The Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) has condemned the violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Ejule-Ojebe town, Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, describing the incident as tragic and inhumane.
In a statement signed by its National Leader, Maj. Gen. James A. Ataguba (Rtd), Ph.D, the organization expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, reports of missing persons, and the destruction of farmlands, crops, and cattle resulting from the crisis.
UIO extended its sympathies to families affected by the violence and called on all parties involved to immediately lay down their arms and embrace peace in the interest of the community.
The organization urged the Kogi State Government to intervene without delay to prevent further bloodshed, while also calling on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly to restore law and order and forestall possible reprisal attacks.
According to the group, Ibaji Local Government Area has long grappled with deep socio-economic challenges, including years of neglect, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation that continue to undermine farming and fishing livelihoods. It noted that these longstanding issues have contributed to recurring communal tensions in the area.
UIO further appealed to both the Kogi State and Federal Governments to thoroughly investigate the underlying causes of the repeated conflicts and implement concrete measures aimed at ensuring lasting peace and sustainable development in Ibaji.
The organization also called on residents to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities. While reiterating its condolences to the bereaved families, UIO prayed for comfort and strength for all those affected by the tragic events.
Nigeria has again recorded a low performance on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), scoring 26 out of 100 for the second year running, as the country slipped further down the global ranking, Transparency International (TI) and its Nigerian chapter, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), have disclosed.
According to the latest CPI released on Tuesday, Nigeria fell from 140th position in 2024 to 142nd out of 180 countries assessed in 2025, underscoring persistent public concerns over corruption and slow progress in governance reforms. The CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption based on assessments from reputable independent institutions.
Transparency International describes the index as the most widely recognised global benchmark for tracking corruption trends worldwide.
In a statement signed by CISLAC Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said Nigeria’s unchanged score reflects stagnation in anti-corruption outcomes rather than a direct assessment of the performance of specific anti-graft agencies.
CISLAC noted that several anti-corruption institutions continue to demonstrate commitment despite operating within a system challenged by weak structures and political interference.
The organisation highlighted notable gains in asset recovery efforts as one of the factors that helped Nigeria avoid a further decline in its CPI score.
It disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered more than ₦566 billion, $411 million and 1,502 properties between October 2023 and September 2025.
Similarly, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was said to have recovered ₦37.44 billion and $2.353 million in 2025 alone.
CISLAC also pointed to improved international cooperation, citing the January 2026 agreement by the UK Crown Dependency of Jersey to repatriate over $9.5 million in corruption-linked assets for deployment in critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 was further described as a major milestone, following the implementation of a 19-point action plan to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
The organisation commended civil society groups and the media for sustaining public scrutiny, describing them as indispensable to accountability and democratic governance. Structural Challenges Persist
Despite these positives, CISLAC warned that deep-seated weaknesses continue to undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive. It listed judicial corruption, allegations of bias, nepotism in public appointments, and declining public trust in the justice system as major concerns.
The report also flagged persistent oil theft and subsidy-related fraud, referencing the 2022 Auditor-General’s report published in September 2025, which alleged that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) failed to fully account for significant oil revenues.
Other issues raised include shrinking civic space, corruption in the power sector, insecurity linked to compromised security institutions, weak opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election, and widespread non-compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.
CISLAC further disclosed that no fewer than 86 incidents of attacks and harassment against journalists, activists and citizens were recorded in 2025, posing serious threats to democratic accountability.
The organisation called for stronger institutional independence for anti-corruption agencies, transparent judicial appointments, security sector reforms, full digitisation of public procurement, and public disclosure of recovered assets.
It also urged the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Protection Bill, amend the Electoral Act to mandate electronic transmission of election results, and ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions on budgetary transparency.
CISLAC reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government institutions and stakeholders in advancing transparency, accountability and democratic governance across Nigeria.
Long before the first flood alert, crop failure or flight disruption makes the headlines, Nigeria’s climate signals are already speaking and on today in Abuja, those signals were formally decoded.
At the NAF Conference Centre, Kado, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) unveiled its 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), a document government officials say has moved beyond scientific theory to become a tool for survival, planning and national resilience in a country increasingly shaped by extreme weather.
