NIGERIA: The Role of Youth in National DevelopmentNigeria’s

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NIGERIA: The Role of Youth in National Development

Nigeria’s demographic advantage lies in its youthful population. Young people represent the majority of the workforce and future leadership pool, making their empowerment critical to economic stability and democratic progress.

Youth leadership is not just about political participation; it extends to entrepreneurship, technology, community development, and social advocacy.

Key Institutions and Programs

- National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN): Functions as a legislative-style body for youth voices, promoting governance awareness, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It seeks to create a more inclusive future by ensuring young Nigerians are active participants in policymaking and national unity.  

- LEAP Africa’s Youth Leadership Development Programme: Focuses on undergraduates, equipping them with leadership skills, knowledge, and resources to engage in nation-building, community development, and policy advocacy.  

- Government Initiatives: Platforms like the Youth Activities Dashboard aggregate projects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, emphasizing human capacity development, empowerment, and intervention programs.  

FCT EDUCATION SECRETARY COMMENDS UNILAG ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OVER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD TO INDIGENT FCT STUDENTS

FCT EDUCATION SECRETARY COMMENDS UNILAG ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OVER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD TO INDIGENT FCT STUDENTS

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo has commended the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association, FCT Branch over the award of scholarship to 28 brilliant but indigent students drawn from public secondary schools across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Mandate Secretary gave the commendation  during the award ceremony, which held at the Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Dr Hayyo who was represented at the occasion by the Director, FCT Secondary Education Board, Hajiya Fatima Gambo Babba, described the association’s intervention as one of the most significant contributions to the territory's educational sector and thanked them for their support.

"Today we are witnessing one of the kindest gestures extended to us by giving about 28 students from the six area councils scholarships for their first, second, and third terms, and also paying their JAMB, WAEC and NECO exam fees. We sincerely appreciate this gesture," the Mandate Secretary remarked.

MORNING BRIEFING | Nigeria’s Struggles Amid Global Market Volatility

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MORNING BRIEFING | Nigeria’s Struggles Amid Global Market Volatility

As dawn breaks over Nigeria this Friday, April 10, 2026, the nation finds itself at the crossroads of domestic hardship and global uncertainty. The government is locked in a diplomatic tussle with the United States over a travel advisory that paints Nigeria as unsafe, a characterization Abuja insists is exaggerated. Yet beyond the rhetoric, the country’s economic realities speak louder than official rebuttals.  

The power sector remains Nigeria’s Achilles’ heel. For the third time, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has failed to meet his 6,000MW electricity generation target, leaving businesses and households in darkness. The consequences are dire: productivity is stifled, investor confidence wanes, and the promise of industrial growth remains elusive. This chronic failure compounds the grim statistic from the World Bank that 63 percent of Nigerians now live in poverty, a figure that starkly contrasts with government claims of economic progress.  

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared John Ekuma wanted for alleged fraud, underscoring the persistence of corruption and financial crime that continues to erode trust in institutions. 

Bedtime Editorial Brief – At This Time

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On tonight’s briefing, Nigeria faces heightened security concerns as the U.S. Embassy in Abuja suspends visa services, while protests erupt at INEC headquarters over alleged partisanship. Globally, a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has lifted gold and silver markets, even as Israel and Lebanon edge toward tense negotiations following deadly strikes.

Bedtime Editorial Brief - At This Time

Nigeria

The day’s developments in Nigeria underscore a climate of political unrest and security anxiety. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has suspended visa appointments and authorized the departure of non-essential staff due to worsening insecurity. This move highlights international concern over Nigeria’s stability and places additional strain on citizens seeking U.S. travel opportunities.  

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged protests at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding the resignation of Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan. The party accuses him of undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, a charge that intensifies the already fraught political atmosphere.  

On the environmental front, an oil well in Rivers State has been burning uncontrollably for over 26 months, sparking outrage from activists who accuse authorities of “criminal negligence.” The prolonged fire at Ofiomina-Ama in Okrika represents not only an ecological disaster but also a symbol of governance failure in managing Nigeria’s natural resources. 

Special Report: Night of Tribute for Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi

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The “Night of Tribute for Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi” was held on April 8, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, where political leaders, dignitaries, and citizens gathered to honor the late senator’s life of service, integrity, and consistency. The event highlighted his principled leadership, his contributions to national development, and his enduring legacy across Nigeria.

