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NiMet Secures ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Aero-Met Services at Three Airports

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has secured ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Aeronautical Meteorological (AeroMet) services at Yola, Osubi and Owerri airports, in another major step towards strengthening safety, quality and international standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The certification followed a directive by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and sustain the upward movement of Nigeria’s ratings with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The three airports successfully met the requirements of NiMet’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services to the aviation industry following a rigorous third-party audit conducted by Certech Inc., Canada.

The audit, which was conducted from July 20 to 23, 2026, covered NiMet’s products, processes and services provided to airlines and other aviation stakeholders at the three airports.

At the end of the exercise, Certech confirmed that NiMet’s services and operational processes were in conformity with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

The latest achievement is particularly significant because it represents the first ISO 9001:2015 certification audit of NiMet’s AeroMet products and services at Yola, Osubi and Owerri airports, with all three locations successfully meeting the required international standards.

Eight Airports Now Covered

The development also comes on the heels of NiMet’s successful recertification to the ISO 9001:2015 standard at five other major airports in the country.

The airports are Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; and Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

With the latest certification and recertification exercises, NiMet’s ISO 9001:2015 certification for the provision of meteorological services to the aviation industry now covers eight major Nigerian airports.

They are Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa; Yola Modibbo Adama International Airport; Sam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri; and Osubi Airport.

The ISO certification is valid for three years and is subject to annual surveillance and maintenance audits, with the next recertification scheduled for 2029.

Certech Confirms Successful Audit

In a letter dated July 26, 2026, and addressed to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, Certech Inc.’s Lead Auditor and Director, Frank Strohmeier, confirmed the successful completion of the audit.

The letter, titled “ISO 9001:2015,” stated that the objectives of the surveillance audit had been achieved.

According to Strohmeier, “A systematic process audit was performed with emphasis on risks and objectives per ISO 9001:2015.”

Following the successful third-party assessment, Certech Inc. Canada issued a revised certificate confirming that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s quality management system conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 for the provision of meteorological services to the aviation industry.

The certification is expected to further strengthen confidence in the quality, reliability and consistency of meteorological information provided by NiMet to airlines and other aviation stakeholders.

Anosike Commends QMS Team

Reacting to the development, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, expressed satisfaction with the achievement, while commending the agency’s Quality Management System (QMS) team for its commitment and dedication.

“We are excited about this. Our Quality Management System (QMS) team, led by Rotimi Adenubi, has been working round the clock to achieve this feat,” Anosike said.

He, however, stressed that the agency would not rest on the achievement, noting that management remained focused on continuously improving standards across all NiMet operational locations.

“We are not stopping here as management is focused on overall improvement of standards at all our operational locations,” he added.

The latest certification is expected to contribute to the continued improvement of aviation safety and operational efficiency, particularly through the provision of timely, reliable and quality-assured meteorological information essential for flight planning and air navigation.

The achievement also reinforces NiMet’s ongoing efforts to align its operations with international best practices and support Nigeria’s continued compliance with global aviation and meteorological standards.

Presidential Media Tour Applauds NASENI’s Technological Breakthroughs, Says Tinubu’s Industrial Agenda on Course

By Maryam Aminu

The Presidential Renewed Hope Media Tour has hailed the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for what it described as significant strides in local technology development, saying the agency is playing a pivotal role in driving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s industrialisation agenda under the Renewed Hope programme.

The delegation, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, made the remarks after touring NASENI’s production facilities, where members were taken through a range of locally developed technologies and manufacturing projects.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Onanuga described the visit as “impressive,” saying NASENI’s achievements reflect the potential of Nigerian youths to compete globally when provided with the right leadership and support.

L-R: Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi (4TH from right); Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare 95th from right); Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media,Otega Ogra (3rd from right) and other special dignitaries during the Presidential Communication Team’s Renewed Hope National Media Tour to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure at Idu Industrial Area Abuja on 4th August 2026.

He also commended the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, for the transformation recorded by the agency.

In his presentation, Halilu said sustainable industrial growth is not dependent on producing goods that are entirely locally sourced but on strategic technology development, innovation and partnerships that strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity.

According to him, NASENI is focused on developing commercially viable innovations capable of creating jobs, reducing production costs and supporting the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy.

He said the agency is also advancing technology transfer, commercialisation of research outcomes and mentorship for innovators through initiatives such as the Innovate Naija Challenge, which offers a ₦500 million prize fund to support and scale promising indigenous innovations.

