President Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of Works David Umahi has said President Bola Tinubu refused to bow to pressure from those who demanded his dismissal after the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to his medical team.

Umahi made the disclosure in a video that surfaced on X on Monday. He said the president instead encouraged him to remain focused on delivering infrastructure projects across the country.

“Power and might don’t belong to social media, it belongs to God,” Umahi said.

“When people took the death of one of my staff and started playing politics with it, they said the president should sack me, but the president surprised all of them and said, ‘Dave, go and build more roads.’”

Habila died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Ebonyi State. Her death attracted widespread public attention. Some Nigerians demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Associations (SOKAPU) later instituted a ₦20 billion lawsuit against the minister. The group alleged a breach of duty of care while the deceased was under his custody.

Umahi said he was deeply saddened by Habila’s death. He explained that he cancelled plans for celebrations during his recent birthday out of respect for the deceased.

He said he instructed his supporters across the world not to organise any birthday activities because he was “mourning”.

The minister also prayed that if he or any member of his family played any role in Habila’s death, they should face a worse fate than she did.

Following the incident, Umahi requested that the Ebonyi State Police Command conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death. He also asked that her body should not be released until the post-mortem examination was completed.

However, members of Habila’s family declined the request. They insisted that no autopsy should be carried out and demanded that she be buried in accordance with their wishes.

By Uzair Adam

Members of the Fagge Local Government Area in Kano State have welcomed the appointment of Dr. Salisu Salisu as Provost of the Federal College of Agricultural Produce and Technology (FCAPT), describing the development as a well-deserved recognition of his academic excellence, professional competence and years of dedicated service.

The community members also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the appointment, expressing confidence that Dr. Salisu’s wealth of experience would contribute to the growth and development of the institution.

The Daily Reality reports that Dr. Salisu is a senior academic in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology with expertise in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology and agricultural research.

He obtained his PhD in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry from Benue State University during the 2023/2024 academic session after earning a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Bayero University Kano.

He has also authored several scholarly publications on heavy metals, food safety and spectroscopic analysis.

Reacting to the appointment, Aisar Fagge, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Kano State Polytechnic, described it as a testament to Dr. Fagge’s resilience, dedication and commitment to the institution.

“As one of the old comrades of the school, this appointment is a testimony to his resilience, dedication, commitment and cordial relationship with the staff and the management,” he said.

Aisar expressed optimism that Dr. Salisu’s wealth of experience would help move the institution to greater heights.

He also prayed that Allah would grant the new provost wisdom and guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities while appreciating everyone who contributed to making the appointment possible.

Also speaking, another community member, Hussaini Ibrahim Kote, congratulated the new provost and thanked President Tinubu for what he described as appointing the right person for the job.

The community members prayed for Allah to grant Dr. Salisu success in his new assignment and guide him in steering the Federal College of Agricultural Produce and Technology to greater achievements.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has said his administration rejected negotiations with the kidnappers who abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State because security agencies understood the terrain where the victims were held.

The president spoke on Thursday at the State House in Abuja while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Tinubu said the successful rescue operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the country’s security forces. He maintained that the government would continue to confront criminal groups without paying ransom.

“Congratulations on the Oriire Oyo state rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support, prayers, and I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance,” the president told the delegation.


“On behalf of them, I accept the message and I will forward this same message on. I should emphasise the question of security that each event teaches us new method, open our eyes, challenge us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategies, our map and operations.


“And you would agree that we gifting geographical and numerical answers to the challenge. We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest.


“We know what it is and in answer to it, you see that from eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time, to give that response time the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry. It is very necessary and we are doing so.”


The president also reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state police as part of efforts to strengthen security across the country.

“We have equally embarked upon what was missing, several decades of fears and uncertainty about what to do about security at the local level will be corrected,” he said.


“There will be state police. And as state police will have guardrails from abuses. We protect it from abuses.”


Tinubu also appealed to traditional rulers to support the fight against insecurity. He said the government is strengthening the capacity of forest guards to confront criminals operating in forests.

“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” he added.


Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15 and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the affected schools.

The kidnappers later killed one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, while he was in captivity.

The Presidency announced on July 10 that all the remaining abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he conceived the project during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State nearly 3 decades ago.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision on Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja. He said the ministry approved the new name after consultations with its leadership and staff.

“That highway is named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway,” Umahi said.

He added, “By the powers conferred on me as minister of works, in consultation with my permanent secretary, the minister of state, directors and staff of the ministry, we decided to name it after him because of his dream for it.”

The minister said Tinubu first envisioned the project about 27 years ago while serving as Lagos State governor.

“He had that dream about 27 years back as governor of Lagos state. It is one thing to dream and another thing to have the grace of God to actualise that dream. This is one man who dreams and has the grace and divine mandate to actualise that dream,” Umahi said.

