Goodwill Message on Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

Special Report: Goodwill Message on Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

Issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)  

Date: 19 March 2026.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful across the nation on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. 

In a message signed by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, President of the CBCN, the bishops commended the discipline of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving observed during the sacred month of Ramadan, describing it as a “compelling witness to faith, self-restraint, and devotion to God.”  

This year’s celebration carries a unique significance, as Christians and Muslims in Nigeria began their respective fasting seasons on the same day. The bishops noted that this providential convergence underscores the shared commitment of both faiths to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God.

Faith Leaders and the Quest for Nigerian Unity

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Editorial: Faith Leaders and the Quest for Nigerian Unity

Religious festivals in Nigeria often transcend their spiritual boundaries, becoming moments of national reflection.

Eid al-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, has increasingly become a platform for interfaith dialogue in Nigeria.

This year, Catholic bishops seized the occasion to call for a joint effort in building a just and peaceful nation. Their message was not simply a gesture of goodwill but a deliberate attempt to underscore the shared responsibility of Christians and Muslims in confronting Nigeria’s challenges.

ID-EL-FITR: NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, felicitates with Muslim faithful, calls for unity, compassion

Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council

Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging unity, compassion, and ethical conduct in both personal and professional life. Her message emphasized the values of sacrifice, patience, and generosity learned during Ramadan as guiding principles for society. 

Special Report: ID-EL-FITR: NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, Felicitates with Muslim Faithful, Calls for Unity, Compassion

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, joined millions of Muslims across Nigeria in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr.

This festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewal of faith. In her goodwill message, Ike highlighted the importance of unity, compassion, and integrity as values that should transcend the season and shape the conduct of individuals and communities.

Grace Ike congratulated Muslim faithful for their discipline and devotion throughout Ramadan. She acknowledged the sacrifices made during fasting and prayers, noting that the lessons of patience, generosity, and spiritual commitment should not end with the festival but continue to guide everyday life.

NIPR Inducts NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike, As She Pledges Ethical Leadership in Public Communication

Grace Ike, Chair of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), pledging to uphold ethical leadership and professionalism in public communication. Her induction marks a significant career milestone, bridging her journalism roots with a new chapter in strategic public relations.

NIPR Inducts NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike, As She Pledges Ethical Leadership in Public Communication

On March 20, 2026, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) inducted Grace Ike, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, into its fold.

The ceremony, held in Abuja, was part of the institute’s first quarter induction of new members, where Ike joined 421 professionals admitted into the body. 

lNigeria, UK sign deal on deportation of criminals, failed asylum seekers

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark migration agreement that enables Britain to deport failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and visa overstayers directly to Nigeria. The deal was finalized during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to London on March 19, 2026, and is intended to streamline deportation processes by removing bureaucratic hurdles.

Nigeria–UK Deportation Agreement

Background of the Agreement

During President Bola Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, the governments of both countries formalized a new migration deal. The agreement was signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The UK government emphasized that the deal is part of its broader immigration control measures, while Nigeria agreed to cooperate in receiving deported nationals.

Key Provisions

- Scope of Deportations: The deal covers failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and visa overstayers who have no legal right to remain in the UK.  

Tinubu, Starmer seal £70m Steel deal for Lagos Ports upgrade

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have sealed a landmark £70 million steel supply deal to upgrade Lagos’ two major ports, forming part of a broader £746 million redevelopment programme. The agreement, finalized during Tinubu’s historic state visit to London, will see British Steel deliver 120,000 tonnes of steel for the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

Special Report: Tinubu, Starmer Seal £70m Steel Deal for Lagos Ports Upgrade

On March 19, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London.

This marked the first official state visit by a West African leader to the UK in 37 years, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the occasion.

The visit was framed around strengthening bilateral trade, infrastructure investment, and security cooperation. 

Editorial: Eid Messages and the Continuity of Presidential Appeals

Symbolic Photo of Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Editorial: Eid Messages and the Continuity of Presidential Appeals

Eid-el-Fitr has long been a moment when Nigerian presidents reach out to the nation, blending religious felicitation with political exhortation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent message, delivered through his adviser Bayo Onanuga, fits squarely within this tradition. His emphasis on renewed patriotism, unity, and compassion reflects both the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the pressing challenges of governance.

Historically, Nigerian leaders have used Eid greetings as opportunities to reinforce national cohesion.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo often highlighted the need for tolerance and interfaith harmony, framing Eid as a reminder of Nigeria’s plural identity.

PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATE MUSLIMS ON ELD- EL-FITR, URGES RENEWED PATRIOTISM..BAYO ONANUGA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging them to embrace renewed patriotism, unity, and compassion. His message, conveyed through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the need for national cohesion.

