Beautiful Beginning Academy Triumphs in NUJ FCT 2026 Media Literacy Quiz, Inspiring a New Generation of Young Journalists

NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike flanked left and right by participating students at the quiz event 

Beautiful Beginning Academy Triumphs in NUJ FCT 2026 Media Literacy Quiz, Inspiring a New Generation of Young Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, staged a remarkable media literacy and journalism quiz competition on May 21, 2026 at Utako, its official office, aimed at nurturing press clubs in secondary schools and mentoring young students on the workings of the media.

The event brought together schools across the Federal Capital Territory in a spirited contest that highlighted the importance of critical thinking, communication, and responsible journalism.

Beautiful Beginning Academy, Abuja, emerged as the champion after a dramatic tie-breaker against Cedar Hall Academy, Lugbe. Both schools had impressively scored 205 points each at the end of the second round, forcing a decisive final showdown.

In the tie-breaker, Beautiful Beginning Academy edged out Cedar Hall Academy with an 8–6 victory. Earlier rounds saw Government Senior Secondary School (GSS) Garki and GSS Gwarimpa put up commendable performances, though they fell short of the leading scores as GSS Garki scored 40 points, GSS Gwarimpa scored 80 points.

Council Chairman,  Grace Ike praised the initiative, emphasizing that the competition was designed to revive press clubs and instil media literacy among students.

Comrade Grace encouraged teachers to actively organize press club activities and assured them of NUJ-FCT’s support in fostering such engagements.

“Teachers, please organise your press clubs and, once in a while, host events and invite the NUJ-FCT Council; we will come,” she said.

NEF 2026 and Nigeria’s Industrial Growth Agenda

NEF 2026 and Nigeria’s Industrial Growth Agenda

NEF 2026 and Nigeria’s Industrial Growth Agenda

The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) 2026 marks its 11th edition with a bold focus on industrial growth and value addition, reflecting the nation’s intensified drive to diversify its economy and strengthen local industries.

Scheduled for June 30 in Ikeja, Lagos, the forum is set to convene leading voices from energy, manufacturing, mining, finance, infrastructure, and policy sectors, positioning itself as a catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

Dr. Daniel Adeuyi, Chairman of NEF, emphasized that this year’s gathering aims to move beyond discussions into actionable partnerships that can accelerate industrial transformation.

The theme, “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialisation,” underscores the forum’s commitment to practical solutions that enhance energy reliability, expand domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthen mineral development, and create sustainable jobs.

Presidency Denies Claims Tinubu Plans to Rename Nigeria, Abolish Sharia Law

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Presidency Denies Claims Tinubu Plans to Rename Nigeria, Abolish Sharia Law

Presidency Denies Claims Tinubu Plans to Rename Nigeria, Abolish Sharia Law

On May 21, 2026, the Nigerian Presidency issued a strong rebuttal to a viral report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intended to sponsor constitutional amendments to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region.

The statement described the claims as entirely false, fabricated, and deliberately aimed at provoking political unrest ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The Presidency emphasized that President Tinubu has no plans to introduce any legislation under the so-called “Project True Federation” and will not transmit such a bill to the National Assembly. It clarified that constitutional amendments in Nigeria are governed by strict procedures requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and approval from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, making arbitrary changes impossible.

Kwara APC Primary Halted — Voters Left in Limbo

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Kwara APC Primary Halted  - Voters Left in Limbo

Kwara APC Primary Halted - Voters Left in Limbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Kwara State was abruptly halted on Thursday following widespread confusion, allegations of irregularities, and logistical breakdowns that left thousands of party members stranded at polling centers. The suspension has thrown the state’s political landscape into uncertainty, with both aspirants and voters demanding clarity from the party leadership.

The Disruption

The primary, intended to select candidates for the upcoming governorship and legislative elections, began early in the day across several local government areas. However, by midday, reports emerged of missing ballot materials, conflicting delegate lists, and disputes over accreditation procedures. In Ilorin East and Asa LGAs, aggrieved party members blocked roads, accusing local officials of manipulating the process. The situation escalated when security operatives intervened to disperse crowds, leading to minor injuries and arrests.