He also announced that President Tinubu approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres. The approval increases the total length of the corridor to about 1,100 kilometres.

Umahi further disclosed that the president approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with reinforced concrete pavement. He said the approvals also cover the completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge and the dualisation of another 400 kilometres of the East-West Road.

The minister said work was progressing on several sections of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He explained that the first section, which stretches from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos State, serves as a model for modern highway construction.

According to him, the second section from Eleko to the Lagos-Ogun boundary is about 60 per cent complete. He said the project is expected to reach substantial completion by November. He added that construction is also underway in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states.

Umahi expressed confidence that the approved road projects would improve transportation across the country, strengthen national unity and stimulate economic activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has said his administration’s financial and fiscal reforms have placed Nigeria’s economy on a path of steady growth after three years in office.

The president made the remarks on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja when he received a delegation from Deloitte Africa led by its Chief Executive Officer, Ruwayda Redfearn.

According to Tinubu, although the reforms came with initial difficulties, they have strengthened the country’s economic foundation and created conditions for long-term growth.

“We are following the example of Deloitte’s greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people,” Tinubu said.

“Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about.

“Thank you for your partnership in paying attention to what we are doing here, as we have heard from the honourable minister of finance about the fiscal, revenue and tax reforms that have taken place and are moving the nation forward.

“The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes, some issues are difficult to take the bitter medicine, but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress.”

The president stated that the reforms have improved Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue systems, repositioned financial institutions and enhanced the country’s competitiveness. He also urged Deloitte Africa to support the government’s efforts by investing in youth development and job creation.

“The family of Deloitte; you just reminded me of my cradle years in accountancy and where I cut my childhood accounting teeth in Chicago,” he said.

“Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that.”

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, also encouraged the firm to prioritise programmes that build the capacity of young Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the firm, Redfearn reaffirmed Deloitte Africa’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s reform agenda.

“We are before you to say that we want to serve,” she said.

“We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country.”

She disclosed that Deloitte employs more than 500,000 people worldwide, including over 6,000 in Africa, and generated $74 billion in revenue in 2025.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte West Africa, Yomi Olugbenro, said the firm is prepared to deploy its international experience to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“We do believe that with the capabilities that the firm has all over the world, with the half a million people that our CEO spoke about, we have use cases, examples and experiences of how we supported nations all around the world, so Nigeria will definitely benefit from those experiences,” Olugbenro said.

“So that is why we are here, and we welcome the invitation that you may grant us as to where exactly you want us to support you.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism across the country, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian government.

The President delivered the warning on Thursday during a nationwide broadcast to commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.

In his Democracy Day address, Tinubu said the government would continue to pursue both military operations and rehabilitation programmes for repentant fighters, but stressed that the opportunity for surrender would not remain available indefinitely.

“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he said.

Highlighting security efforts by his administration, the President stated that terror-related fatalities had declined significantly since 2015. He also disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the last year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.

According to him, security remains a major priority of his government, especially in light of recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states.

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the government had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.

The President also spoke about recent military gains against insurgents, including operations in Borno State.

“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre,” he stated.

Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity and warned against ethnic profiling.

“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.

Beyond security, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He described June 12 as a defining moment in the nation’s history and paid tribute to individuals who played key roles in the struggle for democracy.

“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” he said.

The President honoured the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and several other democracy activists, politicians, journalists and civil society leaders whose sacrifices, he said, helped secure democratic governance in Nigeria.

Tinubu also announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy figures and disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

On the economy, the President defended ongoing reforms introduced by his administration. He said the measures had improved government revenues, strengthened investor confidence and boosted investments across key sectors of the economy.

He acknowledged that many Nigerians still face economic difficulties but assured citizens that his administration remains committed to reducing inflation, creating jobs, improving food production and raising living standards.

“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he said.

Tinubu also urged young Nigerians to contribute to national development and participate actively in the democratic process.

“To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.

As Ekiti and Osun prepare for upcoming elections, the President called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful and credible polls.

He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite current challenges.

“Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion for emergency preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, following the resurgence of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The President also established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, to be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The fund will strengthen the operational readiness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical national public health emergency response activities, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The decision followed a stakeholder meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to review Nigeria’s preparedness and develop strategies against the possible importation of Ebola. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Lagos State Government, among others.

President Tinubu directed all states hosting international airports and border corridors, as well as relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to submit their plans, funding requirements, and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

The Presidential Task Force’s membership will draw from MDAs and state representatives. It is mandated to put in place several measures, including intensified passenger screening at all international airports, enhanced temperature checks, and crowd-control protocols.

Other measures include enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving through high-risk airline routes. Air Uganda, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines — and immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, with other airports to follow.

The Task Force will also enforce a mandatory QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration system for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries. Disinfection of departure halls, cargoes, baggage areas, and airport facilities will also be carried out as precautionary environmental measures.