L-R: the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and special duties, Mr. Tunde Rahman and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga during the Presidential Communication Team’s Renewed Hope National Media Tour to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure in Abuja on 4th August 2026.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended NASENI’s achievements and urged the media to intensify coverage of the Federal Government’s programmes and accomplishments across critical sectors.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, stressed the importance of strategic communication in promoting government initiatives and encouraged greater patronage of Nigerian-made innovations.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, advocated a policy that would require Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise the procurement of NASENI products and other locally manufactured goods.

Other presidential aides, including Mr. Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, and Otega Ogra, Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, also commended NASENI’s growing partnerships and indigenous technology solutions.

During the inspection, the delegation toured several of the agency’s facilities, including drone technology laboratories, helicopter assembly projects, reverse engineering centres, precision manufacturing units, renewable energy installations, agricultural technology hubs and recycling systems.

The visitors also witnessed the implementation of NASENI’s 3Cs framework: Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation which the agency said is accelerating indigenous manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial innovation across Nigeria.

At the end of the tour, stakeholders called for sustained national campaigns to promote locally manufactured products, strengthen domestic production, reduce dependence on imports and accelerate the implementation of President Tinubu’s industrialisation agenda.

The statement was signed by Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information, NASENI.

Global Tijaniyya Leader Visits Nigeria, Meets Tinubu to Deepen Spiritual, Algeria-Nigeria Ties

Maryam Aminu

The General Caliph of the Tijaniyya Order, Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani, has begun a high-profile visit to Nigeria, where he met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed the long-standing spiritual and diplomatic ties between Algeria and Nigeria.

The revered Islamic leader, who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, August 6, 2026, is leading a high-level delegation from the General Caliphate in Aïn Madhi, Algeria, on a visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Mother Zawiya in Algeria and Tijaniyya Zawiyas across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

As part of the visit, Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani, accompanied by members of the Tijaniyya Supreme Council, met President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Friday, August 7, 2026.
During the meeting, the General Caliph highlighted the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Algeria and Nigeria, noting that both countries possess significant potential to deepen bilateral relations. He also offered prayers for lasting peace, unity and love in Nigeria, as well as for the physical and spiritual well-being of President Tinubu.

The visit includes an extensive tour of Tijaniyya Zawiyas in Abuja, Kano, Bauchi and other parts of the country, where the delegation will inspect centres dedicated to the teaching of Islamic sciences, jurisprudence and the foundational principles of the Tijaniyya Order.

Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani is also scheduled to participate in this year’s celebration marking the birth of Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Tidjani, which is being hosted in Kano. The programme will further feature religious, cultural and spiritual engagements, as well as meetings with government officials and prominent community leaders.

The Tijaniyya Order is regarded as one of the world’s most influential Sufi brotherhoods, with an estimated 400 to 500 million followers spread across West Africa, the Maghreb, the Middle East and other parts of the world. Nigeria is home to one of its largest communities of adherents.

Founded in the late 18th century by Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Tidjani (1737–1815), the brotherhood traces its origins to Aïn Madhi in Algeria, where its Mother Zawiya and the institutional headquarters of the Caliphate remain located. The site continues to attract thousands of disciples from across the globe seeking to reconnect with the spiritual roots of the order.

The General Caliph remains the highest spiritual and temporal authority of the Tijaniyya Order, overseeing the unity and activities of its branches worldwide. The position is currently held by Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani.

Nigeria to Host the World’s Weather, Water and Climate Leaders at the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is set to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 from 13 to 15 October 2026 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria by the invitation of the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

This event brings together the leadership of the World Meteorological Organization; other seventeen member institutions of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, including major development banks, climate funds and United Nations agencies; ministers and government leaders; development partners, regional and continental bodies; the finance and private sectors; academia and the users of weather, water and climate services to Lagos, Nigeria for three days of high-level dialogue on hydrometeorological investments and the future of weather, water and climate services.

Convened under the theme “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services,” the meeting marks the first time the Alliance’s Annual Meeting will be hosted on the African soil. It offers a platform to showcase African leadership while addressing global priorities for strengthening hydrometeorological services, the systems that underpin disaster risk reduction, food and nutrition security, water resources management, sustainable aviation, efficient energy resource, public health, community resilience and climate adaptation.

As host, Nigeria through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) serves as a practical case study in national leadership, demonstrating how a country can strengthen its meteorological and hydrological services and coordinate investment in service of the Alliance’s wider objectives, and cushion the budgetary provision of Government in Hydrometeorology.
Organised around five strategic pillars, – Strengthening partnerships and Alliance coordination, – Mobilising sustainable investment, – Innovation and public-private engagement, – Delivering value through user-centred services, – Building sustainable hydrometeorological services; the event promises to strengthen partnerships, mobilize sustainable investment, advance innovation and public-private engagement, and enhance the long-term sustainability of hydrometeorological services.

Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo Esq, as the Chief Host, “Nigeria is proud to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 and promote the critical relevance of Weather, Water and Climate services for de-risking national, regional and global socioeconomic activities” said Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General of NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with WMO.

Further information will be shared through NiMet’s official channels.

Nigeria, Benin Strengthen Defence Cooperation to Tackle Cross-Border Terrorism, Insecurity

Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to deepen defence cooperation, expand intelligence sharing and strengthen joint border security operations as part of renewed efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and transnational crime across West Africa.

The agreement was reached during a three-day working visit to Cotonou by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), where he held bilateral talks with Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, alongside senior military officials of both countries.

According to the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, the discussions focused on improving coordination between the two neighbouring countries to address growing security threats in the sub-region, including terrorism, cross-border criminal activities and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting democratic governance, strengthening border security and promoting greater collaboration among regional security institutions to confront the evolving security challenges facing West Africa.

A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to enhance real-time intelligence sharing to enable both militaries identify, monitor and disrupt the activities of terrorist groups, insurgents and transnational criminal networks operating across their shared borders.

Speaking during the visit, General Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to deny violent extremist groups safe havens within the region, stressing that stronger collaboration between neighbouring countries remains critical to defeating terrorism.

He also proposed broader operational cooperation along the Nigeria-Benin border to improve the ability of security personnel to prevent the movement of insurgents, arms traffickers and other criminal elements between both countries.

As part of the visit, the Nigerian delegation toured the Centre for Post-Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations (CPADD) and the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ), where discussions centred on strengthening local capacity in defence technology, explosive ordnance disposal and industrial development.

The ministry said the engagements also explored opportunities for greater economic and industrial cooperation in line with ECOWAS trade protocols and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

General Musa further visited Nigerian Army personnel deployed at Togbin, Cotonou, under Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II, a peace support mission in the Republic of Benin, where he commended the troops for their service and assured them of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to improving their welfare.

Addressing the soldiers, the minister said Nigeria would continue working closely with Beninese security forces to prevent criminal groups from exploiting the porous borders between both countries.
“We are going to partner with the troops of the Republic of Benin to ensure that we stop all those bandits and criminals that are killing people in our countries. One of the reasons for my visit is to meet with their Minister of Defence so that we can coordinate our operations and stop these people from infiltrating through our borders,” he said.

Musa also assured the troops that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to providing the support and resources required to enhance their operational effectiveness and welfare.

The Defence Minister equally held talks with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim, during which he reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to regional peace, military cooperation and the welfare of personnel serving the country.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa has since returned to Abuja following the conclusion of the strategic visit.

Defence Minister Hails Tinubu’s Historic Military Pay Rise, Says 250,000 Personnel to Benefit

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving what he described as a historic salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying the move will significantly boost troop morale and strengthen national security operations.

General Musa, speaking on behalf of the military establishment and the Ministry of Defence, described the President’s approval as a landmark intervention that reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel and ongoing security sector reforms.

According to a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the salary increase, will take effect from September 1, 2026 and will benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Armed Forces. Under the new structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, those from Warrant Officer to Colonel will benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase.

The Minister noted that the revised salary package raises the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, describing it as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of officers and soldiers.

According to General Musa, the salary review will ease the financial burden on troops deployed in various theatres of operation, including those fighting insurgency in the North-East and personnel engaged in combating banditry, oil theft and kidnapping in other parts of the country.

He assured the President and Nigerians that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with greater dedication, discipline and enhanced operational effectiveness in the fight against insecurity.

General Musa also charged officers and soldiers to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats, protect civilian lives and restore lasting peace across the country.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capabilities and improving the living conditions of military personnel and their families.

Adeyanju Assumes Office as RMAFC Secretary, Pledges to Advance Commission’s Mandate

Maryam Aminu

The newly appointed Secretary to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Comrade Tosin Johnson Adeyanju, has formally assumed office, pledging to deploy his experience and work closely with members and staff to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

Speaking during the handover ceremony held on Tuesday at the Commission’s new Boardroom, Adeyanju assured stakeholders of his commitment to collaborative leadership and efficient service delivery. He also commended his predecessor, Engr. Joseph Nwaze Okechukwu, for his contributions to the Commission and his service to the nation.

The New RMAFC Secretary, Comrade Tosin Johnson Adeyanju

The new RMAFC Secretary expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment, promising to justify the trust by contributing his best to the Commission’s objectives.