Party Leadership’s Response

The Kwara APC chairman announced the temporary suspension of the exercise, citing “technical and procedural irregularities” that required immediate review. He assured members that the process would resume once the issues were resolved, emphasizing the party’s commitment to transparency. However, aspirants expressed frustration, claiming the halt favored certain factions within the party. One aspirant described the situation as “a betrayal of democratic trust,” while another urged the national secretariat to take over the process to ensure fairness.

Voters’ Reaction

Across Kwara communities, the mood was tense and uncertain. Many voters who had traveled long distances to participate expressed disappointment and anger. In Offa and Patigi, residents lamented the lack of communication from party officials, saying they felt “abandoned in the sun.” Political analysts noted that the disruption could deepen internal divisions within the APC, especially between loyalists of the governor and those aligned with national figures.

NDLEA Busts Mexican Meth Cartel - Ogun Communities React

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NDLEA Busts Mexican Meth Cartel - Ogun Communities React

Nigeria’s NDLEA has dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine cartel in Ogun State, seizing drugs and chemicals worth over ₦480 billion and arresting 10 suspects, including three Mexican nationals. The bust has triggered mixed reactions in Ogun communities, with relief over the removal of a dangerous operation but also anxiety about security and the infiltration of foreign criminal networks.

NDLEA Busts Mexican Meth Cartel - Ogun Communities React

The Operation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) executed a 48-hour coordinated raid across Ogun and Lagos States after months of intelligence gathering. The primary target was a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory hidden in Abidagba forest, Ijebu East LGA, Ogun State. The facility was described as the largest meth lab ever discovered in Nigeria, producing industrial-scale quantities of methamphetamine. Ten suspects were arrested, including cartel leader Anochili Innocent, four Nigerian collaborators, and three Mexican nationals, Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos, allegedly recruited as technical “cooks.”

Seizures and Arrests

NDLEA operatives seized 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at ₦480 billion. In addition to the forest raid, simultaneous operations in Lekki, Lagos, led to the arrest of Innocent at his luxury residence, where investigators recovered international passports and mobile phones belonging to the Mexican suspects, directly linking him to their recruitment. Follow-up raids also uncovered stash houses and additional cartel members.

SpaceX’s $1.7 Trillion IPO — Space and AI Converge

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SpaceX’s $1.7 Trillion IPO — Space and AI Converge

SpaceX’s $1.7 Trillion IPO - Space and AI Converge

The world of technology and finance is abuzz as SpaceX, Elon Musk’s trailblazing aerospace company, prepares for what analysts are calling the most ambitious initial public offering in history, a staggering $1.7 trillion valuation.

More than a financial milestone, this IPO represents the fusion of two transformative forces: space exploration and artificial intelligence. Together, they are redefining humanity’s relationship with innovation, data, and the cosmos.  

SpaceX’s journey from a private rocket manufacturer to a global technology ecosystem has been nothing short of revolutionary. Its reusable rocket technology has slashed launch costs, enabling a surge in satellite deployment and interplanetary research.

But the company’s latest evolution, integrating AI into every layer of its operations, marks a new frontier. From autonomous spacecraft navigation to predictive maintenance and mission planning, artificial intelligence now powers the backbone of SpaceX’s vision for sustainable space travel.

Nvidia’s $91bn AI Bet — Lessons for Nigeria’s Tech Future

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Nvidia’s $91bn AI Bet — Lessons for Nigeria’s Tech Future

Nvidia’s $91bn AI Bet - Lessons for Nigeria’s Tech Future

When Nvidia announced its staggering $91 billion investment into artificial intelligence infrastructure and research, the global tech community paused to take stock.

The move, which cements Nvidia’s dominance in the AI hardware space, is not just a corporate milestone, it’s a defining moment in the evolution of digital economies.

For Nigeria, the world’s largest black nation and Africa’s most populous country, Nvidia’s audacious bet offers critical lessons on how to build a sustainable and competitive tech future.  

At the heart of Nvidia’s investment is a vision of scale. The company’s expansion into AI data centers, chip design, and machine learning ecosystems reflects a deep understanding that innovation thrives on infrastructure.