The President mandated the advisory group to consult with security, diplomatic, and aviation bodies to regulate flights from affected and high-risk countries. The Task Force is further directed to designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights to enable controlled screening and isolation procedures, and to consider adjusting flight timings to minimise interaction between high-risk passengers and others.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu commended Nigerian military personnel and security forces for their sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism, describing them as a “shield” protecting millions of citizens from violent extremists.

In a statement titled Terrorism in the Land, the President praised troops operating in forests, roads, forward bases, air zones, creeks, and other difficult terrains across the country. He acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the campaign, including long absences from families and the ultimate sacrifice paid by fallen heroes.

“You carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade, and raise their children in hope,” Tinubu said. “This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm.”

The President extended his gratitude not only to the Armed Forces but also to the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence, intelligence agencies, and local security formations. He also recognized the families of service members, saying, “Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too.”

Tinubu called on citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and useful information, urging: “When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.”

He rejected any notion that Nigeria would surrender to fear, insisting that terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and violent extremists would not define the nation’s identity. “Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community,” he said.

The President concluded with a prayer for the protection of troops, reaffirming that the fight against terror remains a national duty.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed frustration over the federal government’s handling of the renegotiated agreement on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), warning that lecturers may soon embark on industrial action.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made the remarks during an interview on Thursday. He accused the federal ministry of education of failing to properly implement parts of the agreement reached with the union.

The federal government had signed a renegotiated agreement with ASUU on January 14 after years of disputes and strike actions across public universities. The negotiations were concluded in December 2025.

Despite the agreement, several federal universities have recorded delays in salary payments since February. The development has sparked complaints from ASUU branches across the country.

Piwuna said university lecturers are no longer comfortable with the situation, especially the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which he said has lasted for 18 months.

“Our members across the branches feel the pinch, so their responses are expected,” he said.

“The federal ministry of education has gone to sleep. We intend to wake them up. When the drums start beating, be sure of what will follow.”

The ASUU president also faulted the government for allegedly shifting responsibility for the allowances to vice-chancellors.

“We agreed that EAA should be mainstreamed to address the problem of accumulated arrears. They are back to the mess of EAA arrears again,” he said.

He added that although the government announced professional allowances for lecturers, some university authorities still struggle to pay them.

“Our promotion arrears have been waiting for the approval of the minister of finance. Now they say the new minister has to settle down. We are tired of your tactics. We are fed up,” the ASUU president maintained.

Piwuna further stated that the agreement reached with the government required the EAA to be incorporated into lecturers’ salaries from January, but this has not happened.

“We are literally back to the Ngige era of never-ending EAA renegotiation,” he said.

“The truth is that we have not received it (EAA) for 18 months.

“It was mainstreamed in the 2025 budget. They did not implement it. This current minister said it would start in January this year. Nothing.”

He explained that the December 2025 agreement included additional allowances for lecturers.

“After signing the December 2025 agreement, we had three allowances added to our salary — 40 percent covering things like journal allowance, conference allowance, book allowance, et cetera,” he said.

“Then we have the professorial allowance. Then a percentage of EAA into our monthly salary.

“All these have been implemented in the most haphazard manner you could ever imagine.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved N2 billion as relief support for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid criticism that victims of attacks in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina have not received similar attention.

The attack in Jos left at least 28 people dead after gunmen opened fire at a popular bar.

The presidency made the announcement on Wednesday through Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy. He said Mohammed Dorro, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, disclosed the intervention during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

Onanuga explained that the meeting involved a 32-member delegation from Plateau State. Discussions focused on finding a lasting solution to recurring violence in the state. He added that the engagement fulfilled Tinubu’s promise to meet stakeholders after the Angwa Rukuba incident.

However, some observers have expressed concern that similar large-scale attacks in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and other states have not attracted the same level of federal response, a situation they say raises questions about equity in addressing security crises.

Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu called on leaders to work together to restore peace. He said Plateau had long been known for peaceful coexistence. He urged participants to return to their communities and promote reconciliation with “open minds”.

“No protocols, no hinderances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos,” the president said.

Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, welcomed the federal government’s intervention. He described the meeting as significant. He noted that it was the first time all living former governors of the state gathered to deliberate on peace.

Mutfwang assured the president that stakeholders would implement agreed resolutions and sustain efforts toward stability. He also pledged commitment to unity. He said the state plans to “turn conflict into profit” by addressing poverty and exclusion.

“Our coming here today shows that there is a renewed spirit on the Plateau… we are determined to close all divides of religion and ethnicity,” the governor said.

Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the traditional ruler of the Berom community, called for stronger security measures. He requested increased military presence and the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems across Plateau. He also urged accelerated consideration of state police.

He further appealed for federal support to enable internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes before the rainy season.

The delegation included former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Fidelis Tapgun. Others present were Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, retired security chiefs, religious leaders, and youth representatives.