Matawalle Visits DICON After Ordnance Explosion, Assures Situation Under Control

Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, CON, has visited the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) facility in Kaduna following an ordnance explosion that occurred on the morning of Saturday, 20 September 2025.

Dr. Matawalle, who was briefed on the incident during his visit on Sunday, assured Nigerians that the situation was under control, describing the explosion as an accident.

He said preliminary findings showed that the incident happened while specialists were completing the destruction of expired materials, including ammonium nitrate, primer caps, propellants, and other hazardous substances.

The Minister further disclosed that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to recommend preventive measures.

He also promised that the Federal Government would provide necessary support to the affected personnel and their families.

Despite the incident, DICON, according to officials, continues to operate within established safety protocols.

Nigeria, Bangladesh Strengthen Ties with Joint Youth Boot Camp

Maryam Aminu

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Bangladesh High Commission in Nigeria, and the Nigerian Bangladesh Business and Technology Forum (NBBTF) have agreed to jointly drive a youth-focused Boot Camp aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The decision followed a strategic meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja. The session was hosted by Bangladesh High Commissioner-designate, His Excellency Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, and led by Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Reform and Foreign Service Innovation at MFA, alongside the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and NBBTF.

Discussions centered on the Boot Camp initiative, designed to build youth capacity in ICT, creativity, innovation, agritech, fintech, SMEs, and frontier technologies, including shipbuilding and ship-breaking. Beyond skills, the program will also promote cultural diplomacy, positioning youth as drivers of South-South relations and sustainable development.

The Bangladesh edition of the program will coincide with the country’s Youth Year celebrations while reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging youth diplomacy agenda. Participants will include policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and young leaders from both nations.

According to the plan, an advance team comprising MFA officials and NBBTF representatives will travel between October 20–25, 2025, to lay the groundwork. The main ministerial delegation and selected youth executives will then take part in the Boot Camp from October 26–30, 2025.

The Boot Camp will be self-sponsored with discounted access for youths, while executives, legislators, and institutions are encouraged to sponsor young participants and policymakers

Nigerian Military Records Major Gains Across Theatres, Rescues Victims, Foils Oil Theft

Emmanuel Daudu

The Armed Forces of Nigeria has sustained momentum in its nationwide operations, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, foiling oil theft and arresting dozens of criminals across the country in the week ending 25 September 2025.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during the weekly military briefing, stressing that the coordinated operations reaffirm the nation’s commitment to defeating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Speaking on the North East theatre, Kangye said troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to deny Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. He explained that the operations in Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, Marte, Bama and other locations led to the elimination of scores of terrorists and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. He further revealed that from 15–22 September, troops arrested 26 terrorist collaborators and informants, recovering fabrics, vehicles, motorcycles and improvised explosive device materials.

On operations in the North West, the Defence spokesman said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant breakthroughs in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger and Kebbi States. He confirmed that several terrorists were eliminated in firefights, while 14 kidnapped victims were freed. According to him, a notorious terrorist, Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu, was arrested alongside two accomplices in Niger State, while four other suspects were also nabbed in Kebbi.

Highlighting successes in the North Central region, Kangye said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE disrupted terrorists’ activities in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Nasarawa States and the FCT. He stated that 52 criminals were arrested, 9 victims rescued, while a weapon factory was discovered and dismantled in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.

He added that in Taraba, a wanted kidnapper, Saawuan Wuaiyolna, linked to the gang of “Full Fire”, was arrested, while in the FCT, three kidnappers were captured and a victim rescued in Kuduru.

In the South-South, Kangye reported that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over ₦19.7 million. He explained that the troops destroyed 14,760 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,720 litres of DPK and 625 litres of PMS. According to him, 14 cooking ovens, 16 illegal refining sites, 11 boats and other equipment were also destroyed. He added that 19 oil thieves were arrested, while 21 other suspects were picked up across Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. Five kidnapped victims were also rescued during the operations.

On the situation in the South East, Kangye stated that troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure in Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Cross River States. He revealed that several terrorists were neutralised, six were arrested, while three kidnapped victims were rescued. He added that weapons, ammunition, vehicles and improvised explosive devices were also recovered in the encounters.

The Defence Headquarters, according to Kangye, commended the bravery of troops across all theatres, noting that the week’s achievements underscore AFN’s determination to deny terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil thieves freedom of action. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in securing the country and creating a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

National Leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Ghana Bags Global Awards As Most Notable, Top Distinguished Religious Leader Of 21st Century

Ghana – The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , Alh Muhammed Bin Sali , has been honoured with a Golden Award as “the Most Notable and Top Distinguished Religious Leader of the 21st Century” by the International Chartered World Learned Society, a United States-based organization, with offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

The vibrant Leader has also been conferred with the Life Fellowship of the Society (in the field of Theology), according to a letter addressed to The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , Alh Muhammed Bin Sali by Prof. Dr (Sir) S. R. Boselin Prabhu on behalf of the Society.