In his remarks, the outgoing Secretary, Engr. Joseph Nwaze Okechukwu, thanked the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR, as well as members and staff, for the support and cooperation he received during his tenure. He urged them to extend the same level of support to his successor to ensure continuity in the Commission’s operations.

Before his appointment, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju served as Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), where he provided administrative leadership and supervised the implementation of the Fund’s statutory responsibilities.

L-R: RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR in a handshake with the RMAFC Secretary, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju as the latter resumed office in RMAFC

His appointment followed the expiration of the tenure of Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaze and is expected to strengthen the Commission’s administrative machinery as it continues to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

The statement was signed by Maryam Umar Yusuf, mnipr, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

Matawalle Hails Tinubu Over 30–80% Armed Forces Salary Increase, Says 250,000 Personnel to Benefit

Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving a 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the decision as a major boost to troop welfare and a reward for the sacrifices of military personnel.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle

Dr. Matawalle, in a statement by signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart (CIO), for Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence said the new salary structure underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare, morale and operational effectiveness of officers and soldiers who continue to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and confront security threats across the country.

The Minister disclosed that the review of military salaries had remained a priority since the inception of the current administration and noted that he personally championed the initiative within government circles.

He commended President Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.

According to him, the approved salary adjustment will take effect from September 1, 2026, with about 250,000 personnel expected to benefit from the new pay package.

He explained that officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.

Dr. Matawalle said the salary review forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen troop welfare as military personnel continue operations against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism nationwide.

Quoting President Tinubu, the Minister said, “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.”

He added that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise the welfare of troops while modernising the Armed Forces through the acquisition of weapons and advanced technological tools to enhance operational effectiveness.

The Minister also urged members of the Armed Forces to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their dedication and patriotism.
“I urge our servicemen to take this gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland.Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.

ECOWAS, AES Must Set Aside Differences to Crush Terrorism, Defence Minister Musa Urges

Maryam Aminu

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for a new era of security cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), warning that the region cannot overcome terrorism and transnational crime without a united front.

General Musa made the appeal on Tuesday as he arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic, for a three-day working visit focused on strengthening regional defence cooperation and harmonising strategies to combat insurgency, cross-border crime and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. He was received at the Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan.

Addressing defence officials, the minister stressed that the security threats confronting West Africa have become increasingly interconnected, making collaboration among regional blocs imperative. He urged the leadership of ECOWAS and the AES to bridge existing divides, secure porous land borders against terrorist infiltration and intensify joint efforts to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea from criminal activities.

General Musa said lasting peace and stability in the sub-region would only be achieved through intelligence sharing, coordinated military operations and stronger diplomatic engagement among neighbouring countries.

Responding, Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, praised Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace and security across West Africa. He described the country as a dependable partner in efforts to combat transnational crime and preserve democratic governance within the region.

Agonkan also commended the professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Army contingent during Benin’s National Day parade on August 1, noting that their performance reflected the strength and discipline of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

During the visit, General Musa met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, where he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s continued commitment to improving troop welfare, boosting operational effectiveness and enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces to address emerging security threats.

The Defence Minister also visited the Nigeria House in Cotonou, where he held talks with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim. The ambassador reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Benin remains centred on expanding bilateral trade while deepening joint border surveillance to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.

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

Defence Minister Unveils South-East Basketball Championship, Donates ₦2m to Abia Youth Camp

Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has unveiled plans for a South East Regional Basketball Championship aimed at identifying and developing grassroots sporting talent, while announcing a ₦2 million donation to support a youth basketball camp in Abia State.

General Musa made the announcement in Umuahia after inspecting the Umuahia Township Stadium at the end of his three-day official working visit to Abia State. During the visit, he interacted with young participants at the inaugural multi-age basketball camp organised by the Crossover Foundation and sponsored by Nigerian diaspora basketball stars Godsgift Achiuwa and Precious Achiuwa.

The Defence Minister commended the Crossover Foundation and the Abia State Government for collaborating to expand youth sports infrastructure across the state, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

An avid basketball enthusiast, General Musa announced an immediate donation of ₦2,000,000 to support the camp’s operations and assured participants that the proposed regional championship would provide a competitive platform bringing together emerging basketball talents from all five South-East states.

He urged parents to encourage their children to participate in organised sports, stressing that athletics remains a vital tool for building discipline, leadership qualities and national unity.

The Minister also disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would soon commence targeted sports recruitment programmes to provide talented young athletes with opportunities to pursue careers in the military through sports.

In appreciation of his support for youth development through sports, the organisers presented General Musa with a signed basketball at the end of the visit.

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