Special Report: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Urges Renewed Patriotism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and the world as they celebrated Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. His message was delivered in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Key Highlights of Tinubu’s Message

- Congratulatory Note: Tinubu congratulated Muslims for successfully completing the Ramadan fast, describing it as a period of spiritual renewal and sacrifice.  

- Call for Patriotism: He urged Muslims to renew their commitment to Nigeria, stressing the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity.  

- Lessons of Ramadan: Tinubu highlighted the virtues of piety, empathy, perseverance, kindness, and selflessness, noting that these values should guide citizens beyond the fasting period.  

- Prayers for the Nation: He encouraged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria.  

Eid al-Fitr: Catholic bishops demand joint effort to build a just Nigeria

Catholic bishops in Nigeria, during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, called for a united national effort to build a just and peaceful society, urging Muslims and Christians alike to embrace values of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility in tackling insecurity and social vices. Their message highlights the importance of interfaith solidarity in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Special Report: Eid al-Fitr - Catholic Bishops Demand Joint Effort to Build a Just Nigeria

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is traditionally a time of joy, reflection, and renewal.

In Nigeria, the celebration has taken on added significance as Catholic bishops joined Muslim leaders in emphasizing the need for unity, justice, and peace.

Their intervention underscores the role of religious institutions in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

Catholic bishops, led by figures such as Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of the Diocese of Oyo, urged Nigerians to live peacefully and to confront social vices collectively. They emphasized that justice, fairness, and mutual respect are essential for national stability.

“Ẹ káàbọ̀, ṣé dáadáa ni?” - King Charles greets Tinubu, others in Yoruba

King Charles III Greets President Tinubu in Yoruba

In a rare and symbolic gesture, King Charles III departed from traditional royal protocol during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, choosing to greet the Nigerian leader in Yoruba. The phrase, “Ẹ káàbọ̀, ṣé dáadáa ni?”,  meaning “Welcome, how are you doing?”, was delivered at a state banquet inside St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle, before an audience of about 160 guests. This moment underscored the monarch’s effort to blend diplomacy with cultural recognition, setting the tone for an evening steeped in symbolism and shared heritage.

Cultural Diplomacy in Action

The greeting drew laughter and warm appreciation from President Tinubu, who appeared visibly amused by the King’s attempt at Yoruba. Beyond its lightheartedness, the gesture carried deeper significance: it reflected an acknowledgment of Nigeria’s cultural identity and the importance of the diaspora community in Britain. The banquet itself was tailored to Nigerian traditions, with Zobo,  a hibiscus-based drink popular in Nigeria,  featured alongside traditional wines and spirits.

PROVISION OF RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE WILL STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMIES – SAYS FCT MINISTER

(R-L) FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike, Prof Emmanuel Adibe, AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu, Director Engineering Services, STDD, Engr Bayo Boderinwa and the Coordinator STDD, Hon Abdulkadir Zulkifli during the Minister's inspection of ongoing reconstruction of roads in Karu satellite town on Wednesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PROVISION OF RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE WILL STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMIES – SAYS FCT MINISTER

…AS HE INSPECTS CRITICAL ROAD PROJECTS ACROSS SATELLITE TOWNS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated that the administration’s focus on rural and satellite town infrastructure was a direct mandate from the Presidency to ensure the rapid development of suburban communities and reduce the pressure on the city centre.

Barr. Wike stated this on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, while addressing newsmen, shortly after he embarked on an extensive inspection tour of critical infrastructure projects across several satellite towns in the FCT.

Editorial Perspective: Tinubu’s Delegation as a Statement of Reform and Power

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President Tinubu’s 2026 UK entourage featured a strategic blend of political heavyweights, economic reformers, and security chiefs, reflecting a deliberate push to project Nigeria’s reformist image and global ambition. The lineup was not just ceremonial, it was a calculated diplomatic statement.

Editorial Perspective: Tinubu’s Delegation as a Statement of Reform and Power

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage to the United Kingdom for his historic state visit from March 18 to 19, 2026, was more than a diplomatic formality, it was a showcase of Nigeria’s evolving leadership architecture.

The delegation, composed of 12 senior officials, was carefully curated to reflect the administration’s priorities: economic reform, security modernization, and global rebranding.

The Power Behind the Presidency: Tinubu’s UK Delegation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage to the United Kingdom for his historic state visit included a powerful mix of political, economic, and diplomatic figures, reflecting the strategic importance of the trip. The delegation featured top ministers, security chiefs, and business leaders, all tasked with deepening Nigeria–UK ties across trade, security, and investment.  

The Power Behind the Presidency: Tinubu’s UK Delegation

When President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for his landmark state visit to the United Kingdom, he was accompanied by a 12-member high-level entourage that underscored the significance of the mission.