Presenting the forecast, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said climate variability and change were no longer distant threats but “daily realities” influencing aviation safety, food security, infrastructure planning and economic stability across Nigeria. “This is science for action,” Keyamo said, describing the SCP as a strategic instrument that translates complex climate data into guidance decision-makers can actually use.
He noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now treats weather and climate information as a strategic enabler of governance, rather than an optional advisory, stressing that early warnings from NiMet have already contributed to improved crop yields and reduced disaster risks in recent years.
According to the forecast, Nigeria is expected to experience largely normal annual rainfall in most parts of the country, though with notable regional variations that could affect farming calendars, flood risks and water availability. NiMet projects above-normal rainfall in states such as Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory, while below-normal rainfall is expected in parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun States. Early onset of rainfall is anticipated in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo, and parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa and Taraba, while Borno State is likely to experience a delayed onset.
NiMet also warned of early rainfall cessation in parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kogi and Niger, with a delayed end of season expected in Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna States.
Of particular concern is the prediction of severe dry spells, including episodes lasting up to 21 days in parts of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara during the June–July–August period. The August Break, also known as the Little Dry Season, is forecast to be severe and prolonged over Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and parts of Oyo, lasting between 28 and 40 days. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to be warmer than the long-term average across most parts of the country in early 2026.
Keyamo explained that the 2026 forecast was developed using global climate drivers, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), both of which currently indicate a predominantly neutral ENSO phase a condition with significant implications for rainfall patterns and sector-specific risks. “This scientific robustness is what makes the SCP a trusted national reference document,” he said.
Earlier, NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the Agency was strengthening its forecasting capacity through the integration of artificial intelligence and digital advisory services to improve the reach and usability of climate information.
As climate risks intensify, Anosike said reliable weather data has become indispensable for protecting lives, livelihoods and investments, adding that NiMet is working with partners to downscale climate information for local farmers and communities.
He called on state governments and private sector actors to deepen collaboration with the Agency to ensure that climate data reaches those who need it most.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, described the SCP as more than a scientific document, urging stakeholders to actively apply the information in policymaking, investment planning and disaster preparedness. “The true value of the seasonal climate prediction lies in its application,” Kofarmata said.
As Nigeria braces for another climate-defined year, officials insist the message is clear: the warnings are available ignoring them is no longer an option.
Excel Optoelectronics Company Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Emmanuel Shoon Patrick, have denied allegations of fraud and financial impropriety circulating in sections of the media, describing the reports as inaccurate, misleading, and harmful to their corporate and personal reputations.
In a Right of Reply addressing publications dated December 16, 2025, and February 5, 2026, the company refuted claims suggesting that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had referred it and its CEO to the Inspector-General of Police over alleged financial misconduct linked to airport LED installation projects.
The disputed reports alleged that funds meant for corporate accounts were diverted into personal accounts, leading to tax evasion, contract non-performance, and delays in airport LED upgrades nationwide.
They also alluded to possible investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and portrayed Amb. Patrick as an intermediary in questionable transactions involving a Chinese firm and Nigerian concessionaires.
Excel Optoelectronics, however, maintained that the allegations stem from a private commercial disagreement and do not amount to any criminal wrongdoing.
The company accused the media platforms involved of publishing serious allegations without seeking its response, describing the action as a breach of constitutional fair hearing provisions and the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ Code of Ethics.
The firm further alleged editorial imbalance, noting that while the identity of the complainant was concealed, its CEO was named and presented in criminal terms. It argued that the reports amounted to a “trial by media,” allegedly driven by vested commercial interests.
Giving its account of events, Excel said the dispute originated from a business engagement in December 2025 with Folio Media Group Ltd., owned by Daily Times publisher, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, who requested LED screens on credit for installation at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
According to the company, while it declined full credit terms in line with internal policy, it agreed to release one LED unit as a goodwill gesture after a ₦10 million deposit was paid against a ₦28.3 million invoice, inclusive of VAT. Excel stated that the terms, including a non-refundable deposit clause, were accepted by Folio Media.
The company said disagreements later emerged over the outstanding balance, leading to a breakdown in the business relationship. It alleged that following this, threats were made to use media platforms to exert pressure, escalating what it described as a purely commercial dispute.
