THE 2026 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO MEMORIAL LECTURE

THE 2026 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO MEMORIAL LECTURE

The 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture was held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Efunyela Hall in Ikenne, Ogun State, coinciding with Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s 117th posthumous birthday. The theme was “Politics as Future-Making: Awolowo and Leadership as Theory of Action”, chaired by Chief Emeka Anyaoku and delivered by Professor Wale Adebanwi.

A Legacy of Visionary Leadership

The Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture is an annual intellectual gathering organized by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation to honor the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, statesman, and visionary leader. Awolowo’s philosophy of purposeful leadership, rooted in discipline, social transformation, and ethical governance, continues to inspire debates about Africa’s political future. The 2026 edition was particularly significant, given the continent’s pressing need for leaders who can combine vision with action.

FG Knows every Terrorist by name, location - GUMI

Nigeria: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location -  Gumi

In a striking revelation, controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has claimed that the Nigerian government possesses detailed knowledge of every terrorist operating within the country, including their names and locations.

Speaking in an interview with DRTV, Gumi emphasized that his engagements with armed groups are not solitary endeavors; he is accompanied by the police, military, and other security agencies.

This assertion raises profound questions about the government’s approach to tackling insecurity, particularly in light of the persistent violence from Boko Haram, bandits, and separatist movements.

2027: Why PDP may not be on the ballot

2027: Why PDP May Not Be On The Ballot

The unfolding drama within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a critical juncture that threatens its very presence in the 2027 general elections. Once the dominant opposition force, the PDP now finds itself entangled in a web of legal setbacks, factional disputes, and procedural hurdles that could prevent it from appearing on the ballot.

At the heart of the crisis is a Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the national convention which produced the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, while simultaneously upholding the suspension of key party officials such as Samuel Anyanwu.

Pope warns of regional spillover from Israel-Iran war

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning that the escalating Israel-Iran war risks spreading across the Middle East, potentially leading to a “tragedy of enormous proportions.” He urged all parties, including the United States, Israel, and Iran, to halt hostilities immediately and embrace dialogue instead of violence.

The Pope’s Warning on Regional Spillover from the Israel-Iran War

The Middle East stands at a perilous crossroads, as the recent intensification of conflict between Israel and Iran, compounded by U.S. involvement, has prompted Pope Leo XIV to raise his voice in urgent appeal.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the Pope emphasized that peace cannot be built on “mutual threats or death-dealing arms” but only through “authentic and responsible dialogue.” His words resonate not only with Catholics but with all who fear the widening of violence in a region already scarred by decades of instability.

Wike confirms appointment of 1,659 FCTA Workers

Nyesom Wike, F.C.T. Minister

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has officially confirmed the appointment of 1,659 workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA, Abuja). The confirmation followed a rigorous examination process conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission, with suspicions raised about ghost workers after 224 invited candidates failed to appear.

Wike Confirms Appointment of 1,659 FCTA Workers

Background

On February 28, 2026, the FCT Civil Service Commission conducted a confirmation examination for staff awaiting formal appointment. A total of 2,512 candidates were invited, but only 2,281 appeared. Out of these, 1,659 workers successfully had their appointments confirmed. The exercise covered staff employed in different phases, including those recruited as far back as 2016 and 2019. 

NOSDRA Director General On Ramadan Visit To Environment Minister, Balarabe Lawal

The Director General of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, recently paid a Ramadan-time condolence visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in Zaria, Kaduna State, following the passing of the Minister’s mother. The visit underscored solidarity, compassion, and respect during the holy month of Ramadan.

NOSDRA Director General’s Ramadan Visit to Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal 

Background

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) plays a critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s environment against oil pollution. Its Director General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, has consistently emphasized collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. Against this backdrop, his recent visit to the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, carried both personal and symbolic significance.

Iran names slain Khamenei’s son supreme leader as economic fallout deepens

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been named Iran’s new Supreme Leader amid escalating conflict with Israel and mounting economic turmoil. His appointment signals continuity of hardline policies but has already triggered sharp financial instability, with oil prices surging and markets across Asia tumbling.

