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AMBASSADOR GABRIEL TANIMU ADUDA BOWS OUT AFTER 22 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

By
Victor Obabunmi
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‎The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has formally retired from the Federal Civil Service after twenty-two (22) years of dedicated and meritorious service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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‎Amb. Aduda, who holds the distinction of being the youngest Nigerian ever appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary, completed the mandatory eight-year tenure at just 53 years of age, seven years ahead of the statutory retirement age of 60. His career journey, which traversed several key ministries, culminated in his stewardship at the Ministry of Defence, where he provided exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s national security and defence capabilities.
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‎Transformative Achievements in the Defence Sector
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‎During his tenure, Amb. Aduda championed critical reforms and institutional innovations with far-reaching implications for the Armed Forces and national defence. His notable contributions include:
‎•Revitalizing Nigeria’s Defence Industry: Initiating the establishment of the Defence Industry Regulatory Department within the Ministry to enhance indigenous production, promote self-sufficiency, and align with international best practices. The proposal is currently under review by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service.
‎•Centralizing Defence Procurement: Driving the centralization of procurement across the Armed Forces to improve transparency, coordination, and cost-effectiveness. Advanced consultations have been held with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to implement this reform.
‎•Reviving the Veterans’ Hospital Project: Resuscitating the long-abandoned plan for a specialized Veterans’ Hospital to provide comprehensive healthcare for retired military personnel. Discussions are ongoing with funding support from Afreximbank and proposed management by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, USA.
‎•Advancing Humanitarian Demining Efforts: Advocating for an Executive Order to establish and operationalize the National Mine Action Centre within the Ministry of Defence as a parastatal institution.
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‎In addition to institutional reforms, Amb. Aduda also prioritized staff welfare. He earned the admiration of staff unions by adopting a compassionate, people-focused leadership approach—most notably restoring staff buses that had been grounded for decades, thereby easing transportation challenges for employees.
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‎Farewell Message
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‎In his farewell message to staff, Amb. Aduda expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and deep appreciation to his colleagues for their cooperation and support throughout his service.
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‎He described his civil service journey as both “an honour and a privilege,” emphasizing that the opportunity to contribute to nation-building across different ministries was a source of deep personal fulfillment. He urged serving officers to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, integrity, and teamwork, stressing that the responsibilities before them are not only demanding but also opportunities to shape Nigeria’s future.
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‎Reminding staff that “whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” Amb. Aduda charged them to continue rendering selfless service to the nation with the fear of God. He pledged his continued support for national development even in retirement.
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‎Handover of Leadership
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‎Following his exit, Amb. Aduda formally handed over the affairs of the Ministry to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs Department, who will serve as Acting Permanent Secretary.
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‎Amb. Aduda’s tenure will be remembered for its hallmark of innovation, discipline, and results-driven governance, leaving behind a legacy of reform and renewed capacity in Nigeria’s defence sector.
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2026 Hajj: FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board Begins Registration, Sets ₦8.5m Minimum Deposit

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced registration for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Director of the Board, Alhaji Kadiri Edah, made this known at a meeting in Abuja, announcing that interested pilgrims are expected to pay a minimum deposit of ₦8.5 million to secure a seat.

He explained that payments must be made strictly through a bank draft from any commercial bank, payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja, and submitted alongside the international passport of the intending pilgrim at any of the six area councils before December 2, 2025.

“No cash payment will be accepted, and registration will be handled strictly on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness,” Edah emphasized.

The Director also urged pilgrims who had deposited money in previous years but could not perform Hajj to formally declare their intention before the deadline to secure their slots for the 2026 exercise.

Reaffirming the Board’s commitment, Edah noted that new strategies are being introduced to improve service delivery and the overall experience of pilgrims.

He cautioned intending pilgrims against dealing with unauthorized third parties, stressing that the approved Hajj fare is a comprehensive package determined by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with no additional hidden charges.

Wike Orders Clearance of Abuja Shanties Harbouring Criminals, Stalling Development

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the total clearance of illegal settlements and shanties across Abuja, warning that the Administration will no longer tolerate hideouts for criminals or obstacles to developmental projects.

“The ongoing onslaught on criminal hideouts in Abuja will continue,” Wike said, stressing that shanties in locations such as Area 1, Durumi, have become security threats and must be dismantled.

According to him, the FCTA is deeply concerned about high-level criminal activities linked to these settlements, including robbery, carjacking, drug peddling and one-chance operations, which endanger law-abiding residents.

To address the menace, Wike set up a Stakeholders’ Committee comprising security agencies, FCTA officials, civil society groups, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the committee identified Area 1, Durumi, as a notorious operational base for kidnappers, drug dealers and carjackers.

Just three months ago, a raid in the area led to the arrest of over 120 suspects, including one-chance operators and armed robbers. Security operatives also recovered seven stolen vehicles, 79 motorcycles, and 155 ATM cards snatched from victims.

Although some of the shanties were cleared then, Olayinka said the illegal occupants have since regrouped, rebuilding structures and resuming criminal activities.

