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.

Defence Minister, Nigerian Ambassador Meet in Washington Over Counter-Terrorism, Military Modernisation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has held a strategic meeting with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s defence and security cooperation with the United States.

The meeting, held on Monday, August 17, 2026, focused on strengthening the longstanding Nigeria-U.S. defence partnership, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, military technology, technical training and the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

General Musa emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s continued diversification of international defence partnerships while maintaining its traditional strategic alliances.

He also highlighted the growing importance of advanced military technologies, including drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Nigerian troops in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.

The Minister, however, stressed that Nigeria’s strategic defence engagements with international partners would continue to be conducted with full respect for the country’s sovereignty and national interests.

Receiving the Minister, Ambassador Are commended the security sector reforms being undertaken under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and reaffirmed the Nigerian Embassy’s readiness to facilitate diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening military cooperation between both countries.

The discussions also centred on the deteriorating security situation in parts of the Sahel, with emphasis on the need for stronger regional and international cooperation to confront terrorism and violent extremism.

Speaking on the significance of the Minister’s Washington engagements, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, said the visit formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s strategic defence relationships and advance the country’s national security interests.

According to her, the engagements underscore the administration’s determination to enhance international cooperation, intelligence sharing, technical capacity and access to modern defence capabilities needed to strengthen the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Minister subsequently inspected the Defence Section of the Nigerian Embassy, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his team for their professionalism and commitment.

General Musa charged the personnel to maintain high standards of discipline, professionalism and dedication in representing the Armed Forces and advancing Nigeria’s defence interests abroad.

The visit marked another major engagement in a week-long series of high-level activities undertaken by the Defence Minister in Washington, D.C., as a member of a Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The engagements are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s strategic relationship with the United States and expanding cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence, defence technology and other areas critical to Nigeria’s national security.

Pastor Korede Komaiya Celebrates Wife, Esther, on 29th Wedding Anniversary

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Senior Nigerian pastor, Pastor Korede Komaiya, has celebrated his wife, Pastor Esther Komaiya, as the couple marked their 29th wedding anniversary.

Komaiya, in a heartfelt anniversary message commemorating their marriage on August 16, 2026, described his wife as a rare gift from God and praised her for her strength, patience, sacrifices and unwavering support throughout their 29 years together.

According to the pastor, the couple got married on August 16, 1997, with Pastor Mrs. Faith Oyedepo joining their hands in marriage.

Reflecting on their journey, Komaiya said what began as a marital covenant had grown into a relationship characterized by love, peace, sacrifice, personal growth and what he described as the faithfulness of God.

He expressed appreciation to his wife for standing by him through challenging seasons, particularly for the sacrifices she made to preserve peace and stability in their home.

“Thank you for the quiet strength that never asked for applause,” the pastor said, while also acknowledging her patience, understanding and support.

Komaiya noted that his wife’s sacrifices often came at the expense of her sleep, comfort and personal preferences, describing them as sacrifices that helped maintain a peaceful and restful home.

He said the experience of their marriage had taught him that marriage is “first sacrificial before it becomes beneficial,” adding that his wife’s commitment had reinforced his appreciation of their union.

Describing Esther as “a rare gift from God,” Komaiya said he did not regard his marriage as merely a good choice or a fortunate discovery, but as a divine blessing.

Looking back on the 29 years, the pastor said he could see what he described as the hand of God throughout their journey.

“We are not just a couple who made it. We are a couple helped by God,” he said.

Komaiya further reaffirmed his commitment to his wife, declaring that he would continue to choose and pursue her while remaining grateful for the privilege of calling her his wife.

He concluded the anniversary message by giving glory to God for the couple’s journey and expressing optimism about their future together.

“Happy 29th Anniversary, my love. The best is still ahead of us,” he said.

The anniversary message has highlighted the couple’s longstanding marriage while celebrating the values of sacrifice, faith, companionship and commitment that have characterized their 29-year journey.

Steron Foundation Plants 100 Trees in Wasa, Takushara to Promote Environmental Sustainability

WASA/TAKUSHARA, FCT, ABUJA — The Steron Community Development Foundation (SCDF), in partnership with the Climate Action Team Initiative and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has planted 100 trees in Wasa and Takushara communities of the Federal Capital Territory under its “Befriend a Tree Initiative.”

The environmental exercise, which brought together staff of Steron Group, community members and development partners, was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, strengthening community participation and mitigating the environmental impact associated with extractive activities.

Of the 100 seedlings planted, 80 were economic trees comprising mango and orange varieties, while 20 were mast trees planted at strategic locations across the two communities to support soil stability and improve the local environment.

