Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Turkey Targets Nigeria’s BUK for Major Academic Partnership Drive

By
Fortune Temitope
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The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy (left) with the Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, during the meeting on Thursday. Photo: X | @BUK_Nigeria

In a significant boost to Nigeria–Turkey educational cooperation, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has paid an official visit to Bayero University Kano (BUK), marking his first engagement with a Nigerian university since assuming office.

The visit, held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, centred on exploring formal partnerships with leading Turkish universities, with a strong focus on joint research, academic staff exchanges, and student mobility programmes. Ambassador Poroy said BUK’s rising profile as one of Nigeria’s top academic institutions informed his decision to begin his university outreach in Kano.

He emphasised that strengthening institutional linkages would not only expand academic opportunities but also deepen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Turkey. Poroy disclosed that over 4,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in Turkish universities, adding that Ankara is expanding fully funded scholarship opportunities as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen people-to-people ties through education.

Welcoming the delegation, BUK Vice-Chancellor, Haruna Musa, described the visit as both timely and strategic, reaffirming the university’s readiness to establish formal collaborations with Turkish institutions. He outlined the university’s academic and research capacity, noting that BUK now hosts nearly 38,000 students and over 4,700 staff across multiple faculties and specialised centres.

Professor Musa highlighted globally recognised research hubs within the institution, including the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, which attracts students from 15 countries, and the World Bank-backed Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy. He also pointed to BUK’s expertise in renewable energy, infectious diseases, and public health as key areas for potential collaboration.

The Vice-Chancellor further noted that the university recently recorded strong performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings, emerging among Nigeria’s leading institutions in teaching and research, while ranking first in the country for international outlook. He added that BUK is preparing to celebrate its golden jubilee and extended an invitation to the Turkish Embassy to participate in the milestone events.

He was joined during the meeting by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Amina Mustapha, who recently accompanied him to the Africa Universities Summit in Nairobi, where the institution received continental recognition.

Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would culminate in concrete memoranda of understanding with Turkish universities. The anticipated partnerships are expected to enhance knowledge exchange, create new academic opportunities, and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation between Nigeria and Turkey.

ADC Demands INEC Chairman’s Sack, Alleges Plot to Enforce One-Party State

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Leaders of the ADC at a press conference on in Abuja Thursday. Photo: X | @KwankwasoRM

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its confrontation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the immediate resignation of its chairman over what it describes as a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework.

The opposition party, in a strongly worded statement, accused the electoral body of actions it claims are aimed at weakening opposition parties and consolidating power in favour of the ruling establishment. According to the ADC, recent developments within the electoral space point to a broader agenda that could steer the country toward a one-party state.

The party alleged that INEC’s decisions and conduct in recent political disputes have raised serious concerns about its neutrality and independence. It insisted that the electoral umpire must remain above partisan interests, warning that any perceived compromise could erode public confidence in the democratic process ahead of future elections.

ADC further argued that the current leadership of INEC has failed to inspire trust among political stakeholders, particularly opposition parties, which it said are increasingly being subjected to unfair administrative and regulatory actions. The party maintained that such actions threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

In its demand, the ADC called for urgent reforms within the commission, beginning with the resignation of the chairman to allow for what it described as a “reset” of the institution. It stressed that restoring public confidence in the electoral body is critical to safeguarding democracy and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

The party also warned that continued actions perceived as biased could heighten political tension in the country, urging stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the international community, to closely monitor developments.

While reiterating its commitment to democratic principles, the ADC maintained that Nigeria must avoid any drift toward authoritarianism disguised as electoral governance. It called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend democratic institutions against what it described as emerging threats to pluralism and political competition.

NSC Unveils 3-Pronged Sports Strategy for 2026, Targets Talent Growth, Global Success

By
Kazeem Busari
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Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade

The National Sports Commission has rolled out a comprehensive three-part strategy aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s sporting landscape in 2026, with a focus on strengthening domestic competitions, expanding global talent discovery, and enhancing international representation.

The initiative, announced in a press release, signals a coordinated effort by the Commission to build a more structured and competitive sports ecosystem capable of delivering sustained success on the global stage.

Central to the new framework is the establishment of a Main Organising Committee for the maiden National Intermediate Games, scheduled to hold in Lagos. The competition is designed to serve as a critical bridge between grassroots development and elite performance, addressing the gap that currently exists after the National Youth Games. The Director General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, will chair the committee, underscoring the importance attached to the new tournament.

In parallel, the Commission has set up a Diaspora Talent Discovery Committee, chaired by Tunde Adelakun, to harness Nigeria’s vast pool of athletes abroad. The committee comprises professionals drawn from football, athletics, media, and sports administration, and is expected to strengthen the identification, recruitment, and integration of globally based Nigerian talent into national teams.