Iran’s Succession Crisis and Economic Fallout

The Islamic Republic of Iran now faces its gravest crisis in nearly half a century. Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli strike, the Assembly of Experts moved swiftly to appoint his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as Supreme Leader.

This decision, announced on state television, underscores both the urgency of maintaining continuity and the fragility of Iran’s political system. Mojtaba, long seen as a hardliner with close ties to the Revolutionary Guard, inherits a nation at war externally and fractured internally.

Pope Prays ‘Roar Of The Bombs’ In Middle East Will Cease

Pope Leo XIV has called for an urgent end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, praying that the “roar of bombs” will cease as the conflict triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day. His appeal, delivered during the Angelus prayer in Vatican City on March 8, 2026, reflects growing global concern over the spread of instability across the region. 

Pope Prays ‘Roar Of The Bombs’ In Middle East Will Cease

Context of the Appeal

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the traditional Angelus prayer. Against the backdrop of intensifying violence in the Middle East, the Pope expressed deep dismay at the reports of destruction and suffering emerging from Iran and neighboring countries. The conflict, sparked by US-Israeli air strikes on Iranian fuel depots, has led to widespread fires, devastation, and heightened fears of regional escalation.

The Pope’s Message

The Pope’s words carried both urgency and compassion. He prayed that “the roar of bombs might cease, that weapons might fall silent, and that a space for dialogue might open, in which the voice of the peoples may be heard.” His remarks underscored the dangers of unchecked violence, pointing to the climate of hatred and fear that now grips the region. He specifically warned that the conflict could spread to other vulnerable nations, including Lebanon, which has historically been prone to instability. 

Anthony Placid Replaces Benjamin Hundeyin As Force Spokesman

(Left To Right): PLACID, HUNDEYIN

Anthony Placid Replaces Benjamin Hundeyin as Force Spokesman

In a significant development within Nigeria’s police hierarchy, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid has been appointed as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), succeeding Benjamin Hundeyin.

The announcement was made on March 8, 2026, by outgoing spokesman Hundeyin, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force’s communications arm.

Special Report: International Women’s Day 2026

Symbolic Photo

Global Theme: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls

The United Nations has declared the official theme for International Women’s Day 2026 as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

This theme emphasizes dismantling discriminatory laws, strengthening legal protections, and ensuring that justice systems serve women and girls effectively. It aligns with the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which focuses on expanding access to justice worldwide. 

Alongside the UN’s declaration, the international campaign theme for 2026 is “Give to Gain.” This message highlights the importance of generosity, mentorship, and collaboration in advancing women’s empowerment.

International Women’s Day 2026

Symbolic Photo

International Women’s Day 2026

International Women’s Day 2026 is being observed today, Sunday, March 8, with the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The day highlights the urgent need to close legal and social gaps that still disadvantage women worldwide, as women currently enjoy only about 64% of the legal rights men hold.

Introduction

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 as a worldwide observance dedicated to recognizing women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality. In 2026, the day carries renewed urgency as governments, organizations, and communities confront persistent inequalities in law, justice, and opportunity.

Give to Gain: NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Champions Women’s Empowerment and Investment

GRACE IKE, NUJ-FCT Council Chair

Grace Ike, the first female Chair of the NUJ FCT Council, is championing the theme “Give to Gain” this International Women’s Day, urging Nigeria’s government, institutions, and communities to invest deliberately in women’s empowerment as a pathway to national development. Her call emphasizes mentorship, education, and dismantling systemic barriers to unlock women’s full potential.  

Give to Gain: NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Champions Women’s Empowerment and Investment

In a bold and inspiring message marking International Women’s Day 2026, Grace Ike, Chair of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council, has amplified the global theme “Give to Gain”. As the first woman to hold this position, Ike’s leadership is both symbolic and practical, reflecting the strides women continue to make in breaking barriers within male-dominated spaces. 

PRESS RELEASE: INWOAD Advocates for Inclusion of More Women in Governance

IWD: INWOAD Advocates for Inclusion of More Women in Governance

The Initiative for Women's Accelerated Development in Africa, INWOAD joins women and all stakeholders to celebrate this year's International Women's Day. 