Special Report: Night of Tribute for Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi

The solemn event took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

It was attended by prominent figures in Nigerian politics, including Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and David Umahi, Minister of Works, alongside other dignitaries, colleagues, and citizens.

Nyesom Wike described Senator Mpigi as a principled and courageous leader, emphasizing his rare consistency in a political environment often marked by shifting positions. Wike praised his clarity of purpose and unwavering pursuit of causes he believed in.

David Umahi highlighted Mpigi’s commitment to national development and integrity, noting that his influence extended beyond Rivers State to projects in Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kano.

Balancing Faith and Governance - Lessons for Nigeria from India and Lebanon

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 Balancing Faith and Governance - Lessons for Nigeria from India and Lebanon

Introduction

Religion remains a defining feature of Nigeria’s social and political life, shaping identity and influencing governance. Singer 9ice’s assertion that prayers have not improved Nigeria invites a broader reflection on how multi-religious nations manage faith within the framework of statecraft. Comparing Nigeria with India and Lebanon reveals contrasting approaches to balancing spirituality, diversity, and governance.

Nigeria: Faith as a Political Instrument

Nigeria’s religious landscape is split primarily between Christianity and Islam, with indigenous beliefs still practiced in many communities. Religion permeates politics, education, and even economic policy. Political leaders often invoke divine authority to legitimize their actions, while citizens turn to prayer as a solution to systemic problems. This intertwining of faith and governance has fostered moral rhetoric but little structural reform. The result is a paradox: a deeply religious nation struggling with corruption, insecurity, and inequality.

India: Secularism Amid Spiritual Diversity

India, home to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, offers a striking contrast. The Indian constitution enshrines secularism, ensuring that no religion dominates state affairs. Despite periodic tensions, India’s governance model emphasizes pluralism and civic responsibility over religious conformity. Temples, mosques, and churches coexist alongside a robust democratic system that prioritizes development and innovation. While religion influences culture and politics, it rarely substitutes for policy or governance. India’s success lies in its ability to separate faith from state while celebrating spiritual diversity.

Religion and Nigeria’s Historical Struggles

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 Religion has been both a unifying and divisive force in Nigeria, shaping politics, society, and identity since pre-colonial times. Singer 9ice’s critique that prayers have not improved Nigeria resonates with a long history of faith being intertwined with governance, often at the expense of development.

Religion and Nigeria’s Historical Struggles

Faith Before Colonialism

In pre-colonial Nigeria, indigenous religions such as Yoruba Ifa, Igbo cosmology, and Hausa-Fulani spiritual traditions provided the moral and social framework for communities. These systems governed rituals, justice, and leadership, reinforcing communal solidarity and cultural identity. Religion was not separate from governance; it was governance itself.

The Arrival of Islam and Christianity

Islam entered northern Nigeria through trans-Saharan trade routes as early as the 11th century, embedding itself in Hausa-Fulani political structures. Christianity arrived later with European missionaries during colonial expansion in the 19th century. Both faiths reshaped Nigeria’s cultural landscape, often displacing indigenous practices. The colonial administration exploited religious divisions, using Christianity to consolidate southern loyalty while Islam remained dominant in the north.

Religion, Prayers Haven’t Improved Nigeria, Says Singer 9ice

9ice, Nigerian Singer

Nigerian singer 9ice has sparked controversy by declaring that religion and prayers have not improved Nigeria, criticizing the nation’s reliance on Christianity and Islam while pointing to countries with less religious devotion that enjoy greater prosperity.

Religion, Prayers Haven’t Improved Nigeria, Says Singer 9ice

Introduction

Alexander Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has reignited national debate on the role of religion in Nigeria’s development. Speaking at a recent public event, the veteran musician argued that decades of fervent prayers and religious devotion have failed to translate into tangible progress for the country. His remarks have drawn both criticism and support, reflecting Nigeria’s deep entanglement with faith and governance.

9ice’s Position

The singer, who identifies as a traditionalist after claiming to have been healed from a spiritual attack by an Ifa priest, openly challenged the effectiveness of foreign religions such as Christianity and Islam in Nigeria. He described himself as a “heathen” and questioned why Nigerians continue to embrace these religions despite the lack of visible improvement in national life. According to him, prayers have not solved Nigeria’s economic struggles, insecurity, or governance failures.