Complementing these efforts is the unveiling of Team Nigeria Ambassadors ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The ambassadors, made up of former administrators, elite athletes, and key stakeholders, are expected to support athlete preparation and boost Nigeria’s visibility and performance at the international competition.

The Commission noted that the three initiatives are interconnected and reflect a deliberate strategy to deepen the domestic talent pipeline, expand scouting networks beyond Nigeria’s borders, and reinforce the country’s competitiveness at major sporting events.

Tinubu Orders 5,000 AI Cameras for Plateau Security

By
Laziz Olatunde
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President Bola Tinubu meets victims of the recent Plateau attacks. Photo: State House | X

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to deploy an artificial intelligence-powered network of over 5,000 digital surveillance cameras across Plateau State, as part of urgent measures to combat rising insecurity following recent deadly attacks in Jos.

The President made the disclosure during a visit to the state capital, where he commiserated with victims of the March 29 violence in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives. Addressing affected families and stakeholders, Tinubu assured residents that the Federal Government would take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.

“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” the President said, while expressing deep sorrow over the incident. “No amount of money can recompense for lost souls.”

Tinubu directed key security chiefs, including the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killings. He charged them to “unearth and find the killers” and ensure justice is served.

As part of a broader technological response, the President said the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would oversee the immediate rollout of the surveillance system in collaboration with state authorities and security agencies. The project will commence in Jos before expanding statewide, building on similar deployments in Lagos and Enugu.

In addition, Tinubu directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on victims to ensure equitable distribution of government support to affected families.

Speaking during the engagement, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attack as a setback after a period of relative calm, expressing confidence in ongoing security efforts. “We will win this war against insecurity,” he said, while thanking the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security architecture.

Political and traditional leaders at the meeting called for deeper collaboration and long-term solutions to the recurring violence. Former governor Jonah David Jang warned that the spread of violence from rural communities into urban centres signals a dangerous escalation. “The fact that the violence is now leaving the villages and getting into the townships is a dimension that we do not want to see,” he said, while advocating a high-level dialogue in Abuja.

Another former governor, Simon Lalong, stressed that lasting peace would require internal consensus among Plateau stakeholders. “It is not security agencies that will bring peace — Plateau people will bring peace,” he said, urging a closed-door meeting to address underlying issues.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, highlighted the scale of recent losses, noting that over 14 people, including a military officer, were killed in fresh incidents in parts of the state. He called for enhanced coordination between air and ground forces to prevent further attacks, especially as the farming season approaches.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed optimism that the President’s intervention would strengthen security operations and provide relief to grieving families.

Tinubu, however, emphasised that beyond reactive measures, leaders must learn from past crises to prevent future bloodshed. “Why is the past not a source of lessons to us?” he asked, reaffirming his commitment to peace, security, and inclusive governance.

APC Fires Back at ADC, Blames Party’s Crisis on ‘Self-Inflicted’ Dispute

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing rebuttal against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing allegations that it is orchestrating internal crises within the opposition party and instead accusing the ADC of engineering its own downfall.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described the ADC as a party plagued by internal confusion and poor leadership decisions, insisting that its current challenges are entirely self-inflicted.

“Quite apart from being an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the All Progressives Congress (APC) is or is not doing to undermine the party,” the statement read.

The ruling party further argued that the ADC’s leadership crisis stemmed from what it described as a flawed takeover by a faction allegedly led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, accusing them of disregarding the party’s constitutional provisions and due process.

According to the APC, the situation was compounded by the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise the factional leadership, a move it said was backed by a court judgment and consistent with democratic norms.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to de-recognise the factional David Mark-led executives in compliance with the judgment of the court is valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice,” Morka stated.

The APC dismissed the ADC’s claims of external interference as “escapist and irresponsible,” insisting that the opposition party must take full responsibility for its internal disarray.

“It is therefore highly escapist and irresponsible for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal woes, of which they are the sole architects,” the statement added.

The ruling party also questioned the ADC’s credibility as a viable political alternative, arguing that its inability to manage internal affairs undermines its capacity to govern effectively.

“A party that cannot fix itself cannot possibly fix Nigeria,” Morka said, further accusing the ADC of lacking substantive policy direction and being driven primarily by attacks on the APC.

Reaffirming its position, the APC said it remains focused on governance and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national stability.

Chelsea Set for Historic Lagos Visit as Victor Moses Headlines Fan Event

By
Kazeem Busari
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Chelsea Football Club will make a historic first-ever visit to Lagos this May, bringing its global fan engagement programme, The Famous CFC, to Nigeria in what is expected to be a landmark moment for supporters in the country.