At the heart of the delegation was First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose presence added diplomatic grace and cultural depth to the engagements at Windsor Castle.

Tinubu’s UK State Visit: Scaling Nigeria–UK Investment Frontiers

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Tinubu’s UK State Visit: Scaling Nigeria-UK Investment Frontiers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom marks a historic milestone in Nigeria–UK relations, with bilateral trade surging to an all-time high of £8.1 billion annually and major investment expansions announced across banking, fintech, and manufacturing sectors.

The visit underscores Nigeria’s growing role as a hub of innovation and investment while reinforcing the UK’s position as a global business center. 

Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Ambition Gains Renewed Momentum

Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Ambition Gains Renewed Momentum

The federal government has once again underscored its determination to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to this ambitious target.

Speaking during the assumption of duty of the new Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Bagudu emphasized that strong policy coordination and strategic planning would be central to realizing this vision. 

He explained that the Bola Tinubu administration intends to drive economic growth at an annual rate of seven per cent, guided by the forthcoming National Development Plan (2026–2030).

Maiduguri’s Ordeal and Nigeria’s Enduring Struggle

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Maiduguri’s Ordeal and Nigeria’s Enduring Struggle

The explosions that tore through Maiduguri on Monday evening were not just another tragic entry in the long list of insurgent attacks; they were a brutal reminder of the fragility of daily life in north-eastern Nigeria.

Twenty-three lives were lost, 146 others wounded, and countless more traumatized as improvised explosive devices detonated in crowded spaces, markets, hospitals, and public areas, at the very hour families were breaking their fast during Ramadan.  

This was not random violence. It was a calculated strike by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, designed to sow fear, disrupt community rhythms, and challenge the state’s authority. Yet, amid the horror, the swift response of emergency services and the deployment of security forces underscored a determination to resist being cowed.

Terror Strikes Maiduguri: A City Shaken but Defiant

Terror Strikes Maiduguri: A City Shaken but Defiant

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, was plunged into chaos on Monday evening as multiple explosions ripped through crowded areas, leaving 23 people dead and 146 others injured.

The attacks, carried out with improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, struck at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Post Office area, and the bustling Monday Market around 7:00pm.  

The timing of the blasts, during the Ramadan fast-breaking period, magnified the tragedy.

NUJ FCT Takes Welfare Drive Further with Health Insurance for Members

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has taken a major step in improving members’ welfare by enrolling over 150 journalists into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), with plans to extend coverage to all members. This initiative, led by Comrade Grace Ike, marks a turning point in prioritizing journalists’ access to affordable healthcare.  

NUJ FCT Takes Welfare Drive Further with Health Insurance for Members

Background

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has consistently emphasized the welfare of its members. In recent years, journalists in Abuja have faced challenges accessing affordable healthcare, a situation compounded by the demanding nature of their profession. Recognizing this, the NUJ FCT leadership under Comrade Grace Ike has launched a health insurance initiative to safeguard members’ wellbeing.

The Initiative

On March 14, 2026, the NUJ FCT Council officially enrolled more than 150 journalists into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). This represents about 65% of the union’s membership in Abuja, with the goal of achieving full coverage in the near future.  

The scheme was rolled out in collaboration with the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat and the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). The Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Fasawe, commended the NUJ for prioritizing journalists’ welfare and pledged continued support. 

NUJ FCT’s Cry for Urgent Action

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NUJ FCT’s Cry for Urgent Action

The recent communiqué issued by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council is more than a routine statement; it is a stark indictment of the worsening socio-economic realities confronting residents of Abuja and Nigerians at large.

By lamenting water scarcity, rising fuel prices, and the delayed implementation of the new minimum wage, the NUJ has placed a mirror before the government, reflecting the daily struggles of ordinary citizens who are increasingly burdened by hardship.  

Water scarcity in the nation’s capital is not merely an inconvenience; it is a public health emergency waiting to explode. Communities deprived of clean and safe water are forced to rely on unsafe sources, exposing families to preventable diseases.

NUJ-FCT Concerns: Water Scarcity, Fuel Prices, and Minimum Wage Delay

NUJ-FCT Concerns: Water Scarcity, Fuel Prices, and Minimum Wage Delay

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has raised alarm over worsening living conditions in Abuja, citing persistent water scarcity, rising fuel prices, and the delayed implementation of the new minimum wage as urgent issues requiring government intervention. These concerns were formally expressed in a communiqué issued after the NUJ FCT Congress held on March 14, 2026.

On March 14, 2026, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, convened a congress to deliberate on pressing socio-economic challenges affecting residents of Abuja and Nigerians at large.

The congress culminated in a communiqué highlighting three critical issues: water scarcity, rising fuel prices, and delayed minimum wage implementation. These challenges, according to the NUJ, are compounding hardship and threatening public welfare.

