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Traditional Rulers In FCT Applaud Tinubu, Celebrate Wike As “Light Of Abuja”.

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5 months ago

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Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have conferred on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the chieftaincy title of “Hasken Abuja” (Light of Abuja) in recognition of his contributions to the development of the territory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The monarchs also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing infrastructural projects across the FCT, particularly in satellite towns, while calling for greater inclusion and recognition of indigenous communities within the capital territory.

Speaking during an appreciation visit by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa, praised the administration for improving the welfare of traditional rulers and approving key projects, including the construction of a new palace in Abaji.

The traditional leaders said the honour bestowed on Wike reflects his “visionary leadership” and commitment to FCT development, citing reforms that have improved the status and welfare of traditional institutions as well as the approval for the new Ona Palace.

They also presented a list of requests to the minister, including the provision of 17 tractors—one for each chiefdom—to support agriculture and strengthen food security in rural communities.

In addition, they called for the upgrading of historically significant chiefdoms such as Garki and Jiwa to higher traditional status.

Responding, Wike assured the traditional rulers that their interests would be protected, approving several of their requests on the spot.

He directed the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture to ensure the provision of tractors to all 17 chiefdoms and instructed the Council of Chiefs to submit names for consideration in the creation of third-class traditional stools, stressing that the process must follow due consultation.

Wike also pledged to address issues relating to land certificates based on verified data submitted by stakeholders.

He said, “I’m now from here. For me to be the Light of Abuja, I must do everything to protect your interest.”

The minister further stressed the importance of strong political representation for the FCT at the National Assembly, warning against the election of weak lawmakers who cannot effectively advocate for the territory.

He noted that experience and influence were crucial in legislative representation, urging stakeholders to make informed choices ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike expressed concern that previous representatives had not adequately articulated the needs of the FCT, describing such shortcomings as a setback to development efforts.

“You elected a senator you can’t see… a senator who cannot even organise the indigenous community to ask what their needs are,” he said.

He cautioned that repeating such mistakes would further limit the territory’s access to development opportunities and policy influence.

The minister also endorsed Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, while linking political support for the current administration to ongoing development projects in the FCT.

He noted that despite receiving minimal electoral support in 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration had continued to deliver key infrastructure across the territory.

“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr. President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you… now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.

Wike further disclosed that additional projects, including rural water schemes and road construction, would soon be commissioned as part of activities marking the President’s anniversary in office.

He also urged incoming area council chairmen to prioritise governance, particularly in education, stressing that uninterrupted schooling is essential for development.

Earlier, the President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr. Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, commended Wike for ongoing reforms and infrastructure development, while also calling for increased FCT representation at the National Assembly and the creation of additional area councils.

The event highlighted growing collaboration between traditional institutions and the FCT administration in driving political inclusion and development across the capital territory.

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Tinubu Directs Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To UNGA

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14 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Instead, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual global gathering.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This decision, announced in a statement on Sunday by the Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, resolves weeks of uncertainty regarding President Tinubu’s attendance. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that arrangements were being made for the President to attend, including a planned seating arrangement near U.S. President Donald Trump.

The high-level delegation to be led by Vice President Shettima will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, various ministers, and other senior government officials.

Agenda in New York

The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to September 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

According to the Presidency’s statement, Vice President Shettima will represent President Tinubu at the summit. His engagements will include:

  • Delivering Nigeria’s National Statement: Outlining the country’s position on major global issues affecting development, peace, security, and international cooperation.

  • High-Level Meetings: Participating in discussions on critical topics such as the Right to Development and climate action.

  • Bilateral Engagements: Joining the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and holding a series of meetings with world leaders, heads of international organizations, and development partners.

Through these engagements, the delegation aims to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships, and strengthen Nigeria’s advocacy for reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation.

This marks the third consecutive UNGA session President Tinubu has missed since assuming office. Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York.

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Massive Bust! NDLEA Intercepts ₦3.4 Billion Worth Of Illicit Drugs In Epic Operation!

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14 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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 ....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized over 1.3 million pills of tramadol and other opioids, alongside approximately 6,000kg of cannabis, carrying a combined street value exceeding ₦3.4 billion across multiple states and the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos: Operatives intercepted 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud (a potent strain of cannabis) weighing 603.75kg and valued at ₦1.81 billion. The shipment arrived from Montreal on September 12 and was discovered hidden inside 31 black jumbo bags loaded in two Toyota Sienna vehicles within a 40-foot container.

  • Delta State: Operatives arrested 49-year-old Innocent Ekpe and his accomplice, 39-year-old Nduka Joseph, along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba. Ekpe was transporting 292.48kg of skunk in a silver Toyota Sienna bus and had been using a forged police ID card to pose as a Deputy Superintendent of Police named Godwin Emeka to bypass security checkpoints.

  • Edo State: Acting on intelligence, operatives raided an auto-repair workshop on Agbor Road, Benin City, arresting 45-year-old Matthew Ossai and recovering 48kg of Canadian Loud and 152g of methamphetamine used as a front for storage.

  • Niger State: Three suspects—Bashir Usman (20), Abubakar Nuhu (18), and Abdulrahman Abdulwahab (18)—were arrested along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. They were found with two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, a pistol, magazines, and 9mm ammunition concealed in a travel bag.

  • Abaji-Abuja Highway: Authorities arrested Aminu Isyaku (23) and Jamilu Habibu (25), recovering over 1.1 million assorted tramadol pills, codeine syrup, methamphetamine, and Exol tablets hidden in eight sacks while traveling from Onitsha to Mararaba.

  • Lagos (Surulere & Apongbo): Onyeka Ofor was arrested in Aguda with 48,900 pills of tramadol 225mg, Luke Ugokwe was nabbed after 59kg of cannabis was intercepted at a logistics company, and Ibrahim Hudu (43) was arrested with 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas.

  • Gombe State: 154,480 capsules of tramadol were recovered from Sabi’u Umar (27) and Hassana Muhammad (19) in separate arrests at Barunde and the Gombe Main Market.

Agency Commendation

Following the operations, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers and men across the affected commands, urging them to maintain intelligence-driven strategies and a balanced approach to drug control nationwide.

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2027: Lagos APC Bans Candidates From Travelling Abroad.

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14 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a directive requiring all its candidates to remain in Nigeria until the conclusion of the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement was made by the state party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, during the inauguration of the Tinubu-Hamzat Campaign Council at the APC secretariat in Ogba, Ikeja.

According to Ojelabi, this measure is designed to ensure that all candidates and party members remain fully focused on campaign preparations and mobilization activities. He also cautioned against underestimating opposition parties, stressing the need for total commitment to the electoral process.

Key Highlights from Chairman Ojelabi’s Address:

  • Travel Ban: “No candidate is allowed to travel outside the country until after the general election.”

  • Campaign Conduct: Ojelabi called for a peaceful campaign, free of hatred, thuggery, and violence, emphasizing that unity must be the party’s strength.

  • A Case for Continuity: Highlighting Lagos as responsible for 33% of Nigeria’s GDP, he argued that the state is too critical to be left to “trial and error.” He praised the president for stabilizing the economy, achieving a trade surplus, and driving key reforms in agriculture, the Lekki Trade Zone, and taxation (including the first tax reform since 1938).

  • Call to Action: He urged members to actively mobilize voters for the entire APC ticket, encompassing the presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly candidates.

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