Excel Optoelectronics stressed that no additional payments were received, no public funds were involved, and all tax obligations were duly observed. It added that the matter is currently before the courts and advised media organisations to exercise restraint while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Amb. Patrick also reaffirmed that Excel Optoelectronics is a Nigerian-owned firm with international technology partnerships, particularly with Chinese manufacturers, and has executed LED and digital infrastructure projects across the aviation, corporate, and public sectors.
The company called on the media outlets involved to publish its Right of Reply with equal prominence, amend or withdraw the disputed reports, and issue a public apology.
It warned that failure to do so would result in further legal and regulatory actions, including petitions to professional bodies and defamation suits.
Excel Optoelectronics said its goal remains the correction of public records, insisting it will resist attempts to use media platforms to settle private commercial disputes or damage its reputation.
The Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) Ghana has expressed strong condemnation over the deadly terrorist attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, Nigeria, describing the incident as a painful reminder of Africa’s unresolved security and governance challenges.
In a statement released from Accra on February 5, 2026, the organisation said the killings, which claimed at least 162 lives, highlight the devastating consequences of violent extremism on rural and defenceless populations. The attacks were reportedly carried out by the Lakurawa group, an affiliate of the Islamic State.
UFO Ghana conveyed its sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian people, noting that the scale of destruction reflects a broader regional crisis that demands collective responsibility rather than isolated responses. Beyond condemning the violence, the organisation drew attention to what it described as structural weaknesses in governance across parts of Africa, particularly the “winner-takes-all” political culture, which it said continues to breed exclusion, resentment, and instability.
The group further identified corruption as a recurring factor worsening insecurity, stressing that leadership anchored on transparency and accountability remains critical to breaking the cycle of violence. It added that governance must be people-centred, with security and social welfare treated as core priorities rather than afterthoughts.
Expressing concern over the displacement of residents and destruction of livelihoods caused by the attacks, UFO Ghana urged the international community to step up support for Nigeria through coordinated humanitarian assistance and strategic security partnerships.
The organisation also cautioned against the use of violence by any group as a means of expressing grievances, insisting that peaceful engagement and dialogue remain the only sustainable paths to uconflict resolution.
As part of its proposals, UFO Ghana called for stronger collaboration between ECOWAS and the African Union to confront terrorism and banditry, while advocating for community-driven security initiatives that empower local populations.
It also urged Nigerian authorities to intensify cybersecurity efforts to address emerging threats linked to online radicalisation and cyber-enabled terrorism.
The statement was jointly signed by the President of UFO Ghana, Mr. Samuel Adobah, and the organisation’s Global Policy Analyst, Mr. Richil Mawuenyega.
Alarmed by rising political intolerance and toxic online conduct, the National Leader of the Ukomu Igala Organisation, Maj. Gen. James Alilu Ataguba (retd.), has warned that persistent verbal attacks, blind political loyalty, and violence are steadily weakening the cohesion and future of the Igala nation.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at a dinner meeting with Igala social media influencers, the retired general cautioned youths and online commentators from Kogi East against turning social media into a battlefield of insults, urging them instead to embrace responsible political engagement and hold public office holders accountable.
Ataguba observed that political disagreements among Igala people have increasingly spilled into the digital space, where abuse and name-calling now dominate conversations that should focus on ideas, policies and development. He warned that such conduct was gradually damaging communal bonds and eroding shared values.
Maj. Gen. James Alilu Ataguba (retd.)
He noted that constant online attacks, often carried out in defence of political figures, leave lasting consequences on the individuals involved, stressing that behaviour displayed on social media shapes public perception and can stain personal and family reputations.
The Igala leader cautioned supporters against unquestioning loyalty to politicians, pointing out that political leaders frequently mend fences after elections, while their followers continue to harbour bitterness and division.
He urged youths to critically assess their involvement in political disputes rather than allowing themselves to be used as tools of conflict.
Ataguba also spoke strongly against political violence, recalling past incidents in which innocent lives were lost during periods of unrest. He described such acts as unacceptable in a democratic society, insisting that political competition must never be driven by bloodshed, intimidation or electoral malpractice.