FCT MINISTER PAYS TRIBUTES TO LATE SENATOR BARRY MPIGI

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike paying tribute to the late Senator Barinada Mpigi in Abuja on Wednesday

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FCT MINISTER PAYS TRIBUTES TO LATE SENATOR BARRY MPIGI

…SAYS HE WAS A RELIABLE AND DEPENDABLE POLITICIAN WHO LIVED A GOOD LIFE

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi, describing him as a rare breed of politician whose consistency and reliability were beyond reproach.

Speaking during a Night of Tributes held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Barrister Wike reflected on a relationship spanning decades, dating back to their tenures as Local Government Council Chairmen in Rivers State. 

The Minister emphasized that Senator Mpigi was a man of his word, a quality he noted is increasingly rare in the political landscape. "As a politician, I have seen people who are inconsistent. Barry was not that type. He will tell you what he will do and he will go ahead and do it. He is not a man that you will discuss with and you will be having double mind. He was a very reliable and dependable politician whom you could count on", the Minister stated.

Fuel Crisis: Tanzania’s President Cuts Convoy, Directs Officials To Travel by Bus

Fuel Crisis: Tanzania’s President Cuts Convoy, Directs Officials To Travel by Bus

In a bold move reflecting both pragmatism and symbolism, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has ordered a drastic reduction in government convoy sizes and directed public officials to travel together in a single bus during official trips.

This directive comes amid a mounting fuel crisis triggered by disruptions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.

The blockade of this passage has sent shockwaves across global energy markets, forcing countries to adopt austerity measures to conserve fuel.

Traditionally, Tanzanian presidential convoys have been expansive, often exceeding 30 vehicles, including luxury SUVs and security outriders. These motorcades have long drawn criticism for their extravagance, traffic disruptions, and heavy fuel consumption.

Amupitan: Most dangerous weapon against 2027 polls will be lies amplified by media

Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman

Amupitan on Media Lies and the 2027 Polls

Joash Amupitan, chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued a stark warning about the dangers misinformation poses to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the 81st general assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, he emphasized that the most potent threat to democracy will not come from physical violence but from lies spread through digital platforms and amplified by uncritical media outlets.

In his words, “the most dangerous weapon will not be a ballot-snatcher’s gun, but a smartphone-user’s lies amplified by an uncritical broadcast station.”

Strengthening Scientific Collaboration in Universal Health Coverage

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Strengthening scientific collaboration in universal health coverage (UHC) is now a global priority, with Nigeria and other nations emphasizing evidence-based healthcare, cross-sector partnerships, and innovation to ensure equitable access to quality services without financial hardship. The 2026 World Health Day theme, “Together for Health, Stand with Science,” highlights the urgency of integrating science into UHC reforms.  

Strengthening Scientific Collaboration in Universal Health Coverage

The Global Imperative

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that everyone, everywhere should have access to essential health services, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, without suffering financial strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has made UHC a cornerstone of global health policy, linking it directly to the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2026, the focus is on science-driven collaboration as the backbone of resilient health systems.  

Why Scientific Collaboration Matters

Scientific collaboration strengthens UHC by: 

- Evidence-based decision-making: Policies guided by research ensure resources are allocated effectively.  

- Innovation in diagnostics and treatment: Advances in technology improve early detection and care.

- Cross-sector partnerships: Governments, academia, NGOs, and private industry working together accelerate progress. 

- Global solidarity: Shared research and data help countries respond to pandemics, climate-related health risks, and emerging diseases. 

Nigeria at the Crossroads: Confronting Climate Change

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Nigeria at the Crossroads: Confronting Climate Change

Nigeria is one of the most climate‑vulnerable countries in the world, facing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, desertification, and biodiversity loss.

With over 223 million people and Africa’s largest economy, the stakes are high: climate change threatens food security, infrastructure, and livelihoods, while adaptation policies remain unevenly implemented.

The Climate Reality in Nigeria

Nigeria’s climate challenges are stark and multifaceted. Temperatures are rising steadily, intensifying heat waves and altering agricultural cycles. Rainfall has become highly variable, with longer dry spells punctuated by intense storms that cause flash floods. Sea levels are rising, threatening coastal cities like Lagos with flooding and saltwater intrusion. In the north, desertification and drought are shrinking arable land, while in the south, erosion and flooding displace communities. These shifts have already led to loss of biodiversity, degraded freshwater resources, and declining soil fertility.