The visit forms part of the club’s international outreach for the 2025/26 season and represents the fifth stop on the expanded fan engagement tour designed to deepen connections with supporters worldwide. Lagos, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most vibrant cities, will host the penultimate event of the season as Chelsea intensifies efforts to strengthen its global fan base.

Central to the event will be former Chelsea star and Super Eagles winger Victor Moses, who is set to engage directly with fans throughout the weekend. Moses will feature in a series of activities, including a question-and-answer session, offering supporters a rare opportunity to interact with one of the club’s most celebrated recent players.

The Lagos event will also include a flagship watch party alongside a range of exclusive fan experiences, with organisers promising interactive sessions and opportunities for attendees to win signed club merchandise.

Moses remains a revered figure among Chelsea supporters, having played a key role in the club’s 2016/17 Premier League triumph. His legacy extends beyond club football, with the winger also enjoying a distinguished international career with Nigeria. Since making his debut for the Super Eagles in 2012, he was instrumental in the country’s victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and featured in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments before retiring from international football in 2018.

Chelsea’s decision to bring its fan programme to Lagos underscores the club’s recognition of Nigeria’s passionate football audience and growing influence within the global game. The initiative aims to bring fans closer to the club while celebrating the shared culture and enthusiasm that define its worldwide community.

First Lady Unveils Food Bank, Secures ₦65bn to Fight Hunger Nationwide

By
Justice Oladapo
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Nigeria has taken a major step in addressing food insecurity with the launch of a nationwide food intervention programme backed by over ₦65 billion in pledges from government and private sector stakeholders.

The initiative, unveiled by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, is designed to reach at least 500,000 vulnerable households in its first year through the newly established National Community Food Bank Programme.

Speaking at the launch and inauguration of the programme’s Board of Trustees, Tinubu said the initiative is a strategic response to rising hunger and malnutrition, particularly among children under the age of six. “The Community Food Bank Program was conceived by us as sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children under 6 years, strengthening community-based nutrition systems, and restore hope where it is most needed,” she said.

She added that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at advancing food security and improving the welfare of Nigerians. According to her, the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Industry.

The First Lady announced a personal donation of ₦500 million to the fund, while acknowledging major contributions from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, ₦10 billion pledged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over five years, ₦500 million from the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, and ₦17 billion from the Federal Government through the Social Action Fund. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum also committed a matching ₦17 billion, while an additional $500,000 (about ₦692.5 million) was pledged by anonymous donors.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the trust fund, noting that the Board of Trustees comprises individuals with proven integrity and experience. “Their collective leadership will ensure that every Naira donated is used judiciously,” she said.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as timely, citing worsening food access challenges across the country. “Across our states, we see the pressure many households face in accessing affordable and nutritious food. More than one third of the children under five are stunted. This points to chronic undernutrition with lasting consequences for fiscal growth and development. This is not only a health issue, it’s a national issue,” he said.

Also speaking, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, underscored the urgency of addressing malnutrition, describing it as both a policy and moral imperative. “Health does not begin in hospitals alone. It begins in our homes, in our communities, and it starts with adequate nutrition. And it is not only a necessity, politically, but it’s a moral imperative that we ensure that no Nigerian child goes to bed hungry,” he stated.

He confirmed that the Federal Government has approved ₦17 billion to support the initiative, explaining that the intervention would help decentralise nutrition programmes and strengthen community-level impact.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as a shift “from sympathy to structure and from concern to coordinated response,” noting that Nigeria faces severe nutrition challenges, with millions of children affected by stunting and undernourishment.

At the operational level, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayodeji Sotinrin, outlined safeguards built into the system. He said the fund would be managed through a ring-fenced account requiring multiple approvals for disbursement, with independent verification at every stage. “No single person can authorize a disbursement. A minimum of three to five authorized trustees must co-sign every approval,” he explained, adding that quarterly reports would be published to ensure transparency.

Distribution of food support is expected to leverage the nationwide primary healthcare network, ensuring reach down to ward level across all 36 states, while procurement and logistics will be supported through the bank’s extensive branch network.

Army Deploys 850 Troops to Quell Rising Tensions in Plateau

By
Laziz Olatunde
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A cross section of the troops in Jos, Plateau State. Photo: Nigerian Army | X

The Nigerian Army has intensified its response to rising insecurity in Plateau State, with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, approving the immediate deployment of additional troops to stabilise affected communities.

The reinforcement, carried out under Operation ENDURING PEACE, is aimed at strengthening ongoing operations and supporting personnel already on ground in efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore law and order across troubled areas of the state.

More than 850 troops have been mobilised from military formations in Abuja and Kaduna, in what officials describe as a swift and decisive intervention to contain the deteriorating security situation. The newly deployed personnel have been tasked with protecting lives and property while ensuring the safety of residents.