According to him, Nigeria’s ongoing development challenges are closely linked to leadership failures, many of which stem from voters’ willingness to support candidates lacking competence and integrity. He urged citizens to make informed choices based on character, capacity and credibility rather than sentiment or financial inducement.
The retired general further charged social media influencers to act as voices of conscience by demanding transparency and accountability from leaders. He encouraged them to speak honestly, even when faced with pressure or material incentives to compromise their principles.
He expressed concern that internal divisions and poor political judgment were weakening the Igala nation, calling on sons and daughters of the ethnic group to prioritise unity, peaceful engagement and collective progress over personal or partisan interests.
Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma
In her remarks, former National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, also criticised the rising trend of hostility among Igala youths on social media platforms.
She noted that online conversations have increasingly shifted from constructive debate to personal attacks, a development she said does little to advance unity or meaningful socio-political development.
Umar-Eluma explained that the dinner meeting was organised to promote dialogue, reflection and mutual understanding among young people, emphasising that the initiative was designed to encourage healing and cooperation rather than punishment.
She urged Igala youths to channel their energy into respectful engagement and conversations capable of strengthening unity and advancing the collective interests of the Igala nation.
The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Items in Borno State as part of a nationwide relief intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable households affected by conflict, displacement and economic hardship.
The initiative was flagged off on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Ramat Square, Maiduguri, by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, who described the intervention as a decisive step towards saving lives, stabilising nutrition and restoring hope among affected populations.
Dr. Doro explained that the emergency food and nutrition intervention covers 10 northern states- Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi reflecting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to food security, humanitarian protection and nutrition stabilisation.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government has approved and mobilised substantial quantities of food and nutrition items nationwide, including rice, beans, millet, maize, groundnut oil, palm oil, tom brown, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, salt and assorted essential medicines.
He disclosed that Borno State has been allocated 8,565 bags each of millet, rice and maize; 8,565 units of groundnut oil; 1,429 cartons of palm oil; 8,565 units of tom brown; 171 cartons of tomato paste; 611 cartons of seasoning cubes; 107 bags of salt, as well as assorted essential medicines, noting that the allocation was guided by humanitarian needs and the number of vulnerable households in the state.
Commending the resilience of the people of Borno, Dr. Doro described the intervention as more than food support, saying it represents dignity, sustenance and renewed hope.
He also applauded security agencies, development partners, community leaders and frontline workers for their sustained support to humanitarian efforts in the state, while urging stakeholders to collaborate closely to ensure a successful distribution.
The Minister assured that the distribution process would be closely monitored to guarantee transparency and ensure that the relief items reach the intended beneficiaries, urging recipients to utilise the items judiciously, particularly in caring for children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said the exercise marked a significant milestone in addressing food insecurity among the most vulnerable populations, assuring that the Ministry would uphold transparency, fairness and accountability throughout the distribution process.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the intervention, describing it as a timely and compassionate response to the humanitarian and nutritional challenges confronting vulnerable households in the state.
Alhaji Kadafur emphasised that food security is a moral imperative and a foundation for sustainable peace and development, assuring that the Borno State Government would ensure a transparent and equitable distribution of the relief items across the state.
He further pledged the state’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the exercise reaches all intended beneficiaries across the local government areas of the state.
The distribution exercise is expected to cover all local government areas in Borno State.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon. Ahmed Tijani; state commissioners, directors from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and representatives of development partners.
In a country where corruption has long threatened and is still threatening development, weakened institutions and eroded public trust, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has steadily emerged as a symbol of resolve, reform and renewed hope. Far from the cynicism that often trails anti-corruption rhetoric, the Commission’s recent years have been marked by tangible actions, institutional innovation and a widening impact across Nigeria’s governance landscape.
Established in 2000, ICPC was created to confront corruption in public life, investigate related offences and educate citizens on the dangers corruption poses to national growth. For many years, public perception of anti-corruption agencies oscillated between expectation and disappointment. Today, however, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is increasingly being recognised for moving beyond enforcement alone, adopting a more comprehensive and preventive approach that strikes at the roots of corruption.