Leading the exercise was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Steron Group, Abubakar Sadiq Omar, mni, who personally participated in the tree-planting exercise and planted more than 20 trees alongside residents.

Speaking during the exercise, Omar described the initiative as a personal commitment to environmental responsibility, stressing that companies operating in the extractive sector must take deliberate steps to protect and restore the environment in the communities where they operate.

The participation of the Steron Group chief executive alongside residents attracted commendation from partner organizations and community stakeholders, who described the gesture as a demonstration of corporate leadership and responsible engagement with host communities.

Daniel Black, founder of the Growth for Sustainable Agriculture Initiative and immediate past President of the YALI Network, commended Steron Group and SCDF for the initiative. He said the commitment demonstrated by the company represented an encouraging example of environmental responsibility within Nigeria’s extractive industry.

Similarly, Ebaide Omiunu, founder of the Ebaidebhek Initiative (TEI) and a partner of SCDF, described Steron Group as a model of corporate responsibility, particularly in its approach to environmental sustainability and community development.

Representing NEITI, the organization’s Gender and Environment Officer, Stephanie, said the agency would continue to support initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and transparency within the extractive sector.

She added that NEITI would continue to monitor the activities of mining companies and encourage accountability in their engagements with host communities.

The exercise also witnessed the participation of the entire Steron Group workforce, who worked alongside residents of Wasa and Takushara throughout the tree-planting exercise.

According to the organizers, the initiative forms part of Steron Group’s broader community development and environmental sustainability programme, with activities designed to extend beyond its mining operations.

The foundation is also scheduled to commence a clean-cooking initiative in the two communities in the coming week. Under the programme, Steron Group’s Community Development Manager, Halima Imam, will train women in Wasa and Takushara on the production of briquettes as an alternative clean-cooking fuel.

The initiative is expected to contribute to cleaner household energy use, reduce pressure on trees and promote a healthier environment in the host communities.

The organizers said the Befriend a Tree Initiative would be sustained beyond the initial planting exercise, with emphasis on nurturing and protecting the seedlings until they mature.

They said the long-term success of the programme would ultimately be measured not only by the number of trees planted, but by their survival and contribution to the environmental and economic wellbeing of Wasa and Takushara communities.

DUNAMIS: Do Not Take The Church, Body Of Christ For Granted – Dr Enenche

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr. Paul Enenche, has cautioned against statements capable of provoking religious tension in Nigeria, insisting that, the church and body of Christ should not be taken for granted, asserting, Christianity is not inferior or second to any religion in Nigeria.

Enenche made the remarks during a Sunday service while reacting to comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who reportedly described Nigeria as a Muslim nation belonging to Muslims.

Speaking to the congregation, the cleric maintained that Christianity is neither subordinate nor secondary to any religion in Nigeria, stressing that Christians remain a significant part of the nation’s developmental, religious and social fabric.

“Christianity is not secondary at all, and no religious fanatic, political group, or individual will ever make Christianity secondary to any religion in Nigeria,” Enenche said.

He emphasized that Christians are present in large numbers across the country, even in states such as Sokoto, Yobe, and Borno-Maiduguri, noting that the Christian faith has a strong presence in every region and part of Nigeria.

According to him, no group should underestimate the influence, contribution, and numerical strength of Christians in the nation.

“Nobody should take the Body of Christ and the Church for granted in this nation,” he said, adding that the Church’s commitment to peace and restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.

“we have millions of people in this nation and across the world, who have subscribed to the faith of Jesus Christ, don’t take christians for a ride or granted at all, we have been quiet and calm for a long time, and it’s not act of cowardice”.

Enenche questioned claims of religious superiority or dominance, arguing that such assertions cannot be substantiated without credible census and demographic data.

“How do you know one religion is superior to another without a proper and credible census?” he asked. “If everyone openly declared their faith, many people would be surprised by the number of Christians in places where they assume otherwise.”

The pastor also urged Christians to remain steadfast and confident in their faith.

“This is not the time for believers to cower under any pretense,” he stated.

Addressing those who make what he described as provocative and divisive statements, Enenche challenged them to reflect on their contributions to national development rather than engage in rhetoric capable of fueling tension.

“What positive contributions have such people made to the development of this nation other than making statements that can incite violence?” he asked.

He further called on relevant authorities to take seriously comments that could threaten national peace and security.

“People who are messing up and destroying the nation and they’re walking free of charge and they’re talking”

such person deserve to be in prison or quarantine so that, his mentality can be corrected, himself and his type”

According to him, statements capable of inciting violence or deepening religious divisions should not be ignored, as they have the potential to undermine national unity and stability.

