of increasing climate variability.
From improved weather forecasting accuracy to strengthened collaboration with aviation stakeholders, the Agency has continued to assert its relevance in safeguarding lives, supporting economic activities, and advancing national security.
The continental recognition not only celebrates Professor Anosike’s leadership but also underscores NiMet’s rising stature as a strategic institution at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa.
The Global Alliance for Peace and Unity (GAPU) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued confidence in Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, describing her leadership as a wonderful gift to Nigerian women and the nation at large.
Her ongoing dedication to service and advocacy is evident in her organisation of the Renewed Hope Iftar programme in Keffi, Nasarawa State, which brought together Muslims from across the state in a celebration of faith, peace, and unity.
In a statement issued by its President, Dr Solomon Pevkyaa, GAPU highlighted that the Iftar initiative reflects both the Minister’s commitment to fostering harmony among communities and the inclusive vision of the Tinubu administration, which seeks to champion unity, social cohesion, and equitable development for all Nigerians.
R-L President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
According to Dr Pevkyaa, the event also symbolises the administration’s focus on leveraging faith and dialogue to strengthen national peace and mutual understanding.
He further commended Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim for using her platform to advance Muslim advocacy for peace and empowerment, noting that her work in the Ministry of Women Affairs continues to positively impact women, children, and vulnerable groups across the country.
The Global Alliance for Peace and Unity therefore reaffirmed its support for the Tinubu government, describing the Minister’s Iftar programme as a testament to the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, social harmony, and national development.
In a stirring display of cultural pride and bipartisan goodwill, prominent Delta leader and business executive, Doghor Boyo, has warmly welcomed Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to her ancestral homeland during her official visit to Delta State.
Describing the visit as both symbolic and historic, Dr. Boyo said the First Lady’s return to her roots transcends political divides and underscores the enduring bond of shared heritage. Though a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he stressed that cultural identity remains a stronger unifying force than party affiliation. “I welcome our sister, Senator Remi Tinubu, to her motherland, Erubooooo,” he declared. “Though we may belong to different political parties, we are joined together by our mother tongue and our shared Delta heritage. We are proud of you.”
The visit drew enthusiastic receptions from sons and daughters of the soil, who gathered to celebrate what many described as a defining moment for the state.
For Dr. Boyo, the homecoming represents more than ceremonial symbolism; it offers an opportunity for renewed federal attention and meaningful development across Delta communities.
He expressed optimism that the First Lady’s presence would translate into tangible benefits, particularly in areas aligned with her advocacy, including women’s empowerment, youth development and social welfare initiatives. “We are hopeful that your visit will bring positive changes to our communities and to Delta State at large,” he added.
Dr. Boyo concluded with a strong affirmation of cultural pride and national unity, invoking traditional reverence and patriotic sentiment. “Long live the Olu of Warri. Long live Warri Kingdom. Long live Delta State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen the integration of eye health into Nigeria’s youth development framework, declaring that clear vision is critical to education, productivity, innovation, and national competitiveness.
The commitment was reaffirmed at a high-level roundtable themed “Seeing the Future: Advancing Eye Health for Youth Development,” held at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja. The event brought together youth leaders, optometry professionals, policymakers, and development partners to deepen collaboration and advance youth-focused eye health initiatives.
Speaking at the forum, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stressed that poor eyesight among young people often results in frustration, anxiety, social withdrawal, and diminished academic confidence.
Represented by the Director of Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Affairs, Emmanuel Essien, the Minister underscored the strong connection between visual health and mental and psychosocial wellbeing.
He noted that the Ministry’s participation was intentional and aligned with the mandate of its Department of Youth Health, Mental and Psychosocial Affairs to promote policy advocacy, sensitisation, partnerships, and integrated programming that support holistic youth development.
Highlighting that young people constitute over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, the Minister said harnessing the country’s demographic dividend requires ensuring that youths can “see clearly both physically and metaphorically.” “Clear vision empowers clear ambition. Clear sight supports clear opportunity,” he stated, urging participants to move beyond dialogue toward actionable commitments, practical recommendations, and a clearly defined roadmap aligned with national youth health priorities and global best practices.
The roundtable and workshop were organised by the Nigerian Optometry Students Association (NOSA) in collaboration with the Ministry.
In his remarks, NOSA President, Mr. Oke, described the meeting as a historic milestone and a strategic step toward positioning eye care as a vital pillar of national youth development.
He said the engagement signalled a transition from symbolic partnerships to purposeful action aimed at improving youth outcomes through accessible healthcare.
A cross section of participants at the event.
