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Tag: Nigeria

  • Aftermath of Edo, Katsina, Borno killings: Angry Obi says war should be declared on insecurity

    Aftermath of Edo, Katsina, Borno killings: Angry Obi says war should be declared on insecurity

    Aftermath of of massive killings across Nigeria, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to declare a “national war” on insecurity, warning that the level of violence and loss of lives in Nigeria now mirrors that of nations in active conflict.

    Obi’s call follows reports that over 100 people were killed in a wave of violent attacks across Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Edo states over the weekend.

    “Bloody Weekend: over 100 Killed in Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Edo. This grim headline captures the frightening reality reflected in our weekend papers,” Obi wrote on X on Sunday.

    “The killing of eight NSCDC officers, the abduction of a Chinese national in Edo, the kidnapping of passengers on the Benin–Iyere–Oluku road, and the slaughter of five soldiers and 58 civilians in Borno are not isolated tragedies. They are stark evidence that Nigeria is in the grip of a full-blown security emergency.

    “When over 100 Nigerians are killed in a single weekend, our casualty figures rival those of countries officially at war. This is no longer business as usual. It is time to declare a national war on insecurity — to mobilise every resource, every agency, every state, and to suspend all distractions while we begin the process of reclaiming our nation from lawlessness.”

    The former Anambra State governor condoled the families of “our fallen heroes”, adding that “Their courage reminds us that we still have men and women who are willing to risk everything for our safety.”

    He urged that their killers must be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice, as their sacrifices must never be forgotten.

    “Even foreign trips by government officials should be put on hold until the situation is brought under control. True leadership must be seen at home, personally coordinating the war against insecurity. Junketing around the world under the pretence of wooing investors, while the country bleeds, is to live in denial. Investors will not come into a war zone.

    “No nation can prosper while its citizens live under siege. History shows that insecurity is the quickest path to national collapse — Somalia and Libya stand as painful warnings.

    “We must act now, with urgency and courage, to prevent a total descent into anarchy and rebuild Nigeria into a safe, secure, and productive nation for all,” he added.

  • Nigeria to witness rare blood Moon as lunar eclipse looms

    Nigeria to witness rare blood Moon as lunar eclipse looms

     Nigeria and many other African countries will on Sunday, September 7, witness a rare lunar eclipse beginning around 8:00 PM West Africa Time.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG)  reports that scientists disclosed that the event, will give the Moon a reddish glow known as a “blood moon.” and it will last for about 83 minutes.

    According to reports,  people across Nigeria will be able to watch the spectacle, though some western parts of the continent may miss the early stages since the Moon will rise during totality.

    Countries expected to witness the lunar eclipse include Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

    In Nigeria, areas with less light pollution, such as Yobe and Borno, are likely to provide clearer views of the sky.

    A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line, causing Earth’s shadow to cover the lunar surface.

    Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses do not pose any danger to the eyes and can be viewed safely without protective glasses.

    NASA has confirmed that the total eclipse will also be visible in parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia. The red appearance of the Moon during the eclipse is caused by sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere, a natural process that also affects the Moon’s temperature.

  • BREAKING! Two NIS officers alegedly killed in Borno attack

    BREAKING! Two NIS officers alegedly killed in Borno attack

    Two personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service have lost their lives following a Boko Haram attack in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.

    According to sources, the incident occurred last Thursday, but the news only filtered out late due to poor telecommunications in the area.

    Monguno, located about 136 kilometres from Maiduguri in Northern Borno Senatorial District, has remained a flashpoint in the insurgency.

    It was gathered that troops quickly mobilised to repel the assault, though the number of casualties on the side of the insurgents could not be immediately confirmed.

    Confirming the development on Saturday, a military source said: “The remains of the victims have been recovered and deposited at a hospital morgue awaiting burial, as their families and relatives have been briefed about the sad news.”

    Details shortly…

  • Obi reportedly cancels local and foreign engagements over health issues

    Obi reportedly cancels local and foreign engagements over health issues

    Panic as presidential flag bearer of Labour Party, in last general elections in Nigeria Peter Obi’s health reportedly deteriorates.

    This was gathered after Peter Obi made this known in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, explaining that he began feeling unwell during an engagement in Enugu State earlier this week.