With the theme, Give to Gain, attention is being focused on the power of reciprocity and support in achieving gender equality and sustainable development. 

In a statement issued in Abuja by the President and Founder of the Initiative for Women's Accelerated Development in Africa, INWOAD, Evelyn Onyilo, the organisation called on individuals, government and organisations to rise up to contribute their quota by creating more opportunities for women through donations, skills acquisition and training, advocacy and intergenerational mentorship.

Power Grid Reform and Its Economic Promise

 

Power Grid Reform and Its Economic Promise

President Bola Tinubu’s establishment of an 11-member committee to oversee the creation of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO) is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle, it is a calculated attempt to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential through energy reform.

For decades, the country’s industrial growth has been stifled by unreliable electricity supply, forcing businesses to rely on costly alternatives such as diesel generators. By focusing on stranded power assets and transmission bottlenecks, GAMCO aims to convert wasted capacity into usable megawatts, a move that could reverberate across the economy.

Tinubu Sets Up 11-Member Committee For Power Grid Management

Tinubu’s Bold Step Toward Power Grid Reform

President Bola Tinubu has taken a decisive step in tackling Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges by inaugurating an 11-member committee tasked with establishing the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO).

This initiative, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is designed to address the chronic issues of stranded power, transmission bottlenecks, and inefficiencies that have plagued the nation’s energy sector for decades.

The committee, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, brings together key figures including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Ministers of Power, Finance, Works, Petroleum, and other strategic portfolios, alongside energy expert Professor Yemi Oke.

Female CEOs of Federal Agencies Pledge Support for Tinubu Ahead of 2027

Female CEOs of Federal Agencies Pledge Support for Tinubu Ahead of 2027

In a striking show of solidarity, thirty-seven female chief executive officers of federal government agencies gathered at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja to pledge their support for President Bola Tinubu as the nation looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, underscored the growing influence of women in governance and their determination to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political future.

The delegation included prominent figures such as Aisha Rimi of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Temitope Ilori of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Olubunmi Kuku of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Zubaida Umar of the National Emergency Management Agency, and several others heading key parastatals.

EFCC Hands Over Recovered ₦279m To Wole Soyinka Centre In Lagos

EFCC Hands Over Recovered ₦279 Million to Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos

On March 6, 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) formally handed over the sum of ₦279 million to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos, formerly known as the National Theatre.

This event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption and the recovery of misappropriated public funds.

The funds originated from a long-standing case dating back to 2009, when a petition was filed against Prince Benjamin Apugo and others concerning a contract awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.

Nigeria’s Diplomatic Gamble

Nigeria’s Diplomatic Gamble

Nigeria’s recent deployment of 65 ambassadors to missions across the globe is more than a bureaucratic reshuffling; it is a bold statement of intent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The appointments, a mix of career diplomats and political figures, reveal a deliberate attempt to balance institutional expertise with political loyalty. This duality is both Nigeria’s strength and its potential weakness.

On one hand, the inclusion of seasoned diplomats ensures continuity and professionalism in Nigeria’s foreign service. These individuals carry the institutional memory and technical know-how required to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy.

FULL LIST: Nigeria’s New Ambassadors to UK, Mexico, Germany, Canada, USA, 60 Other Countries

Special Report: Nigeria’s New Ambassadors to 65 Countries

Introduction

On March 6, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors to Nigerian diplomatic missions worldwide. This strategic move, announced by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reflects a blend of career diplomats and non-career envoys, all previously cleared by the Nigerian Senate in December 2025. The appointments are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s global presence and enhance bilateral relations across continents.