Enenche reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a diverse nation in which citizens of different religious backgrounds are entitled to equal rights, freedom of worship, and full participation on national issues.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and responsible public discourse in the interest of national unity, harmony, and progress.

FMYD, NiYA Partner Cascador to Boost Youth Entrepreneurship, Offer ₦5m Grants to Young Founders

By Maryam Aminu

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), has partnered with Nigeria-focused entrepreneurship platform Cascador to equip young entrepreneurs with investment-ready skills and provide funding support, with eight outstanding founders set to receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding.

The initiative, unveiled on Friday as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” is designed to help young Nigerians transition from skills acquisition and business ideas to sustainable enterprises with access to finance.

Announcing the partnership, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that youth empowerment goes beyond training by creating practical pathways to entrepreneurship, enterprise development and capital.

According to him, while skills development remains important, empowering young people to build viable businesses and access investment opportunities is critical to achieving sustainable economic participation.

He explained that the NiYA and Cascador Founders Programme will begin with a pilot cohort of 20 early-stage Nigerian youth founders, including entrepreneurs who may not yet have formal business registration or established financial records.

Participants will undergo an intensive four-week programme covering business fundamentals, investment readiness, pitch preparation, virtual engagements and one-on-one mentorship sessions.

At the end of the programme, the eight best-performing founders will each receive up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding from Cascador, alongside an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to support the growth and management of their businesses.

The programme will culminate in a Pitch Day organised by NiYA and FMYD, where participants will present their business ideas before a panel of judges.

Comrade Olawande said the pilot aligns with NiYA’s broader target of training and empowering seven million Nigerian youths within two years, while building a stronger link between skills development, entrepreneurship and access to finance.

He noted that the long-term objective is to establish a youth entrepreneurship ecosystem where innovation, preparedness and execution not personal background or existing networks determine access to business opportunities and funding.

Under the partnership, FMYD and NiYA will coordinate participant recruitment, training and programme implementation, while Cascador will support investment-readiness training, eligibility assessment, pitch evaluation and funding for the top-performing entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer of Cascador, Trish Thomas, described the initiative as a practical solution to bridging the gap between innovative ideas and access to investment.

Thomas said the partnership builds on the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to empowering millions of young Nigerians by creating a pathway that prepares entrepreneurs for funding opportunities.

Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Cascador and former Managing Director of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, Oyin Solebo, described the collaboration as an innovative model for supporting emerging entrepreneurs.

According to Solebo, combining government-led investment readiness programmes with non-dilutive funding provides young founders with the support needed to transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses.

The pilot programme will be held physically in Abuja, with additional virtual engagements and one-on-one mentorship sessions.

Participants who complete the programme will retain NiYA alumni status and receive priority consideration for future opportunities under relevant NiYA initiatives.

Applications for the programme will open on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, while interested young Nigerian entrepreneurs are expected to apply through the official NiYA portal.

Youth Ministry Permanent Secretary Bags National Ethics, Values Award

By Maryam Aminu

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, has been honoured with the National Ethics and Values Award 2026 for Ethical Public Service Leadership and Youth Development in recognition of her commitment to integrity, accountability and excellence in public service.

The award was presented on Friday at a ceremony held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, under the theme, “Ethics in Action: Leadership, Integrity, Legacy Reflecting on Our Journey, Inspiring a Future Grounded in Accountability and Moral Courage.” The event was chaired by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Honourable Steve Olushola Fatoba.

Receiving the award, Dr. Keshinro dedicated the honour to her late father, whom she described as a passionate advocate of girl-child education, as well as to the management staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for their support and collective contributions to the ministry’s achievements.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, delivering her keynote address at the National Ethics and Values Awards 2026, held yesterday at Hilton Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

She also expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, for his confidence, encouragement and continued support for her leadership.

Speaking on the importance of ethical leadership in nation-building, the Permanent Secretary said values such as integrity, justice, equity, tolerance, responsibility, diligence and mutual respect remain indispensable to Nigeria’s development.

She urged public servants to uphold professionalism, accountability and excellence in the discharge of their duties, stressing that national interest must always take precedence over personal gains.
“Integrity is who you are even when nobody else is looking at you,” Dr. Keshinro said.