Human and Economic Impacts

The consequences are deeply felt across society. Agriculture, which employs about 70% of Nigerians, is under severe stress, with unpredictable rainfall disrupting planting and harvest cycles. Food insecurity is rising, particularly in rural areas. Floods damage homes, roads, and power infrastructure, while droughts reduce water availability. Public health is also affected: heat stress, vector‑borne diseases, and malnutrition are becoming more prevalent. Economically, climate change threatens Nigeria’s oil‑dependent economy by destabilizing communities and increasing disaster recovery costs.

Morning Brief | At This Time

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Morning Brief | At This Time

·     Political Crossroads and Rising Tensions Define Today’s Morning Brief 

The headlines today are dominated by elections in India and political unrest in Nigeria. In India, voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry head to the polls, while in Nigeria, protests at INEC headquarters intensify as opposition parties demand accountability. Meanwhile, warnings of flooding in 10 Nigerian states and persistent power grid failures add to the day’s pressing concerns.

Nigeria: Political Tensions and Governance Challenges

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a protest at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding the resignation of Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan over alleged partisanship. This deepens Nigeria’s ongoing electoral credibility crisis, with opposition parties warning of threats to multi-party democracy. 

Bedtime Editorial Briefing

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Tonight’s briefing: Nigeria’s economy saw a modest lift as the naira appreciated against the dollar, while global markets reacted to easing US–Iran tensions that softened gold and oil prices. Political undercurrents remain active at home, and abroad, Middle East developments continue to shape energy and security narratives.

Bedtime Editorial Briefing

Nigeria

The naira gained strength at the official foreign exchange window, closing at ₦1,371.82 per dollar, up from ₦1,386.66 the previous day. This appreciation comes despite continued depletion of foreign reserves, now at $48.94 billion. On the parallel market, however, the rate remained flat at ₦1,404 per dollar, underscoring persistent pressure on liquidity. Analysts warn that without structural reforms, these gains may prove short-lived.

Meanwhile, political chatter in Lagos was quelled as the state government dismissed rumors of a rift between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, affirming cordial relations between the two leaders. In party politics, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces fresh turmoil, with a faction led by Dumebi Kachikwu announcing plans for a national convention to reset leadership.Ripples Nigeria

On the economic front, the Dangote Refinery raised petrol prices to ₦1,275 per liter, sparking renewed concerns about rising energy costs. At the same time, insecurity persists: terrorists attacked Baga community in Niger State, killing five and abducting several villagers.

Global

Internationally, the most significant development is the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, announced by President Donald Trump. This truce has cooled tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, reducing the “war premium” on commodities. Gold and silver prices slipped as investors shifted back to risk assets, while oil prices also fell after weeks of volatility.

Still, the Middle East remains fragile. Reports indicate Iranians continue to flood the streets in defiance, signaling that the ceasefire may be tenuous. In Asia, fuel prices remain high, with diesel hitting ₱172.9 per liter in the Philippines, reflecting the global sensitivity of energy markets.

National Assembly Backs Tantita, Others On Oil Pipeline Security

National Assembly Backs Tantita, Others on Oil Pipeline Security

The National Assembly of Nigeria has formally expressed confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and other security agencies for their role in stabilizing the nation’s oil production.

This endorsement came during a one-day conference convened by the Joint Committee on Petroleum Affairs, which focused on pipeline security and the persistent challenge of crude oil theft.

At the conference, lawmakers dismissed three petitions that had called for the decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts. The petitioners, however, failed to appear to defend their positions, leaving the National Assembly to reaffirm its support for the existing arrangements.

Akiotu's Resounding Victory Ushers New Era for Nigeria's Broadcasting Organisation

Tony Anegbe Akiotu, Veteran Broadcaster

Tony Anegbe Akiotu, a veteran broadcaster and former Group Managing Director of Daar Communications, has secured a landslide victory to become Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), marking a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s media landscape. His triumph at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting in Abuja signals both continuity and reform for the nation’s apex broadcast body.

Akiotu's Resounding Victory Ushers New Era for Nigeria's Broadcasting Organisation

The election of Anthony Anegbe Akiotu as Chairman of BON is more than a routine leadership change, it is a symbolic consolidation of experience, vision, and credibility in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector.

Known as “the broadcaster who never left the mic”, Akiotu has lived his career through the rhythms of radio and television, embodying the resilience and adaptability of Nigerian media.

The BON election took place on April 8, 2026, at the Hawthorn Suites in Abuja, during a gathering themed “The Management of the Airwaves: An Assessment of the 2026 Nigerian Electoral Act on Broadcast Media Coverage of the Elections.” The meeting brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria’s broadcast industry, underscoring the importance of media in shaping democratic processes.

