Connect with us

Latest News

Travel Alert Sparks Diplomatic Tension as FG Challenges US Over Security Claims”

Published

on

The Federal Government on Tuesday criticized the latest travel advisory issued by the United States, which warned its citizens against traveling to Nigeria due to increasing insecurity. The government described the advisory as unjustified and damaging to Nigeria’s global image.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, voiced the government’s displeasure during the annual retreat of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja.

In the advisory posted on the US Mission in Nigeria’s website, American citizens were warned to avoid travel to numerous Nigerian states due to threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. It further noted that kidnappers often target dual nationals and US citizens perceived to be wealthy, with attacks even occurring on interstate roads.

The warning listed Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa as no-go areas due to terrorism and kidnapping; while Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were flagged for kidnapping threats. Similarly, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were noted for high levels of crime, kidnapping, and gang violence.

In response, Tuggar, represented by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkazeem Abdulkadir, condemned the advisory as “unfortunate,” noting that no country, including the United States, can claim perfect security.

He remarked, “There’s a saying that if the lion doesn’t learn to tell its story, the hunter will always be glorified. In 2024 alone, around 47,000 people died from gun violence in the United States, and projections for 2025 stand at 45,000. Yet, we rarely issue travel advisories about America.”

He further explained that Nigeria had previously responded in kind to similar advisories from other countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom. “In the ministry, we call this self-flagellation—Nigerians tend to mock themselves instead of defending their image,” he added.

Tuggar urged communication experts to be more proactive in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative in an increasingly manipulated information space. “Your role is critical—not just in managing reputation but in crafting a national story told with integrity, clarity, and patriotism,” he said.

He emphasized that as Nigeria repositions itself globally under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, public relations must play a more strategic role in promoting unity, attracting investments, fostering bilateral ties, and asserting Nigeria’s voice in global discourse.

Also speaking at the event, PR expert Modupe Adetokunbo decried the worsening perception of Nigeria, linking it to socioeconomic frustration. “When you ask the average Nigerian, ‘How are you?’ the answer has gone from ‘We thank God’ to ‘It is well.’ That’s where you find the ‘japa’ phenomenon, rising anger, capital flight, and institutionalized begging,” he said.

Adetokunbo cited a recent viral video in which foreigners were seen giving money to police officers, calling it a reflection of a wider societal malaise, not just institutional rot in the police force.

Meanwhile, President and Chairman of NIPR Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, called for a deliberate effort to reclaim and amplify Nigeria’s success stories. He stressed that leaving the international media to define Nigeria’s image only reinforces negative stereotypes.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

Published

on

Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

Continue Reading

Latest News

‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

Published

on

Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

Continue Reading

Latest News

NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

Published

on

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

Continue Reading

Trending