She further described Nigerian youths as the nation’s change-makers and future leaders, noting that they are increasingly playing significant roles in driving national development and contributing to the country’s progress.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, with Directors of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in a group photograph during the National Ethics and Values Awards 2026, held yesterday at Hilton Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

While appreciating the National Orientation Agency, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and African Young Leaders for the recognition, Dr. Keshinro said the award would inspire her to remain steadfast in promoting ethical leadership and selfless service.

In his remarks, Honourable Steve Olushola Fatoba said the award was instituted to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exemplary ethical leadership, integrity and commitment to national values.

He called on Nigerians, particularly public office holders, to embrace accountability, transparency and moral courage, noting that ethical leadership remains fundamental to building a united, responsible and prosperous nation.

Dr Paul & Dr Mrs Becky Enenche Ignites Another Fresh Powerful Revival Fire Crusade in Maryland, U.S.A.

The Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul & Dr Mrs Becky Enenche, have continued their global evangelistic outreach, igniting another intense Revival Fire in Maryland, USA, through powerful crusade meetings marked by salvation, healing, deliverance, recovery and restoration of human destinies and peace in Nations of the world.

The Maryland Revival Fire Crusade comes on the heels of the successful Ignite Youth Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, and the recently concluded Revival Fire Crusade in Prague, Czech Republic, further demonstrating the clerics and ministry’s commitment to global evangelism and spiritual awakening.

The crusade, which commenced at Prince George’s Stadium, witnessed a remarkable turnout as worshippers gathered in expectation of a fresh move of God and a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Upon arrival in the United States Of America (USA), Dr. Paul Enenche declared:

MARYLAND, USA, THE WAIT IS OVER, We have arrived in Maryland, USA, and the moment has come”

“The USA Revival Fire Crusade 2026 begins TODAY, and we are expectant for a mighty outpouring of the Spirit of God”.

“Maryland is ready for an encounter. Hearts will be stirred, faith will rise, lives will be transformed, and the fire of revival will burn brightly”.

“From 13th–14th August, we gather at Prince George’s Stadium for two powerful days of the Word, prayer, healing, deliverance and the move of the Spirit. Maryland, get ready! Revival Fire is here”.

Setting the tone during the crusade at Maryland, Dr. Mrs. Becky Enenche declared that God’s presence had already descended upon the gathering, assuring participants that their long-awaited expectations were about to become testimonies.

Quoting Acts 10:38, she proclaimed:

“Indeed, Jehovah is at work in this place. The Bible says, ‘How God anointed Jesus Christ of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.’ Beloved, I would like to let you know that Jehovah has come to Maryland and to the United States.”

She further declared divine authority over every opposing spiritual force, releasing God’s presence, glory, and anointing upon the stadium.

“Somebody’s life and destiny is about to be turned around. Tonight, I take authority over the principalities covering Maryland and the United States. I declare the release of the presence, the glory, and the anointing of God in this stadium. The long-awaited miracle you have been trusting God for is about to be released into your hands.”

As the crusade progressed, Dr. Paul Enenche encouraged eager participants waiting to receive from God to remain patient and expectant. He released fervent prayers and declarations against every unclean spirit, ancestral bondage, generational curses, and the spirit of cancer, proclaiming freedom and deliverance in the name of Jesus Christ.

Ministering on the theme, “Foundation of the Righteous,” from Psalm 11:3, Dr. Enenche emphasized the importance of strong spiritual foundations in determining the destiny of individuals, families, and nations.

“The foundation of everything determines the future of that thing. The worst that can happen to anybody is to exist without a foundation.”

Speaking on the spiritual heritage of the United States, he noted that America was established on strong godly foundations but warned that those foundations have increasingly come under assault through anti-God ideologies and moral decline.

“A solid foundation is found in God and in Christ. America is a nation that was built on a very strong foundation, but suddenly the foundation began to be eroded by all manner of demonic ideologies, perversions, anti-God sentiments, and the agendas of hell.”

Expressing confidence in God’s redemptive purpose for the nation, Dr. Enenche declared that the crusade represented a divine intervention aimed at restoring America’s spiritual identity.

“I believe God sent us all the way here because the destiny of this nation is tied to God. The destiny of this nation is rooted in God, and this nation must return back to God. We refuse to allow the devil to have his way in America.”

The Maryland Revival Fire Crusade was marked by intense worship, special ministrations by; Daniel Paul Enenche, Destiny Paul Enenche, Maryland mass Choir, prayers, healing ministrations, deliverance encounters, and a renewed call for personal and national revival, as multitudes responded in faith for divine intervention and transformation.

The crusade meetings also featured Pastors & ministers session, vibrant moments of worship, fervent prayers, and inspiring testimonies, as participants shared accounts of healing, deliverance, and life-changing encounters with God.