    “Earlier in Enugu, I was not feeling well. I visited the hospital where the doctor gave me some medication and advised me to take a day or two days rest.

    In obedience to the doctor’s advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements within and outside the country this weekend,” Peter Obi wrote.

    The former Anambra State governor apologised for the disruption this may cause, while expressing gratitude for the understanding of his supporters and associates.

    Recall that before the health scare, Mr Obi had participated in an event in Enugu and later visited the Good Hope Specialist Hospital in Isulo, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The hospital is being acquired by the Aguata Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

    During the visit, he announced a ₦10 million donation to support the diocese in revitalising the hospital into a comprehensive health complex that will include a School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Technology.

    From Isulo, Mr Obi travelled to Owerri, Imo State, where he attended a dinner organised by lawyer Nnaemeka Maduagwu in honour of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

    Also, recall that since losing the 2023 presidential election to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Obi has maintained a busy public schedule, often attending political, business, and faith-based events at home and abroad.

    He has also been vocal on national issues, particularly the state of the economy, rising insecurity, and the need for improved governance.

  • Nigeria boosts Ebola alert as outbreak hits DRC

    Nigeria boosts Ebola alert as outbreak hits DRC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) assured Nigerians there are no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.

    This statement comes amid reports of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, said in a public health advisory issued Saturday in Abuja that Nigeria was on high alert, enhancing surveillance at entry points, healthcare facilities, and communities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s only Ebola outbreak occurred in 2014, when the virus was imported from Liberia by a traveler, resulting in 20 cases and eight deaths before successful containment.

    The DRC Ministry of Health confirmed 28 suspected Ebola cases and 15 deaths on Sept. 4 in Kasai Province, including four health workers, identifying the Ebola Zaire strain as the outbreak’s cause.

    The outbreak has spread across Bulape and Mweka health zones and recorded a mortality rate of 57 per cent, raising concerns over the disease’s high fatality and potential for further spread.

    According to Idris, there are currently no cases of Ebola in Nigeria, but preparedness has been intensified with infection control, border checks, and community risk communication to prevent importation and transmission.

    He noted the DRC activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed a rapid response team, receiving support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to contain the outbreak effectively.

    Idris said the Ebola Zaire strain identified had an approved vaccine, Ervebo, which had been proven effective in controlling outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations in affected regions.

    To protect Nigerians, he urged frequent handwashing with soap and water as regular hygiene, a key preventive measure to reduce transmission risk from contact with infected surfaces or individuals.

    He advised avoiding physical contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding, which were common signs of Ebola infection and warranted immediate medical attention.

    Idris warned against consuming raw or undercooked bushmeat and cautioned against contact with fruit bats, monkeys, and apes, which were known reservoirs for the Ebola virus in wildlife.

    He encouraged Nigerians to report suspected Ebola cases or unusual illnesses, especially among those with recent travel to affected areas, by calling the NCDC toll-free line 6232 for prompt response.

    Healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, strictly follow infection prevention protocols, and report any suspected cases immediately to aid rapid containment and treatment efforts.

    Idris further issued travel advice, urging Nigerians to avoid all but essential trips to countries currently experiencing Ebola outbreaks to minimise the risk of exposure and disease importation.

    He assured the public that NCDC would provide timely updates while collaborating with international partners to monitor the evolving situation in the DRC and other affected African regions.

  • Just in: Arokodare’s lone goal gives Super Eagles ray of hope for 2026 WCQ

    Just in: Arokodare’s lone goal gives Super Eagles ray of hope for 2026 WCQ

    Tolu Arokodare’s lone goal gives the Super Eagles ray of hope for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    Substitute Tolu Arokodare emerged the hero of the night, finding the back of the net in the 51st minute to secure all three points for Nigeria in a tense Group C encounter. The strike was enough to break the deadlock after both sides had struggled to create clear chances in the first half.

    The result came barely 24 hours after group leaders South Africa tightened their grip on the top spot with a comfortable 3-0 win against Lesotho, pushing their tally to 16 points.

    With this victory, Nigeria climbed to 10 points from seven matches, moving closer to contention for the group’s automatic World Cup ticket.

    Rwanda, on the other hand, remain stuck in fourth place with eight points and their hopes of qualification hanging by a thread.