The NUJ-FCT Council expressed deep concern over persistent water shortages in Abuja, which have left many communities struggling to access clean and safe water. The union warned that the scarcity poses serious public health risks, particularly in densely populated areas where residents are forced to rely on unsafe water sources.

FCT MINISTER COMMENDS SECURITY AGENCIES FOR KEEPING ABUJA SAFE

L-R) Former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, Prof. Sandy Onor and Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda during the Minister's inspection tour of some key projects in the FCC on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER COMMENDS SECURITY AGENCIES FOR KEEPING ABUJA SAFE

…AS HE INSPECTS MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS SET FOR COMMISSIONING

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has commended security agencies in the FCT for keeping the nation’s capital safe and secure.

The FCT Minister who gave the commendation while speaking with journalists on Monday, March 16, 2026, during a routine inspection of critical infrastructure projects, noted that urban crimes like kidnapping exist in every major city globally, but stressed that the security agencies in Abuja have been highly effective in curbing such threats.

Addressing recent kidnapping incidents in satellite towns, the Minister stated that the FCT administration and security agencies have successfully foiled numerous plots that often go unpublicized and called for commendation and support for the security forces. He further noted that the rescue of kidnapped victims in Bwari was a testament to the ongoing efforts of the security agencies.

Passengers Stranded As Two Kaduna-Abuja Trains Collide In Asham

A Collision That Exposes Nigeria’s Railway Fragility

The collision between two trains along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor near Asham is more than an unfortunate accident; it is a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure and the urgent need for systemic reform.

Early Monday, hundreds of passengers were left stranded after a passenger train collided with a freight train, leading to partial derailment and injuries. Though no fatalities were recorded, the incident disrupted services on one of the nation’s busiest routes and raised troubling questions about safety oversight and operational efficiency.

According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the collision was traced to a coupling issue that caused the rear locomotive to make contact with another coach. Emergency protocols were activated, injured passengers were evacuated to Idu Station, and the Safety Investigation Bureau was dispatched to probe the matter.

NLC Demands Cost of Living Allowance as Gulf War Intensifies

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Nigeria’s Labour Congress (NLC) is demanding urgent cost-of-living allowances, wage awards, and tax relief as petrol prices soar to between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre, a direct consequence of the intensifying Gulf conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The union warns that without immediate government intervention, millions of Nigerians face worsening economic hardship and possible social unrest.

Nigeria: NLC Demands Cost of Living Allowance as Gulf War Intensifies

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarm over the sharp rise in fuel prices, linking the crisis directly to the ongoing Middle East war. The escalation of hostilities in the Gulf has disrupted global oil markets, sending shockwaves into Nigeria’s already fragile economy. For workers and ordinary citizens, the impact is immediate and devastating: transport costs have skyrocketed, food prices are climbing, and inflation is eroding wages at an unprecedented pace.

The NLC’s Demands

In a strongly worded statement titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary”, NLC President Joe Ajaero outlined several urgent measures:

• Cost-of-living allowance (COLA) to cushion workers against inflation.
• Wage awards to offset the erosion of salaries by rising prices.
• Tax relief for low-income earners to ease financial pressure.
• Revival of public refineries to reduce dependence on imported fuel and stabilize domestic supply.

The Gen Z and Religion

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The Gen Z and Religion

Generation Z is reshaping the religious landscape by simultaneously reviving faith and questioning traditional institutions. While data shows they are more likely to believe in a higher power than previous generations, their approach to religion is deeply influenced by digital culture, individual autonomy, and skepticism toward rigid doctrines.

A Generation of Contradictions

Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is often described as paradoxical when it comes to religion. On one hand, surveys reveal that belief in God or a higher power is stronger among Zoomers than among Millennials or Gen X. This marks a reversal of decades-long trends of declining religious affiliation. On the other hand, Gen Z is also the most critical generation toward organized religion, questioning its relevance, authority, and moral consistency.

Editorial: Respecting Journalists – A Turning Point in Police-Media Relations

Symbolic Photo of IGP, Olatunji Disu addressing the Press

Respecting Journalists - A Turning Point in Police-Media Relations

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s recent declaration that journalists are professionals deserving respect marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

His words challenge a long-standing culture where journalists are often undervalued, dismissed, or treated as if they were seeking favors rather than fulfilling a vital civic duty. By affirming their professional status, Disu is not merely offering courtesy; he is acknowledging the indispensable role of the press in shaping public trust and accountability.

The editorial weight of his statement lies in its potential to recalibrate the relationship between the police and the media. For decades, Nigerian journalists have faced intimidation, restricted access to information, and societal stereotypes that undermine their credibility.