Addressing troops at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Jos, the army chief urged personnel to uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties. “Remain professional, disciplined and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens,” he said.

He further assured troops that the military high command has made adequate logistical provisions and supplied necessary combat enablers to support the effective execution of their mission.

The deployment comes amid heightened concerns over security in parts of Plateau State, where authorities have stepped up efforts to prevent further escalation and reassure residents of their safety. Military officials say the reinforced presence is expected to bolster operational capacity and enhance rapid response to emerging threats.

The Nigerian Army maintains that the operation is part of broader efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the state, with a renewed focus on protecting civilian populations and neutralising criminal elements.

FG Warns Media, Security Agencies Against Ethnic Profiling

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris

The Federal Government has issued a strong warning against the use of careless and harmful language in security operations, media reporting, and public discourse, cautioning that such practices could deepen divisions and erode national unity.

Speaking at a high-level conference in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed that the way issues are framed—particularly around security—can significantly shape public perception and societal cohesion. The event, organised by the Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research Nigeria, focused on addressing stereotyping and ethnic profiling in West Africa.

Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, the minister underscored the weight of language in national discourse. “Definitions are not neutral. They carry weight. They influence how communities are seen and how they are treated,” he said. He warned that “when definitions are careless or inaccurate, they can reinforce stereotypes, deepen divisions and create mistrust between citizens and the institutions meant to protect them.”

The minister emphasised the need for precision and responsibility, particularly when reporting on criminal activities. He cautioned against linking crimes to ethnic or religious identities, noting that such narratives risk undermining trust and cooperation in a diverse society like Nigeria. “We must promote accuracy in language. We must also ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions without generalizing blame to entire groups,” he stated, adding, “We must distinguish clearly between criminal behavior and identity.”

Highlighting ongoing reforms, Idris pointed to the Federal Government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rebuild trust and strengthen national unity. Central to this effort is the National Values Charter, which he described as a framework designed to foster accountability, inclusion, and shared responsibility among citizens and government institutions.

“The charter provides a clear framework outlining the government’s responsibilities to citizens and citizens’ responsibilities to the nation,” he said. “Its purpose is simple, to rebuild trust and create a common understanding of what it means to be Nigerian.”

He further noted that agencies such as the National Orientation Agency are driving nationwide campaigns aimed at promoting responsible citizenship and countering divisive narratives, while citizen engagement initiatives are helping to deepen trust between the government and the public.

On the security front, the minister reaffirmed that the government is strengthening its response to evolving threats, including terrorism, banditry, and organised crime. He disclosed that a comprehensive plan for transitioning to state policing is underway. “A comprehensive framework… proposes a carefully phased transition to a decentralized policing system over a 60-month period,” he said, adding that “strong safeguards have been embedded to prevent political misuse.”

Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with international partners in intelligence sharing and capacity building, while urging caution against misrepresenting the country in global narratives. “While challenges exist, they do not define our country. Nigeria remains a place where different religious groups coexist… and where government continues to take steps to strengthen inclusion and fairness,” he affirmed.

He concluded with a direct appeal to journalists and media practitioners, stressing the urgency of professionalism in an era of rapid information dissemination. “Reporting must be responsible, verified and sensitive to context. The consequences of misinformation or careless framing can be severe,” he said.

Nigeria Moves Closer to 2031 African Games as AUSC Inspection Team Arrives

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nigeria’s bid to host the 15th African Games in 2031 has entered a decisive phase following the arrival of an evaluation team from the African Union Sports Council for a comprehensive assessment of the country’s preparedness.

The delegation was officially received by the National Sports Commission, marking a critical milestone in the competitive bidding process for Africa’s premier multi-sport event. The visiting technical experts are expected to conduct detailed inspections of key sporting facilities, supporting infrastructure, and Nigeria’s broader organisational capacity to host the continental showpiece.

The inspection exercise forms part of the AUSC’s rigorous evaluation framework, which benchmarks prospective host nations against established continental standards to ensure readiness, sustainability, and delivery capability.

Nigeria’s bid, according to officials, goes beyond staging the Games, with a strong emphasis on long-term impact. Authorities say the proposal is anchored on leveraging the event to drive infrastructure development, deepen youth engagement, and unlock economic opportunities through sports.

With a track record of hosting major international sporting events and ongoing investments across its sports ecosystem, Nigeria is positioning itself as a credible contender in the race to host the 2031 edition.

The leadership of the National Sports Commission reaffirmed its determination to present a compelling case to the evaluation team, stressing the country’s organisational strength and ambition to deliver a world-class African Games.

Officials insist that Nigeria’s vision is not only to successfully host the Games but also to create a lasting legacy that will advance sports development across the continent.

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