    The Super Eagles now turn their focus to a crucial away clash against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. That encounter is widely seen as a decisive fixture that could shape the group standings and determine whether Nigeria stay in the race for top spot.

    After the South Africa tie, Nigeria will round off their Group C campaign in October with fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

    Victories in those matches, combined with a positive result in Bloemfontein, could be enough to book a ticket to the global showpiece in North America.

    Growing Pressure on the Super Eagles

    The victory eases some of the pressure on head coach Finidi George, whose team had been criticized for inconsistent performances earlier in the campaign. With just three matches left, every point will be crucial as Nigeria seek to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.

  • Ex-President Jonathan hails former CoS, Oghiadhome as he clocks 70(Photos)

    Ex-President Jonathan hails former CoS, Oghiadhome as he clocks 70(Photos)

    …says he’s my lifelong friend

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has hailed his ex-Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadhome describing him as a lifelong friend.

    Jonathan went memory in his message saying their relationship started from the days when he both friends were deputy Governors.

    Read him;

    “This evening, I had the honour of joining family, friends, and well-wishers in Benin, Edo State, to celebrate the 70th birthday of H.E. Chief Mike Oghiadhome, my former Chief of Staff and a dear friend with whom I have shared a lifelong bond, beginning from our time together as Deputy Governors at the dawn of the Fourth Republic.

    “As he marks this remarkable milestone, I offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon him, for long life in good health, peace of mind, and many more years of purposeful and impactful living.”
    -GEJ

  • Lookman moves past transfer setback to train with Super Eagles

    Lookman moves past transfer setback to train with Super Eagles

    Reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman (27) has brushed aside transfer disappointment to focus on Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

    The forward was heavily linked with a summer move away from Serie A side Atalanta, but despite his desire to leave the Stadio di Bergamo, a transfer ultimately failed to materialize.

    Despite the setback, he joined the Super Eagles camp in high spirits and took part in Wednesday’s training as Eric Chelle’s men intensified preparations for Saturday’s make-or-break clash with the Wasps.

    Alongside Lookman, Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen and Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey impressed in training, as the three-time African champions enjoyed a full house with all invited players present in Uyo.

    “We’re here now, just waiting for the last few players to arrive very shortly. I’m looking forward to having a full house in training tonight,” stand-in captain William-Troost Ekong told the media.

    “The boys are very focused, and we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday. I want to thank the fans for their support, and I ask them to continue encouraging us – be there in the stadium on Saturday, keep praying for us, and rally with everyone else in Nigeria.”

    “It’s going to be an important set of games for us, starting on Saturday. We know the gravity of this game, and we’ll remain focused on our preparation, because that’s what will give us confidence for the match.”

    With only seven points from seven matches, Nigeria sit fourth in Group C and risk missing out on the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Still, a win against second-placed Rwanda could reignite hope for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions. A first-half brace from Osimhen helped the Eagles secure a 2-0 win over the East Africans in the reverse fixture.

    Three days after facing Adel Amrouche’s side at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Chelle’s men will head to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein for a crucial clash against group leaders South Africa.

    Nigeria are desperate to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022, when they fell to Ghana’s Black Stars in the play-offs.

    Tribalfootball

  • Finally, UN shuts down air service in Nigeria over lack of funds

    Finally, UN shuts down air service in Nigeria over lack of funds

    The United Nations has shut down a critical air service in Nigeria’s northeast over severe funding shortages.

    The U.N. Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), run by the WFP, ended its fixed-wing operations in the country last week after nearly a decade of flying aid workers and supplies into conflict zones.

    “In 2024, UNHAS fixed-wing flights carried more than 9,000 passengers. Already this year, 4,500 humanitarian staff have relied on the service to reach affected areas.

    “UNHAS cannot continue without funding: $5.4 million is needed to remain operational for the next six months. Without this funding, the humanitarian response in north-east Nigeria risks being cut off from the very people it is meant to serve.

    “For nine years, the service has transported humanitarian staff, medical supplies, and critical cargo to and from the epicentre of the crisis in Borno and Yobe states,” Dujarric told reporters. “In a country that has experienced 16 years of conflict, where road transport remains extremely dangerous, air transport is essential.”