Career Ambassadors

The list of 31 career diplomats includes prominent figures from politics, academia, and the military. Notable appointments are:

• Senator Grace Bent to Lome, Togo
• Senator Ita Enang to South Africa
• Ikpeazu Victor to Spain
• Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu to Tel-Aviv, Israel
• Mahmud Yakubu to Qatar
• Paul Oga Adikwu to the Vatican City
• Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas to the Philippines
• Reno Omokri to Mexico City, Mexico
• Hon. Abasi Braimah to Budapest, Hungary
• Erelu Angela Adebayo to Portugal
• Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa to Tokyo, Japan
• Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi Ifeanyi Lawrence to Athens, Greece
• Chioma Priscilla Ohakim to Warsaw, Poland
• Aminu Dalhatu to the United Kingdom
• Lt. Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau to Beijing, China
• Olufemi Pedro to Australia
• Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu to Argentina
• Lateef Kayode Are to the United States
• Joseph Sola Iji to Russia
• Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as UN Permanent Representative
• Femi Fani-Kayode to Germany
• Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole to Ottawa, Canada
• Ajimobi Fatima Florence to Austria
• Lola Akande to Sweden
• Ayodele Oke to France
• Yakubu N. Gambo to Saudi Arabia
• Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut to Seoul, South Korea
• Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha to Dublin, Ireland
• Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar to Tunis, Tunisia
• Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Iran conflict: Kenya advises its over 500k citizens in Gulf to use commercial flights back home

Kenya’s Gulf Advisory Amid Iran Conflict

The escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted Kenya to issue a rare advisory to its citizens living and working in the Gulf region.

With over half a million Kenyans employed across countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, the government’s call underscores both the gravity of the Iran conflict and the vulnerability of migrant populations caught in geopolitical crossfire.

Peter Obi Attributes Nigeria’s Poverty To Choices

Peter Obi, presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that Nigeria’s poverty is not due to a lack of resources but the result of deliberate choices, particularly the culture of rewarding corruption and poor leadership. He insists that Nigerians must demand accountability and responsible governance to reverse this trend.

Peter Obi Attributes Nigeria’s Poverty to Choices

Context of the Statement

Peter Obi made these remarks in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest. The meeting provided a platform for Obi to outline his views on Nigeria’s economic struggles and the role of citizens in shaping the nation’s future.

First Lady Urges Women To Mentor Girls, Promote Modest Dressing

Nigeria's First Lady,  Oluremi Tinubu

First Lady Urges Women To Mentor Girls, Promote Modest Dressing

In a recent interfaith gathering held in Abuja, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, delivered a heartfelt appeal to women across the nation, urging them to take on greater responsibility in shaping the lives of young girls.

Her message emphasized mentorship, moral guidance, and the promotion of modest dressing as essential pillars for nurturing the next generation.

ECOWAS Parliament Marks 25 Years with Multi-Country Programme

ECOWAS Parliament Marks 25 Years with Multi-Country Programme

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of service to the people of West Africa.

To mark this anniversary, the institution has unveiled a year-long, multi-country programme designed to strengthen regional integration and bring the parliament closer to its citizens.

The announcement was made in Abuja by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Ibrahima, represented by the Director of Parliamentary Affairs and Research, Mr. Kabeer Garba.

Michael Freeman: Iran Spreading Terror In Nigeria, Sponsoring Islamic Movement

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused Iran of actively spreading terrorism in Nigeria and West Africa, specifically through sponsorship of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN). He warns that Tehran’s influence is destabilizing the region and aligns with its broader global agenda of supporting extremist groups.

Iran’s Shadow in Nigeria -  Freeman’s Warning

In a striking interview with Arise News, Michael Freeman, Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, raised alarm over Iran’s growing footprint in West Africa. He alleged that Iran is not only exporting its ideology but also funding extremist groups, with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) being a key beneficiary. According to Freeman, this is part of Tehran’s long-standing global strategy of destabilization, which has historically included support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Seriake Dickson’s Defection and the Future of Opposition Politics in Nigeria

Seriake Dickson’s Defection and the Future of Opposition Politics in Nigeria

Senator Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa State and current representative of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). His move, announced on March 5, 2026, marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics. 

The Nigerian political landscape witnessed a dramatic turn with Senator Seriake Dickson’s decision to abandon the PDP, a party he once championed as governor of Bayelsa State.

At a press conference in Abuja, Dickson lamented the state of the PDP, describing it as “gravely ill” and “presently in the ICU.” His words reflect not just personal disillusionment but a broader sentiment among many who believe the PDP has lost its vigor as a credible opposition force.