Evening Editorial Brief - At This Time

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Tonight’s briefing highlights mounting political protests in Nigeria, economic policy debates, and a tense global backdrop shaped by the Iran conflict and a deadly train crash in Spain. These developments underscore both domestic political volatility and international instability.

Evening Editorial Brief  - At This Time

Nigeria

Nigeria’s political scene is charged with protests and shifting alliances. Prominent opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso led a massive demonstration at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja, accusing the commission of partisanship and demanding reforms. The protest, branded #OccupyINEC, drew members from multiple parties, signaling a broad coalition of discontent.

Meanwhile, former Southeast governors rallied support for President Bola Tinubu, underscoring the deepening divide between ruling and opposition blocs. In Edo State, APC’s Monday Okpebholo welcomed defectors from the PDP, further reshaping local political dynamics.

First Ships Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz Since Ceasefire

An oil tanker is pictured off the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, which is the main base of the Islamic republic’s navy and has a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuzon. Credit: AFP

First Ships Pass Through Strait of Hormuz Since Ceasefire

On April 8, 2026, maritime traffic resumed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since Iran imposed severe restrictions in late February.

This reopening follows a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, marking a cautious but significant step toward easing tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Access to the Strait of Hormuz had been heavily restricted by Iran as retaliation against U.S. and Israeli attacks beginning February 28. The blockade led to a dramatic reduction in shipping activity, with commodity carriers making only 307 crossings between March 1 and April 7, a 95 percent decrease compared to peacetime traffic.

Given that around one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) normally passes through the strait, the restrictions had far-reaching implications for global energy markets.

NNPC Increases Dangote Refinery Crude Supply To 10 Cargoes

A section of Dangote Refinery

Special Report: NNPC Increases Dangote Refinery Crude Supply to 10 Cargoes

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has doubled its crude oil deliveries to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, raising supply to 10 cargoes in March 2026.

This development marks a significant step toward stabilizing domestic fuel availability, though it still falls short of the 19 cargoes required for the refinery’s optimal operations.

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, disclosed the figures during a visit by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed to the industrial complex in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Tinubu Commissions Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge

Aerial View of Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge

Tinubu Commissions Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge

On April 8, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially commissioned the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing infrastructure expansion drive.

Represented at the ceremony by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the inauguration underscored the federal government’s commitment to easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across Lagos’ busiest corridors.

The bridge, executed under the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ development agenda, was constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a leading indigenous engineering firm renowned for delivering landmark projects nationwide.

World Press Conference by Pastor Olumide Obadele

World Press Conference by Pastor Olumide Obadele

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Pastor Olumide Obadele, Director General of the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT), addressed a World Press Conference at the NUJ Press Centre, FCT Council Secretariat, Abuja. The event was convened to highlight the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and to rally support for his re-election bid in 2027.  

Pastor Obadele opened the session by acknowledging the patriotic duty of his group in engaging the press as Nigeria prepares for another round of elections. He emphasized the strategic role played by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, in galvanizing grassroots support, particularly in Ondo State, through humanitarian initiatives and organizational backing for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.  

The central theme of the briefing was “Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda: Beyond Mere Rhetoric.” Pastor Obadele asserted that the last three years of Tinubu’s leadership had been marked by fulfilled promises and bold policy decisions that have repositioned Nigeria. He outlined four major areas of accomplishment:  

IKWOYI BUILDING COLLAPSE: FCT MINISTER VISITS SITE, ORDERS ARREST OF OWNER, REVOKES LAND

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike addressing journalists shortly after an on the spot assessment of the collapsed two storey building in Jikwoyi Abuja on Tuesday

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JIKWOYI BUILDING COLLAPSE: FCT MINISTER VISITS SITE, ORDERS ARREST OF OWNER, REVOKES LAND

…SAYS REVOKED LAND WILL BE USED FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has ordered the arrest of the owner of a building which collapsed on Good Friday, April 3, at Jikwoyi area of the FCT, and directed the seizure of the land.

Addressing journalists during an on-the-spot assessment of the wreckage on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Minister disclosed that the owner was already in the advanced stages of building a two-storey for a hotel without a building plan approval, even as officials of the Development Control had issued stop-work notices apriori, which were ignored.

"Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure. There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control had issued stop-work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless", he stated.