Nigeria’s tech sector, though vibrant and full of promise, still grapples with infrastructural deficits, unstable power supply, limited broadband penetration, and inadequate research funding.

Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026: Niger Delta Startups Rise

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Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026: Niger Delta Startups Rise

Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 - Niger Delta Startups Rise

Port Harcourt, the vibrant capital of Rivers State, has become the epicenter of Nigeria’s next wave of technological innovation.

The Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the newly expanded Rivers Innovation Hub, showcased the remarkable ascent of Niger Delta startups, young enterprises redefining the region’s economic identity beyond oil.  

The event, themed “Innovation for Sustainable Growth,” drew thousands of participants, including investors, developers, and policy leaders from across Africa.

What distinguished this year’s expo was its focus on homegrown technology solutions addressing local challenges, renewable energy, marine logistics, agritech, and digital finance.

The atmosphere was electric, with young innovators pitching ideas that blend creativity with social impact.  

Among the standout presentations were drone-based oil spill monitoring systems developed by a Port Harcourt startup, AI-powered fishery management tools from Bayelsa, and blockchain applications for transparent community development funding.

Nigerian Army Deploys Drones — A New Era of Security

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Nigerian Army Deploys Drones — A New Era of Security

Nigerian Army Deploys Drones - A New Era of Security

Nigeria’s security landscape is entering a transformative phase as the Nigerian Army officially deploys surveillance and tactical drones across key regions of the country.

The initiative, announced by the Chief of Army Staff, represents a major leap toward technology-driven defense operations and signals the beginning of a new era in national security management.  

The deployment comes amid persistent challenges posed by insurgency, banditry, and cross-border criminal networks. For years, the military has relied heavily on ground patrols and manned aircraft for reconnaissance, methods often limited by terrain, weather, and human risk.

The introduction of drones changes that equation entirely. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can monitor vast areas in real time, identify threats before they escalate, and provide precision intelligence to ground forces.  

According to defense sources, the drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and GPS tracking systems capable of operating day and night. They are designed to relay live footage to command centers, enabling rapid decision-making and coordinated responses.

China Blocks US Visit Over Taiwan Arms Deal — Global Ripples

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China Blocks US Visit Over Taiwan Arms Deal - Global Ripples

Beijing’s decision to block a planned visit by senior United States officials following Washington’s approval of a new arms package for Taiwan has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, underscoring the fragility of global power relations in the Indo-Pacific.

The move, announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a direct response to what it calls “a violation of the One China principle,” and marks one of the most visible escalations in US–China tensions this year.  

The arms deal, reportedly worth billions of dollars, includes advanced missile systems, radar upgrades, and defensive equipment intended to bolster Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities.

Washington has defended the sale as consistent with its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, which mandates support for the island’s self-defense. Beijing, however, views such transactions as interference in its internal affairs and a challenge to its sovereignty.  

By cancelling the US delegation’s visit, China has signaled that diplomatic engagement will not proceed under what it perceives as provocation. Analysts note that this decision reflects a broader strategic posture, one that seeks to assert China’s red lines while testing the limits of American resolve.

Oyo School Abduction — Parents Demand Safer Classrooms

Oyo School Abduction — Parents Demand Safer Classrooms

Oyo School Abduction - Parents Demand Safer Classrooms

The recent abduction of students from a secondary school in Oyo State has reignited national anxiety over the safety of Nigeria’s learning environments.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning when armed men stormed the school premises, has left families traumatised and communities questioning the adequacy of security measures in educational institutions.  

In the aftermath, parents have taken to the streets and social media, demanding immediate government intervention. Their calls are not just for the safe return of the abducted children but for a systemic overhaul of school security.

Many argue that the tragedy exposes the vulnerability of rural and semi-urban schools, where perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and trained security personnel are often absent.  

The Oyo State Government has condemned the attack and pledged to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies. However, parents insist that promises are no longer enough. They are calling for concrete action, deployment of school safety officers, installation of alarm systems, and community-based vigilance networks.

Tinubu Appoints Youngest JAMB Registrar — Students React

Prof. Segun Aina 

Tinubu Appoints Youngest JAMB Registrar - Students React

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Prof. Segun Aina as Nigeria’s youngest-ever Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sparked a wave of reactions across the country’s academic and social landscape.