The Maryland Revival Fire Crusade is scheduled to be followed by the 2026 International Ministers Flaming Fire Conference (IMFFC), which will hold from August 25 to 30 at the Glory Dome in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together ministers and believers from across the globe for another season of impartation, revival, and spiritual empowerment.

Worthy of note, Beyond the spiritual ministrations, Dr. Paul and Dr. Mrs. Becky Enenche remain committed to holistic impact through compassion driven initiatives, community development, soul-winning, and global evangelism.

Their ministry continues to emphasize the restoration of human dignity, transformation of lives and communities across nations of the world.

Nigeria, US Deepen Defence Ties, Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

WASHINGTON D.C./ABUJA — August 13, 2026

Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence and security cooperation, with both countries placing renewed emphasis on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and stronger military-to-military relations.

The commitment was made during high-level bilateral engagements in Washington, D.C., led on the Nigerian side by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, as part of efforts to strengthen the strategic security partnership between the two countries.

At a strategic meeting held at the Pentagon, the Defence Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Parker Udiandeye; and other senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation held extensive discussions with senior officials of the United States Department of War, led by Julia Sokol, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs.

The meeting formed part of the ongoing United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks, with discussions centred on strengthening the two countries’ shared security architecture, enhancing intelligence cooperation and developing greater operational synergy between their respective security establishments.

The Washington engagements were also part of a broader diplomatic mission led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who led a delegation of senior Nigerian government officials to the United States for the second meeting of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, held from August 12 to 13, 2026.

The Joint Working Group meeting was co-chaired by Ribadu and Allison Hooker, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

The discussions reviewed progress made under existing bilateral security frameworks and examined additional measures to strengthen cooperation in addressing emerging regional and global security threats.

Particular attention was given to actionable areas of cooperation following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), with both sides reaffirming the importance of continued engagement and constructive dialogue.

The two countries also reiterated their commitment to mutual respect, sustained diplomatic engagement and closer strategic coordination in confronting terrorism and other security challenges affecting Nigeria, the West African region and the wider international community.

The Nigerian delegation’s participation in the talks underscores Abuja’s efforts to deepen international partnerships and strengthen the capacity of the country’s security and defence institutions through enhanced cooperation with strategic allies.

The Defence Ministry said the engagements are expected to contribute to stronger bilateral defence relations and provide a framework for continued collaboration in intelligence, counter-terrorism and other areas of mutual security interest.

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

Osun Election: CONYSSA Cautions Youths Against Electoral Violence,

Maryam Aminu

The Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has called on young people in Osun State to resist every attempt by politicians and other desperate actors to use them as tools for electoral violence during the forthcoming governorship election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director General of CONYSSA, Amb. Ade-Mario Emmanuel, urged youths across the state to uphold peace, protect the sanctity of the electoral process, and demonstrate responsible citizenship before, during, and after the polls.

According to him, it is deeply disturbing that many of those recruited to perpetrate violence during elections are young people, who often end up losing their lives, sustaining life-changing injuries, or facing prosecution, while those who sponsor such acts remain untouched.

“It is painful that our youths are continuously being used as scapegoats and killing machines by selfish political actors. At the end of the day, it is the youths who are arrested, injured, imprisoned, or even killed, while those who instigated the violence go free,” he said.

Amb. Ade-Mario stressed that no political ambition is worth the life of any Nigerian youth, urging young people to reject inducements, resist manipulation, and refuse to become instruments of destruction.

Director General, CONYSSA, Amb Ade-MarioEmmanuel

“Our youths must stop allowing themselves to be used to kill one another. They must reject every form of electoral violence and instead become ambassadors of peace, agents of national unity, and pillars of nation-building. The future of our nation depends on the choices they make today,” he added.

The CONYSSA Director General also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct their campaigns and election activities peacefully, in accordance with the Electoral Act and democratic principles.

He further urged security agencies deployed for the election to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, neutrality, and fairness, emphasizing that they must protect lives and property, maintain law and order, and ensure that no individual or group undermines the credibility of the electoral process.

“The role of security agencies is to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere where every eligible voter can freely exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation. They must not support or condone any act capable of disrupting the peace or compromising the integrity of the election,” he stated.

Amb. Ade-Mario reaffirmed CONYSSA’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, youth development, and national security, expressing confidence that the people of Osun State would demonstrate political maturity by conducting themselves peacefully throughout the election period.

He appealed to all stakeholders to place the interest of the state and the nation above personal and political ambitions, noting that peaceful elections remain the foundation of sustainable democracy and national development.