One of the Commission’s most formidable strides has been its deliberate shift towards systemic prevention. Through its Corruption Risk Assessment framework, ICPC has helped Ministries, Departments and Agencies identify institutional weaknesses that enable graft. Rather than waiting for corruption to occur, the Commission now works with public institutions to redesign processes, close loopholes and entrench transparency. This preventive strategy has not only reduced financial leakages in several MDAs but promoted a culture of accountability within the public service.
Complementing this is the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, a pioneering tool that measures how well public institutions adhere to ethical standards. By ranking MDAs and publishing outcomes, ICPC has introduced a healthy sense of competition and public accountability into governance. Institutions are now incentivised to improve internal controls, knowing that integrity performance is being monitored and evaluated.
In the area of enforcement, the Commission has recorded notable successes. High-profile investigations, arrests and prosecutions have reinforced the message that no office is above the law. The recovery of misappropriated public funds and assets has helped return critical resources to government coffers, supporting development priorities. Importantly, ICPC’s prosecutions are increasingly built on meticulous investigation and inter-agency collaboration, improving conviction rates and strengthening judicial outcomes.
Another remarkable stride is ICPC’s engagement with the education sector. Through the establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units and Integrity Clubs in schools and tertiary institutions, the Commission is investing in Nigeria’s future. By teaching young Nigerians the values of honesty, patriotism and civic responsibility, ICPC is nurturing a generation that sees corruption not as a norm to be managed, but as a vice to be rejected. This long-term strategy recognises that sustainable change begins with mindset reorientation.
The Commission’s outreach efforts have also expanded significantly. From town hall meetings and media engagements to partnerships with civil society organisations and traditional institutions, ICPC has broadened citizens participation in the anti-corruption fight. These engagements have improved public awareness, encouraged whistle-blowing and strengthened community ownership of integrity initiatives. Corruption is no longer framed solely as a government problem but as a collective national challenge requiring collective action.
Digital innovation has further enhanced ICPC’s effectiveness. By leveraging technology for reporting, investigation and data analysis, the Commission has improved efficiency and reduced bureaucratic delays. Digital platforms now enable citizens to report corruption more easily, anonymously and securely, fostering trust and responsiveness. This modernization aligns the Commission with global best practices in anti-corruption governance.
Equally significant is Commission’s growing role in promoting accountability in constituency projects and public procurement. Through monitoring and verification exercises, the Commission has exposed abandoned, inflated or poorly executed projects across the country. These interventions have compelled corrective action, improved project delivery and reinforced the principle that public funds must translate into real benefits for citizens.
Challenges, ofcourse, remain. Corruption is deeply entrenched, adaptive and often politically sensitive. Resource constraints, legal bottlenecks and public skepticism still test the resilience of anti-corruption institutions. Yet, ICPC’s evolving strategies demonstrates an understanding that fighting corruption is not a sprint, but a sustained marathon requiring consistency, courage and collaboration.
What sets the ICPC apart in recent times is its balanced approach: firm enforcement combined with prevention, education and partnership. This multidimensional strategy has helped reposition the Commission from a reactive agency to a proactive institution shaping governance standards. It is a shift that aligns with Nigeria’s broader aspirations for transparency, economic growth and democratic consolidation.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards accountable governance, the strides made by the ICPC deserve recognition and support. The Commission’s work underscores a simple but powerful truth: corruption can be confronted when institutions are empowered, citizens are engaged and integrity is treated as a national value rather than a slogan.
In strengthening systems, prosecuting offenders and shaping values, the ICPC is not merely fighting corruption; it is helping to redefine the Nigerian state itself, one where public office is a trust, not a privilege, and where national development is driven by integrity.
Omini Oden (ACPA, FCAI) Media and Corporate Communications Expert ominioden@gmail.com
According to information that was received from The First African UNESCO Laureate, Founding Member Board of Trustees of Minaret University Ikirun Nigeria and World Records Holder of different organizations such as Noble Book of World Records and others world wide who is the Pioneer Dean Faculty of Science and Computing of Minaret University Ikirun Nigeria in person of Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu as stated below
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Sultan of Sokoto and President, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, are scheduled to inaugurate the commencement of academic session and investiture of the pioneer Vice Chancellor for The Minaret University Ikirun , Osun state South West Nigeria.