The announcement, made through an official statement from the Presidency, marks a generational shift in leadership within one of Nigeria’s most influential educational institutions.  

The new appointee, whose age reportedly falls in the mid-thirties, represents a striking departure from the tradition of seasoned bureaucrats leading JAMB. His academic background in educational technology and data systems, coupled with prior experience in tertiary admissions reform, has been cited as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s education sector.

The appointment aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of youth inclusion in governance, a theme that has gained traction since the president’s inauguration.  

Editorial: IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation - What It Means for Police Families

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Editorial: IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation - What It Means for Police Families

Editorial: IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation - What It Means for Police Families

The Inspector-General of Police’s recent directive ordering the mass demobilisation of the No. 24 Police Mobile Force Presidential Escort Unit has reverberated far beyond the corridors of power.

While analysts have focused on its political and security implications, the human dimension, the lives of police families suddenly thrust into uncertainty, deserves equal attention.  

For years, officers attached to the Presidential Escort Unit have lived under a unique rhythm of service: high-intensity duty, long hours, and the prestige of proximity to the nation’s highest office. Their families, often based in Abuja, have built lives around that stability, children enrolled in schools, spouses employed locally, and social networks rooted in the capital.

The demobilisation order, which redeploys these officers to commands across Nigeria’s thirty-six states and zonal headquarters, has upended that equilibrium overnight.  

The emotional toll is profound. Families now face abrupt relocations to regions with varying levels of infrastructure and security. For some, the move may mean returning to home states after years of separation; for others, it represents a plunge into unfamiliar territory.

Editorial: The Ripple Effects of the IGP’s Mass Demobilisation Order

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Editorial: The Ripple Effects of the IGP’s Mass Demobilisation Order

Editorial: The Ripple Effects of the IGP’s Mass Demobilisation Order

The Inspector-General of Police’s directive to demobilise the No. 24 Police Mobile Force Presidential Escort Unit and redeploy its officers across Nigeria’s commands is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle, it is a political statement about power, decentralisation, and the recalibration of national security priorities.  

At its core, this decision signals a redefinition of presidential authority and institutional autonomy. The Presidential Escort Unit has long symbolised the intimate link between the executive and the security apparatus. Its demobilisation suggests a deliberate effort to dilute the concentration of elite police protection around the presidency, thereby projecting an image of transparency and trust in broader state institutions.

Politically, it may be interpreted as a move to reassert civilian oversight over the police, curbing the perception of the force as an extension of presidential privilege.  

However, this shift also introduces subtle tensions. State governors, now receiving redeployed officers, may view the decision as an opportunity to strengthen local enforcement capacity.

Yet, it could also reshape the balance of influence between federal and state security structures, raising questions about coordination and loyalty. In a country where political power often intertwines with security control, redistributing personnel from the Villa to the states inevitably alters the dynamics of authority.  

IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation

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IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation

IGP Orders Mass

Demobilisation

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has ordered the mass demobilisation of the No. 24 Police Mobile Force Presidential Escort Unit in Abuja, with officers redeployed across Nigeria’s state and zonal commands. 

This move, conveyed through an internal police signal dated December 16, 2025, marks a significant restructuring of security personnel previously assigned to the Presidential Villa.

Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives

Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Lagos - Osun hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja played host to a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council gathered for its annual Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony, an event that has become a beacon for dialogue on the role of the media in shaping governance.  

Delivering the keynote address was Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. With a deep sense of duty and reverence for the press, Elumelu’s words resonated with urgency and clarity, as he tackled the theme: “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”  

From the outset, Elumelu acknowledged the courage and professionalism of the Nigerian press, describing journalists as “custodians of truth, guardians of facts, and sentinels of acceptable norms in public enlightenment.” He emphasized that democracy thrives only when citizens are well-informed, but warned that the rising tide of falsehoods, distortions, and manipulative narratives threatens the very foundation of democratic governance.  