While conferring the awards on The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , Alh Muhammed Bin Sali recently, the World Grand President of the Society, The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu, noted that the recognitions were based on The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , Alh Muhammed Bin Sali’s immense contributions to the global knowledge industry through English and Peace Studies.

The insignia of the awards included certificates, , a muffler, a Global Golden medal, a Frame and other instruments of the Society which were presented in recognition of “the avocation, enthusiasm and reputation” of the honouree.

While congratulating The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , Alh Muhammed Bin Sali on behalf of the World Grand Board of Directors, ICWLS, including Prof. Sir Sarfraz Lloyd of Oceania, Prof. Sir Abhiram Kukshreshtha of Asia, Prof. Sir M. Howard Pilley of Europe and Prof. Sir Luis Emilio Abad of the Americas, Prof. Aremu urged the recipient not to relent in his efforts of adding value to humanity.

According to Prof. Sir Aremu, who is also the Vice Chancellor Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc, Santa Cruz, Agentina, The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , Alh Muhammed Bin Sali is a shining example of diligence, excellence and competence from whom the present and future generations will continue to draw inspiration.

While responding to the presentation of awards, The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , Alh Muhammed Bin Sali appreciated the Grand President and the ICWLS Board of Directors for deeming him worthy of the honour.

He stressed that he considered the honour with happiness and great appreciation and dedicated it to Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which he is privileged to serve as The National Leader ( Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana , He also expressed willingness to leverage the membership of the consortium in achieving the tripartite mandate of his university viz teaching, research and community service.

The other participants are Sir Prof Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu, The President of Kings and Queen Medical University Ghana and Mr. Michael Director of Administration of Kings and Queens Medical University College Ghana and others Top Management of Ahmadiyya Muslin Community Ghana

The International Chartered World Learned Society is a worldwide independent organization, self-governing, pan-discipline educational charity according to the statutes. It provides expert scholars’ advice on a variety of public issues related to sciences, engineering, health sciences, arts, humanities, social sciences and so on.

The Society draws up considerable strength of distinguished scholars and professionals. all over the world.

RMAFC Begins Verification of Disputed Oil and Gas Fields in Niger Delta

Maryam Aminu

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has launched a verification exercise on disputed and newly drilled crude oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in resource allocation.

The exercise, which began on Monday, September 22, in Asaba, Delta State, is being conducted by an Inter-Agency Technical Committee comprising officers from the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the National Boundary Commission, under the leadership of RMAFC.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu (OFR), said the move was prompted by petitions from the governors of Anambra, Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers States seeking to establish rightful ownership and territorial boundaries of specific oil and gas assets.

2nd left (sitting), RMAFC Chairman making inquiry from the Manager of SEEPCO Mr. Sunite Dobey at the Ase – Omoku Jetty

He explained that the verification would cover the Aneize oil field within OML 143, the Eyine and Ameshi fields, and newly drilled wells from 2017 to date.

According to him, the exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of RMAFC under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to monitor revenue accruals and ensure accurate disbursement from the Federation Account.

“The initiative is essential to ensure that every oil and gas producing state receives its rightful share of the resources, reduce disputes, and safeguard the integrity of the federation account,” Dr. Shehu said.

He disclosed that the exercise would be extended to Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, and Anambra States and would rely on validated geospatial data provided by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Surveyor-Generals of the affected states will also participate in the process.

Dr. Shehu stressed that the verification was aimed at resolving long-standing disputes and ensuring equitable distribution of the 13 per cent derivation fund among oil-producing states.

“By promoting transparency and fairness, we are laying the groundwork for a more stable and conducive environment for continued exploration and development across the region,” he added.

RMAFC ACTU Members Conclude Certificate Course in Corruption Investigation

Maryam Aminu

The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has successfully concluded a two-week intensive training programme at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Confirming the development in a statement, the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Maryam Umar Yusuf, mnipr, noted that the programme, which held from 8th to 19th September 2025 in Keffi, Nasarawa State, was the 2025 edition of the Certificate Course in Corruption Investigation (CCCI).

The training was designed to enhance the capacity of ACTU members in modern anti-corruption practices and investigative skills, equipping them with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and address corruption risks within the Commission.

According to the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, the initiative aligns with his determination to strengthen professional competence, accountability, transparency, and service delivery among management and staff of the Commission.