According to a release signed by The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu Africa Chairman Board of Trustees of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council an official Partner of United Nations and other organizations worldwide, the ceremonies would hold on the 5th of February, 2026 at the Mini Campus site of the faith-based university owned by the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria and Chancellor of Minaret University, Barrister Alatoye Azeez Folorunso, will officially present the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdul Rahman Abdullah to the academic and host community in Ikirun.
Minaret University Ikirun is a private institution located in Osun State, Nigeria, offering various undergraduate programs. The university is owned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria (AMJN) and was approved by the Federal Government and the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2025.
Faculties and Programs:
Faculty of Science & Computing:
Data Science
Information Technology
Computer Science
Cyber Security
Faculty of Management & Social Sciences:
Accounting
Economics
Business Administration
Marketing
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Admission Requirements:
Minimum UTME Score: 150
Five (5) O’Level Credits (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) in relevant subjects
Appropriate JAMB subject combination
The university’s vision is to pursue moral and intellectual development for creativity, entrepreneurship, adaptability, and survival of the university graduate.
Who is Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu? He is a Nigerian academic of international repute, renowned for his outstanding contributions to education. As the First African UNESCO Laureate, he has received numerous accolades, including the Noble Book of World Records, the PHILANTHROPIST Award (2023), the Global ICON Award (2023), and the Outstanding Global Achievements Award (2023). Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu is a World Records Holder in various global organizations. Professor Aremu is no stranger to global recognition, having previously set multiple world records acknowledged by bodies such as the Netaji World Records, the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England, and the Asian Bengal Book of Records for his contributions to education and global development.
“Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu has held several leadership roles, including International Chairman, Board of Trustees of Africa Information Technology Consultancy, and Chief Editor, Technoarete Transactions on Application ICT in Education. As a distinguished academic, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu has been appointed to various academic positions, including Chairman and Member of the Accreditation Panel of some Nigerian Universities appointed by the National Universities Commission, Abuja, Nigeria, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Universities and Organizations worldwide.
The Leadership Awareness & Transparency Network (LATNET) has issued a strong warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to immediately cease parading himself as the leader or controller of Rivers State amid the ongoing political crisis.
In a press statement signed and released today, February 4, 2026, by Hon. Usman Buhari Ali Gwandu, Ph.D National Convener LATNET described Wike’s recent declaration at a civic reception in Ogu, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area—that “We’re in charge” and supporters should “go home and sleep very well with your two eyes closed”—as inflammatory, divisive, and inconsistent with democratic principles, constitutional order, and respect for elected leadership.
The group emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the duly elected and legitimate executive governor of Rivers State, vested with full constitutional authority over the state’s affairs. LATNET condemned any attempt by unelected individuals or former officeholders to undermine the governor’s authority or project parallel control, warning that such actions risk escalating tensions, eroding public confidence in institutions, and potentially destabilizing the peace in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region.
Key excerpts from the statement:
“The Leadership Awareness & Transparency Network (LATNET) views with serious concern the continued attempts by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to assert undue influence and claim ownership over Rivers State governance. His public assertion of being ‘in charge’—made in the context of a lingering supremacy battle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara—represents a dangerous affront to democracy and the rule of law.
Rivers State is not a personal fiefdom but a constitutional entity where power derives from the people through free and fair elections. Governor Fubara, despite political challenges including past suspensions, emergency rule interventions, impeachment threats, and party defections, holds the mandate of the electorate until the end of his term.
We call on Hon. Nyesom Wike to respect the separation of powers, refrain from actions or statements that suggest he exercises control outside his official role as FCT Minister, and allow democratic institutions to function without interference. True leadership promotes unity, transparency, and accountability—not division or personal dominance.
LATNET urges all stakeholders, including political allies, ethnic nationalities, and supporters, to prioritize dialogue, legality, and the greater good of Rivers people over partisan ambitions. We stand ready to advocate for peaceful resolution and institutional integrity in Rivers State and across Nigeria.”
The statement was jointly signed by:
Hon. Usman Buhari Ali Gwandu, Ph.D National Convener 08067831800
Media Contact: Email: latnetnigeria@gmail.com
LATNET is a non-partisan advocacy network committed to promoting ethical leadership, good governance, transparency, and accountability in public affairs across Nigeria.
Africa Security Investigation News 