The keynote highlighted the deliberate and politically motivated nature of disinformation, noting how digital platforms and artificial intelligence have amplified the speed and reach of falsehoods. “Fabricated news stories, doctored images and videos, and false data crafted to inflame passions and discredit institutions” were cited as pressing dangers as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. 

NUJ Press Week: Calls for Responsible Journalism Ahead of 2027 Elections

NUJ Press Week: Calls for Responsible Journalism Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, brought together prominent figures from security, politics, and media to address the challenges posed by disinformation as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

The event was themed “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation” and served as a rallying point for reinforcing the role of journalism in safeguarding democratic values.  

During his goodwill message at the event which had many in attendance, former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, underscored the importance of truth and fairness in reporting, warning against the dangers of politicizing journalism. He emphasized that the press must remain impartial and committed to facts, especially during election periods when misinformation can destabilize society.  

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, described disinformation as a direct threat to democracy. He urged journalists to prioritize accuracy and verification, stressing that the credibility of the media is central to public trust and national stability.  

Ebola Crisis Deepens in Eastern Congo Amid Delayed Government Response

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Ebola Crisis Deepens in Eastern Congo Amid Delayed Government Response  

At least 131 deaths and over 500 suspected cases have been reported in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, with the World Health Organization declaring it a public health emergency of international concern.

The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccines or therapeutics, and the government’s delayed response has worsened containment efforts. 

The Congolese Health Ministry confirmed 513 suspected cases and 131 deaths across multiple eastern provinces, including Bunia, Goma, Mongbwalu, Butembo, and Nyakunde.

The outbreak was first confirmed on Friday, May 15, 2026, but investigations revealed the virus had been spreading undetected for weeks before the first recorded death on April 24.

This delay in detection and response has allowed the virus to spread into urban centers and across borders. 

FCT MINISTER INSPECTS KEY PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY, HAILS QUALITY AND TIMELY DELIVERY

L-R) FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, Director, Public Building, Arc. Bature Tagwai Garba, Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, Mr R.A Lawal Rabana, SAN and Mr Umeh Kalu, SAN during the minister's inspection of ongoing construction of the Body of Benchers annex complex in Abuja on Tuesday

FCT MINISTER INSPECTS KEY PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY, HAILS QUALITY AND TIMELY DELIVERY

-      DISMISSES CLAIMS OF MISUSED AREA COUNCIL FUNDS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on critical infrastructure projects across the Territory, saying that they will be ready for commissioning during the third-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 after an inspection tour of three sites: the Body of Benchers annex complex, the road linking Baze and Nile Universities and the road to Tugan Madaki community from Bill Clinton drive, Barr Wike said the projects reflect the Administration’s commitment to opening up satellite towns as directed by Mr. President.

The Minister specifically stated that all the projects inspected were almost completed and will be among those slated for inauguration to mark the President’s third anniversary in office and commended the contractors.

“Well, today is a very good day. The work at the Body of Benchers office annex is 95% completed, furnished. We are happy with what we have seen, the quality of the job”, the Minister stated.

He added that the adjoining road constructed by CCECC had also been completed and was being fitted with streetlights. “And like I said, that road will be part of the roads that will be inaugurated in this third year anniversary of Mr. President. Also, we believe the Body of Benchers office annex will also be inaugurated.”

Speaking on the road to Tungan Madaki community, off Bill Cliton Drive, the Minister noted that major works were done. “The road has been completed, the bridge has been done, they are now laying the asphalt. I believe before the end of the week, in one week's time they will have completed the asphalt work, and they are already putting the street light”, he added.

Defence Chief Calls for Ethical Media Practices to Safeguard Democracy and National Security”

Defence Chief Calls for Ethical Media Practices to Safeguard Democracy and National Security

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede urges “responsible journalism, linking media reporting to National Security”

The remarks by the CDS were delivered in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2026.

He was represented at the occasion by Brigadier-General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information.

The event’s theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” provided the backdrop for his call on journalists to embrace responsible and ethical reporting, linking media practice directly to national security.

The CDS in his goodwill message emphasized the critical role of journalism in safeguarding national security, urging media practitioners to embrace responsibility in their reporting.

He highlighted that the way information is disseminated can either strengthen or weaken the stability of the nation.