According to him, millions of young Nigerians are affected by uncorrected refractive errors that significantly impair learning, skills acquisition, and long-term productivity. Many youths, he explained, struggle academically or vocationally without realising that their challenges stem from correctable vision problems, describing the situation as a silent but serious development concern.
Under the proposed partnership framework, NOSA will provide clinical expertise, professional training, and outreach capacity, while the Ministry will facilitate structured access to youth populations nationwide.
The shared objective, he added, is to ensure that every young Nigerian whether in formal or informal education, skilled trades, creative industries, or technology has the visual capacity required to thrive.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Tuwani Rasengane of the University of the Free State, who advocated the integration of eye care into educational systems as a strategic pathway to strengthening youth development outcomes.
The roundtable concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration, policy alignment, and measurable interventions to advance eye health as an essential component of Nigeria’s youth development agenda.
In a bold move to reposition youth development at the heart of national transformation, the Federal Government has sealed a strategic partnership with Stratcomm Consulting to strengthen youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.
The partnership, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Stratcomm Consulting in Abuja, signals a renewed push toward research-driven policy formulation, strategic communication, and sustainable youth-focused interventions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the collaboration as a forward-looking initiative designed to harness innovation, build institutional capacity, and deliver measurable outcomes for young Nigerians.
He stressed that the partnership goes beyond climate-related interventions and will focus on broader development priorities, particularly strengthening evidence-based policymaking and communication strategies.
R-L Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, emphasized that effective communication remains critical to ensuring government programmes achieve visibility, impact, and long-term sustainability.
He noted that data-driven decision-making would play a central role in shaping responsive youth migration and development strategies.
According to him, the agreement aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises public-private partnerships and inter-ministerial collaboration as key drivers of national development.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting youth-led initiatives, advancing strategic communication, and deepening evidence-based engagement in youth development programmes.
Also speaking, the Director of the Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience Department, Oyekan Adeoloyin, explained that the department was established in response to growing national and global challenges related to youth mobility, economic migration, and environmental sustainability.
He noted that Nigerian youths are among those most affected by climate change and migration pressures but remain critical drivers of innovative and sustainable solutions.
Adeoloyin described the collaboration with private-sector partners as timely and strategic, stressing the need for coordinated action across ministries, sectors, and development partners to strengthen migration governance and climate resilience.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Stratcomm Consulting, Dr. Kayode Olanorin, commended the Ministry’s innovative communication approach, noting that traditional and repetitive engagement methods are no longer sufficient to capture youth interest.
He described the partnership as essential in addressing emerging youth development challenges through collaborative and creative strategies.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced sweeping gains in its February 2026 nationwide operations, revealing that troops neutralized scores of terrorists, rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims, intercepted arms supplies, and dismantled major criminal and oil theft networks across multiple theatres.
Addressing journalists at the monthly operational briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the military maintained relentless, intelligence-led pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and economic saboteurs throughout the month.
He said the Armed Forces combined precision strikes, air-ground coordination and real-time intelligence with humanitarian outreach, infrastructure protection and community engagement, stressing that all operations were conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and established rules of engagement.
Providing updates from the North-East, he stated that troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements across Borno and Yobe States. Within the period under review, he disclosed that troops neutralized scores of insurgents, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 fighters and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims.
He explained that a significant encounter occurred in Kukawa LGA of Borno State where troops repelled a coordinated attack involving gun trucks, motorcycles and drones, leading to the neutralization of several terrorists and recovery of weapons.
He further revealed that on February 23, troops intercepted logistics supplies, including a Toyota pick-up loaded with vehicle spares and fabrics allegedly meant for insurgents, and a truck conveying 460 bags of fertilizer in Bade LGA of Yobe State. Additionally, 42 illegal miners were arrested in Gulani LGA for activities believed to be linked to insurgent financing.
According to him, sustained air-land assaults were also conducted in Abadam, Bama, Damboa, Damaturu and Geidam LGAs, including infiltration routes along the Cameroon axis, resulting in the destruction of terrorist camps and supply corridors.
Shifting focus to the North-West, Major General Onoja reported that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded notable successes across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
He said several terrorists were neutralized, 36 suspects arrested and 251 hostages rescued.
He described the rescue of 21 abducted victims from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa LGA of Katsina State on February 21 as a major highlight, noting that the victims had been abducted only two days earlier.
He added that the interception of arms caches significantly weakened criminal logistics networks, while agro-security patrols were introduced to protect farming communities.
The recent deployment of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers donated by the Zamfara State Government, he said, further enhanced operational mobility and response time.