    The shutdown comes as the World Food Programme faces dire financial shortfalls.

    In July, the agency warned it might be forced to suspend emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeastern Nigeria.

    The closure, announced by U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in New York on Wednesday, showed the growing strain on relief efforts as donor funding declines.

    It noted that the shutdown threatens to deepen the country’s most protracted humanitarian emergencies.

    Margot van der Velden, WFP’s regional director for West and Central Africa, told reporters in New York that the agency urgently requires $5.4million to sustain food and nutrition operations in the region for just six months.

    Although the Nigerian government has provided significant support to relief efforts in the northeast, and is now the largest financier of the emergency response, the UN said international contributions remain crucial to sustaining operations at scale.

    “The humanitarian response in northeast Nigeria risks being cut off from the very people it is meant to serve,” Dujarric said, stressing that unless donors step in, critical aid pipelines will collapse.

    The UN warned that consequences could be devastating.

    “Without air links, humanitarian workers lose safe access to remote conflict-affected communities, where millions are already grappling with hunger, displacement, and violence.”

    It added that families may be forced into desperate choices such as enduring worsening hunger, migrating in unsafe conditions, or falling prey to extremist groups that continue to exploit vulnerabilities in the region.

    The U.N. appeal comes as humanitarian agencies worldwide confront shrinking donor budgets, driven by global economic pressures and competing crises from Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine.

    “For Nigeria’s northeast, where insurgency and instability have already displaced millions, the loss of a vital air bridge may further isolate vulnerable populations at a time when they can least afford it,” the statement added.

  • Nigeria records unprecedented rise in non-oil revenues – Presidency

    Nigeria records unprecedented rise in non-oil revenues – Presidency

    The Presidency has announced that Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented growth in non-oil revenues, driven by reforms targeting fiscal stability, compliance, and digital tax administration.

    Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said President Bola Tinubu highlighted the revenue growth while addressing a delegation from the Buhari Organisation on Tuesday.

    The President cited significant increases in non-oil revenues for all tiers of government between January and August 2025.

    Total collections reached ₦20.59 trillion, representing a 40.5 per cent rise from ₦14.6 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024.

    This performance aligns with projections and keeps government on track to achieve its annual non-oil revenue target.

    Tinubu added that the Federal Government has ceased borrowing from local banks since early 2025, underscoring improved fiscal discipline.

    He noted that while non-oil tax revenues are rising, oil-based revenues remain under pressure due to declining crude oil prices.

    The President emphasised that higher revenues have enabled record disbursements to states and local governments, supporting grassroots development.

    For the first time ever, monthly FAAC allocations exceeded ₦2 trillion in July 2025, enabling investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and essential public services.

    Still, the Presidency admitted that revenue growth alone is insufficient to meet ambitious goals for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

    Tinubu stressed that oil is no longer the main engine of national revenue, signalling a historic shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.

    “Nigeria’s fiscal foundations are being reshaped. For the first time in decades, oil is no longer the dominant driver of government revenue.

    “The combination of reforms, compliance, and digitisation powers a more resilient economy.

    “The task ahead is ensuring these gains improve citizens’ lives through better schools, hospitals, and jobs,” he said.

    The President revealed that ₦20.59 trillion was mobilised in eight months, marking the highest collection in recent history.

    “With ₦15.69 trillion collected, non-oil revenues now account for three of every four naira, showing a decisive shift from oil dependence.

    “While inflation and FX revaluation contributed, the uplift is mainly reform-driven — digitised filings, Customs automation, stricter enforcement, and broadened compliance.

    “₦3.68 trillion was collected in H1, ₦390 billion above target, already 56 per cent of the full-year goal. This reflects systemic reforms, not mere windfalls,” he said.

    Tinubu also confirmed that FAAC allocations to states had increased, empowering subnationals to drive local development.

    “FAAC allocations reached ₦2 trillion in July for the first time, giving states resources to strengthen grassroots development.

    “The government affirms collections are ahead of expectations, with final validation to be published by the Budget Office at year’s end,” he said.

    He reiterated that Nigeria’s revenue base is expanding and reforms are producing tangible results.

    “The priority is translating numbers into real relief — putting food on the table, creating jobs, and investing in roads, schools, and hospitals,” he said.