Reflecting on the exercise, ACTU Chairman and Director of Audit, Mr. Idris Musa, described the programme as “a rewarding experience that has broadened our understanding of investigative procedures.” He added that members would return with renewed commitment to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen internal controls, foster ethical conduct, and support the Commission’s mandate.

National Library Faces Eviction Over ₦447 Million Unpaid Rent

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) is on the brink of eviction over an astounding ₦447,424,760.91 in unpaid rent, highlighting what many are calling a national embarrassment and a stark symbol of neglect for the country’s intellectual infrastructure.

The library, originally relocated from Lagos to Abuja in 1995, has operated from a rented building at Plot 274, Sanusi Dantata House, Central Business District, Abuja, for nearly three decades.

Despite its role as the custodian of Nigeria’s literary and cultural heritage, the institution has failed to secure a permanent home, forcing it to rely on leased premises.

It was gathered that the building, formerly owned by Asada Group Ltd, had previously issued a demand notice for outstanding rent, which went unpaid. When the property was sold to a new landlord, the library was granted a two-year lease starting 31 March 2025 as an act of goodwill. However, to date, no payment has been made under this new lease.

“The National Library, rather than being a proud symbol of national identity and intellectual advancement, is now facing eviction like any other delinquent tenant,” said a concerned observer familiar with the matter.

The new landlord has now served a quit notice and a seven-day statutory notice of intention to recover possession, putting the future of the institution at immediate risk.

Observers say the situation underscores a wider issue of misplaced national priorities. While Nigeria continues to allocate vast sums to political functions, recurrent expenditures, and incomplete projects, critical institutions like the National Library struggle to meet basic operational obligations.

The plight of the library is further compounded by the long-abandoned permanent National Library building in Abuja, a project that has remained unfinished for decades despite repeated government promises.

Without urgent intervention from the Federal Government, Nigerians may soon witness the National Library, a vault of the country’s books, records, and cultural treasures, locked up over unpaid rent, a move that would spark national and international ridicule.

Press release: Brace Up For Seamless Trade, Comptroller Oshoba Urges Stakeholders,As Apapa Command Prepares Scanning 200 Containers Per Hour

Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba has urged port users and stakeholders to brace up for more seamless trade process following more giant strides being achieved by the Nigerian Customs Service modernisation project with the commencement of fixed scanners installation.

Speaking shortly after inspecting the location for the installation of three new scanners at the port, Comptroller Oshoba said Apapa Port Command is ready to surpass expectations as the scanners would be examining 200 containers per hour.

While describing the quayside location for the scanners as an operational masterstroke, the CAC said no consignment will escape high-tech driven, non-intrusive inspection at Apapa port as the scanners would be strategically positioned close to the berthing area.

The CAC who commended CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his relentless commitment to NCS modernisation also urged officers to prepare for intensive train the trainer sessions as the next phase after installation would be training ahead of full deployment

He also advised NCS ICT officers to improve on capacity building for tier one and tier two levels of maintenance of the scanners, which are first of its kind in the West and Central Africa subregion

Comptroller Oshoba described the feat as a great milestone about to happen and advised port users, especially importers, exporters and their agents to uphold the tenet of sincere declaration as all false declarations and concealment would be exposed by the technology.

In expression of gratitude to the CGC, Comptroller Oshoba said, ” I want to on behalf of our officers and men, thank the CGC for leading us through an era of revolutionary customs modernisation. The coming of these scanners is one of the many great fruits we shall be harvesting from the modernisation project

“Our partners, the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), have assured us that the installation would last for 45 days, and we are expecting two units of scanners from them with an additional one from APM Terminals. These three scanners would ensure that there is no downtime for cargo examination here and reinforce our position as the number one destination for port activities in Nigeria

“All hands must be on deck to see to the full realisation of this dream which would save time, increase revenue, enhance national security, promote trade and prevent port related crimes from the earliest point of entry” The CAC said.

Also speaking on the development, Aliyu Suleiman, TMP Team Leader at the site, gave details on the scanners produced by Nuctech in Chin. He described them as the NUCTECH FS6000 with a high-throughput, non-intrusive, drive-through X-ray inspection system for cargo and vehicles.

He added that the scanners use high-penetration dual-energy X-ray transmission technology to inspect trucks and containers in one pass at speeds up to 15 km/h, allowing for non-stop inspection at busy locations like ports and border crossings.

According to the expert, the system provides detailed images that help identify concealed contraband and dangerous materials, and its compact, modular design allows for easy relocation and integration with other systems like License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

In addition to the three fixed scanners about being installed, APM Terminals has also promised to provide a mobile scanner to serve as support in the event of unexpected downtime.