In the North-Central zone, he disclosed that troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD carried out intelligence-based offensives in Kwara and Niger States, including a fierce engagement along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Magama LGA of Niger State on February 18, which resulted in the neutralization of terrorists and recovery of weapons.
He further stated that Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State led to the arrest of 29 criminals, rescue of 22 hostages and recovery of arms, while swift interventions in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs helped de-escalate farmer-herder clashes and restore normalcy.
Similarly, he reported that Operation WHIRL STROKE covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi States neutralized terrorists, arrested 49 suspects and rescued 32 hostages. A key arrest in Ibi LGA of Taraba State led to the recovery of arms, ammunition and N2.44 million, while another logistics supplier was apprehended in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
In the South-South, Major General Onoja stated that Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, leading to the arrest of 59 suspects and destruction of 32 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 144,050 litres of crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil, significantly disrupting illicit economic activities.
He also disclosed that coordinated raids in Cross River State in collaboration with the Department of State Services led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners and the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, ammunition and weapon-making tools.
Environmental collaboration initiatives were also introduced to support clean-up operations and promote legitimate livelihoods in affected communities. On the South-East operations, he stated that troops under Operation UDO KA intensified actions against proscribed groups including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
He said 54 suspected terrorists and criminal elements were arrested during the month, kidnapped victims were rescued, and a suspected logistics hub linked to the groups was disrupted following clearance operations that led to the neutralization of several fighters after armed resistance.
Summarizing the month’s operations, the Defence spokesman said the Armed Forces remained resolute in consolidating gains, restoring civil authority in troubled areas and sustaining pressure on all criminal elements threatening national stability.
He appreciated Nigerians for providing credible intelligence and urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly as Ramadan and Lent commence, encouraging the public to report suspicious activities through the emergency line 193.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces would continue to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensure a secure environment for citizens to live and conduct lawful activities without fear.
The presiding pastor of Masters Place International, Pastor Korede Komaiya, has said “Life is warfare not funfare” and battlefield not playground.
Komaiya made the assertion in a recently released and shared video message.
He said “Never be surprised that you have battles, the greater your destiny, the greater your battles”.
According to the revered cleric, “A life without battles is a dead life, your battles shows your importance, glory and it indicate your greatness”.
He explained that, Small destiny attracts small battles while the greater the battle, the greater glory and “things are manipulated from the spirit realm to happen physically”.
Stressing and emphasising that, “if you joke with your destiny, you will end up a joke”.
Using this, as a backdrop about his own transformation, stages in life and fulfilling destiny, Komaiya concluded “No one can fulfill their destiny in a grand style without the annointing”.
Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s Southwest geopolitical zone on Thursday converged in Akure, Ondo State, as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and forward-looking review of the National Youth Policy (2019–2023).
The two-day Southwest Zonal Consultative Meeting, convened by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is part of a nationwide engagement process aimed at producing a renewed policy framework that reflects the realities and aspirations of young Nigerians.
Speaking at the meeting held from February 20–21, 2026, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Director of Education, Youth and Development, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, said the review process would be participatory and evidence-based.
Olawande described the National Youth Policy as the central framework guiding youth empowerment, participation in governance, education, skills development, employment, health, innovation and social inclusion across the country.
He noted that since its adoption, the policy has significantly shaped youth-focused interventions nationwide.
According to him, the review has become necessary in view of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving social, economic and technological landscape. “The objective is to ensure that the policy remains responsive to emerging realities, addresses present and future challenges, and reflects the aspirations of Nigerian youth,” he said.
The Minister described the Southwest as a region of immense demographic strength, rich cultural heritage and significant economic potential, stressing that contributions from stakeholders in the zone would be critical in producing a revised policy that is inclusive, practical, regionally adaptable and nationally coherent.
He explained that the consultative forum provides an opportunity for robust engagement, enabling participants to identify gaps in the existing policy and put forward evidence-based recommendations.
He urged youth representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, academics and government officials to actively participate in shaping a comprehensive and impactful policy document. Olawande further disclosed that the revised policy would align with relevant regional and international frameworks, including the African Youth Charter, in line with global best practices in youth development.
In her remarks, the Director of Youth, Mrs. Olukemi Okukpe, who represented the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Henry Owoyofunmi, commended the Federal Ministry for adopting a consultative approach. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth development initiatives.
The Southwest engagement is one of several zonal consultations being held nationwide as part of efforts to deliver a responsive and future-ready National Youth Policy for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
In a move described as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s fiscal transparency and revenue integrity, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing an Executive Order directing the direct remittance of oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account.
The Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, M.B. Shehu, PhD, OFR, praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he termed a bold and constitutionally grounded intervention aimed at eliminating revenue leakages and strengthening the financial base of the three tiers of government.
The Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, M.B. Shehu, PhD, OFR
According to the Commission, the Executive Order, signed pursuant to Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and anchored on Section 44(3), reinforces the constitutional principle that ownership, control and derivative rights over Nigeria’s minerals, mineral oils and natural gas are vested in the Government of the Federation for the collective benefit of all Nigerians.
RMAFC noted that prior to the Executive Order, certain structural and legal provisions within the Petroleum Industry Act created channels through which substantial Federation revenues were subjected to multiple deductions, including management fees, frontier exploration allocations and other layered charges. These deductions, the Commission said, significantly reduced net remittances to the Federation Account and constrained fiscal capacity at the federal, state and local government levels.
The Commission recalled that it had consistently advocated a review of statutory and regulatory provisions that enable frevenue leakage, erosion or retention outside the Federation Account.
It referenced its recent retreat held on February 9, 2026, in Enugu State, where concerns over structural revenue deductions were extensively discussed.
Describing the reform as timely and necessary, RMAFC said the Executive Order comes at a critical period marked by pressing national fiscal demands, including security, infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, energy transition and economic stabilisation. By freeing revenues previously subjected to layered deductions and fragmented oversight, the Commission stated that the Executive Order enhances transparency, improves cash flow predictability, strengthens fiscal federalism and restores the constitutional revenue rights of the Federal, State and Local Governments.
Shehu emphasised that the reform significantly boosts the Commission’s capacity to discharge its constitutional mandate under Paragraph 32 of Part I of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, particularly in monitoring accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account. “With this Executive Order, the constitutional architecture of revenue remittance is strengthened. It closes structural leakages, eliminates duplicative deductions and ensures that revenues due to the Federation are remitted transparently. This directly supports the Commission’s oversight and monitoring responsibilities,” he stated.
RMAFC reiterated its full support for the Federal Government’s ongoing public financial management reforms and pledged continued collaboration with relevant institutions to ensure effective implementation of the Executive Order and safeguard the integrity of the Federation Account for the benefit of all Nigerians.
On February 17, 2026, on the sidelines of the 5th meeting of Chiefs of Naval Staff, a delegation from the ECOWAS Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, through the Directorate for Peacekeeping and Regional Security (DPKRS), paid a working visit to the Chief of the Ghanaian Navy, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, represented by Commodore Ben Baba Abdul, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) at Ghana Navy Headquarters. The purpose of this working session was to review the topics to be discussed at the 5th meeting of Chiefs of Naval Staff scheduled for February 18, 2026.
======= UNE DELEGATION DE LA CEDEAO RENCONTRE LE CHEF DE LA MARINE GHANEENNE POUR PREPARER LA 5E REUNION DES CHEFS DE LA MARINE
Le 17 février 2026, en marge de la 5e réunion des chefs d’état-major de la marine, une délégation du Département des affaires politiques, de la paix et sécurité de la CEDEAO à travers la Direction Maintien de la paix et sécurité régionale (DPKRS) a rendu une visite de travail au chef de la marine ghanéenne, le contre-amiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, représenté par le commodore Ben Baba Abdul, chef d’état-major de la marine (CNS) au quartier général de la marine ghanéenne. L’objectif de cette session de travail était de faire le point sur les sujets qui seront abordés lors de la 5e réunion des chefs d’état-major de la marine prévue le 18 février 2026.
====== UMA DELEGAÇÃO DA CEDEAO REÚNE-SE COM O CHEFE DA MARINHA DO GANA PARA PREPARAR A 5.ª REUNIÃO DOS CHEFES DA MARINHA
Em 17 de fevereiro de 2026, à margem da 5ª reunião dos chefes do Estado-Maior da Marinha, uma delegação do Departamento de Assuntos Políticos, Paz e Segurança da CEDEAO, através da Direção de Manutenção da Paz e Segurança Regional (DPKRS), fez uma visita de trabalho ao chefe da Marinha ganesa, o contra-almirante Godwin Livinus Bessing, , representado pelo comodoro Ben Baba Abdul, chefe do Estado-Maior da Marinha (CNS) no quartel-general da Marinha ganesa. O objetivo desta sessão de trabalho foi fazer um balanço dos temas que serão abordados na 5.ª reunião dos Chefes do Estado-Maior da Marinha, prevista para 18 de fevereiro de 2026.
Africa Security Investigation News 