SC Tunde Ayagbalo
Public Relations Officer
For CAC Apapa Area Command

Ghana: American Global Knighthood Awards (Sir): UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu Decorated Sir Prof. Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu with Global Golden Award

According to UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu and others global leaders of the Chartered World Order of the Knights of Justice of Peace in the USA has stated below: Our endorsement of Sir Prof. Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu for this Global Golden American Knighthood Awards is apt.

This world’s great prestigious awards on most eminent people in the world is as a result of his course in pursuit of peace and justice locally and internationally through his International Health Care and Service to Humanity”.

“Sir Prof. Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu Is Open For Mentorship of African Youths, Urges African Leaders To Prioritize Youth’ Talent Development.

Prof Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu, The President of the Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana, Founder and CEO of Kings and Queens Teaching Hospital, Ghana’s First Private Teaching Hospital, Professor of Cardiothoracic and Neurosurgery, has dedicated his Global Golden Award to God, Orphans in Ghana, Africa, Worldwide as he noted that, inspiring Ghanaian, African Youth to greatness is one of his burning desire, that he would live with it and leave a legacy on earth as role model to young people as he is open for mentorship, while he dedicates his today’s Global Golden Award to God almighty.

The Ghanaian-Chinese trained Medical Doctor who also is product of Crown University Intl, Chartered Inc in USA which is teaching and research hospital campuses are located in the Santa Cruz Province in Argentina South America, Spain and Brazil with official partners constituent campuses at government regulated universities world and online operation where he earned his Post Graduate Degrees and also serves as Professor as well he is the Founder and CEO of Kings and Queens Teaching Hospital, Ghana’s First Private Teaching Hospital, Prof Dr. Gidisu stated that, the power of Youth is the common wealth of the entire world. He noted further that Ghanaian, African Youth are a force to be reckoned with as he enjoined them not to allow setback define them, rather learn from them and grow.

The Ghanaian, African, global Youth model noted that he would continue to inspire the Youths in Ghana, Africa and the rest of the world to greatness. In his words: “The Medical Educationist , Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Neurosurgeon and International Healthcare Management Expert who Attain the Professorial Rank at Age 39 says he Dedicated his Global Golden Award of The Chartered World Order of the Knights of Justice of Peace USA and associates worldwide to Orphans in Ghana and Worldwide. As one of those fell into this category at tender age, I give thanks to God Almighty for making me an icon and Role Model of African Youth Today”.

“Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu is the World Grand Chancellor of Chartered World Order of the Knighrs of Justice of Peace and World Grand President, International Chartered World Learned Society (ICWLS), UNESCO Laureate & HRH Duke of Kingdom of Atlantis in Singapore is The VC, CUICI, USA, a Fellow of Royal Society For Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA), United Kingdom (UK). He is a Life Fellow & World Grand President, International Chartered World Learned Society (ICWLS), USA. He is the World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor and Editorial Board Member, Cambridge Publishing, United Kingdom”.

“He is known as World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor of Computer Science, Information Communication Technology in different global and Nigerian Universities such as Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Imo State University, Imo State, Kaduna State University, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State”.

“UNESCO Laureate is the Pioneer Member Board of Trustees of Minaret International University, Ikirun, Osun State, Nigeria (Proposed) to mention but a few. And other Global Universities such as West Coast University of Science, Technology & Arts, Bharat University, India.

“He is also a World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor at Pradesh, Mandsaur, Mother Theresa Women University, India, World Congress of Arts, Sciences & Communication, as had served as Deputy Director-General for Africa And Research Professor at International Biographical Centre. Prof Aremu is cited in the World recognized publications by Famous Marquis Who’s is Who in the World”.

Defence Minister Badaru Champions Dialogue as Key to Regional Peace at Beijing Forum

Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged world leaders to prioritise dialogue and consultation as the foundation for peace and stability in global and regional affairs.

Delivering a keynote lecture at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Friday, Badaru said constructive engagement remains the most effective instrument for preventing conflicts and fostering lasting security.

Speaking under the theme “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development”, the minister told defence chiefs, policymakers, diplomats and academics from over 100 countries that: “Dialogue succeeds where confrontation fails. It is the foundation on which lasting security is built.”

Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s peacebuilding credentials, citing the country’s leadership in ECOWAS interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, its role in the Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram, and domestic initiatives such as the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme and Operation Safe Corridor.

He linked his message to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that Nigeria’s commitment to regional security is anchored on strategic autonomy, reform at home, and proactive international engagement.

Calling for stronger partnerships, Badaru urged global stakeholders to embrace dialogue, consultation and collaboration as shared responsibilities in advancing peace and upholding international order.