“These makeshift houses sit on land allocated more than 20 years ago, but genuine allottees and even government agencies have been unable to use their property because of illegal settlers,” he explained.

The FCTA has already begun clearing shanties in parts of the city centre, with the Durumi and Area 1 axis next in line.

I’m Not a Fraudster, EFCC Never Invited Me – Pastor Abadariki Fires Back at Online Media

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Senior Pastor of Word and Miracle Embassy Church, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Joel Oladipupo Abadariki, has strongly denied reports that he is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding U.S.-based Pastor Esther Paul and her company, Zen Estate and Developer, of over ₦100 million and $100,000.

Reacting to a publication by an online platform, Nigerian News Leader, Abadariki described the allegations as “malicious, misleading, and calculated to destroy my reputation.” He demanded an immediate retraction and apology, threatening to take legal action if the outlet failed to comply.

“How can someone with a known address be running from arrest? I am in my church every day, Monday through Sunday,” Abadariki told journalists.

The cleric explained that his relationship with Paul began when she was introduced to him as a preacher, long before any business dealings. He said she later approached him with a proposal to start a real estate partnership, insisting that “the Lord told her” to work with him.

According to him, the partnership included Paul, her sister Vera Idemudia, and himself as registered directors. While Paul and Idemudia sourced funds abroad, he managed operations in Nigeria.

“The only reason money came to me was because I was on ground. We rented an office, paid staff, and spent funds on construction. I never collected any salary for all my efforts,” he explained.

Abadariki narrated how a plot of land acquired by the company could not be marketed for years, forcing Paul to ask him to sell it. He said the land was later sold to an engineer at the Ministry of Works, though the buyer had yet to complete payment.

On claims that he was evading arrest, the cleric challenged the media platform to provide proof.

“I put the publisher and sponsors of this false report to the strictest proof. If they can show an EFCC invitation letter whether by text or in writing then let them present it,” he said.

He also accused Idemudia of issuing threats against his life over disputes in the partnership.

“I am a full partner in this company, yet profits are shared by others while I shoulder the work. Despite threats and false accusations, the land remains intact and our processes were duly followed,” he maintained.

Abadariki insisted the report was a violation of journalistic ethics and vowed to clear his name in court if necessary.

Nigeria Sets Ambitious Steel Targets, 10 Million Tonnes by 2030, 500,000 Jobs — Tinubu

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to produce 10 million tonnes of liquid steel annually by 2030 and generate over 500,000 jobs, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced at the inaugural National Stakeholders Summit on Steel Development in Abuja on Wednesday. The summit, themed “Rebuilding and Consolidating Nigeria’s Steel Industry: Collaborative Action for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness,” was convened to chart a roadmap for revitalizing the nation’s steel sector, which remains heavily reliant on imports despite Nigeria’s abundant iron ore, limestone, and coal deposits.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu emphasized that the steel industry is pivotal to industrialization, economic diversification, and national security. “The steel industry will not be revitalized by government alone. We need private investors, the innovation of our universities, the skills of our workforce, and the patronage of our people,” he said. The administration’s plans include operationalizing the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), conducting technical and financial audits, and engaging international investors to complete and commission the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. Additional initiatives include five mini-LNG plants at Ajaokuta, an industrial park with a free trade zone, and partnerships with the Ministry of Defence and DICON to manufacture military hardware.

Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, pledged the Senate’s unwavering support for the sector, urging stakeholders to turn ideas into actionable outcomes. Highlighting the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, he noted that over 20 of its 38 completed factories can operate independently if central utilities are restored. He called for unbundling and concessioning these factories to capable Nigerians or verified foreign firms, criticizing past wholesale concessions that undermined the sector. “This summit must be a turning point,” Ndubueze said, “a defining moment to harness the full potential of our steel industry and position Nigeria as a hub for industrial excellence in Africa.”

Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, underscored that revitalizing local steel production would reduce Nigeria’s $4 billion annual import bill. He detailed incentives to attract investors, including capital allowances, import duty exemptions, tax holidays, and policies ensuring 30% of steel inputs for government projects are sourced locally. Audu also highlighted public-private partnerships, industrial parks, mini-LNG plants, and collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to manufacture military hardware, stressing that these measures would stimulate local raw material consumption, generate jobs, and establish Nigeria as a regional steel hub.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, revealed a new industrial trajectory for Nigeria’s minerals, with a $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border and a $200 million refinery near Abuja set for imminent commissioning. Two additional plants in Nasarawa will be operational by the end of 2025. Dr. Alake stressed strict enforcement in the sector, reporting over 2,350 mining marshals deployed, more than 300 illegal operators arrested, and over 20 convictions secured. He highlighted Nigeria’s continental leadership through the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company and chairmanship of the African Mineral Strategy Group, calling on stakeholders to adopt a cluster-based approach integrating mining, processing, and manufacturing to ensure competitiveness, job creation, and export readiness.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted steel’s critical role in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, offshore platforms, and fishing vessels. A reliable domestic steel supply, he noted, would reduce import dependence, cut costs, improve project timelines, and support maritime infrastructure development, fostering innovation and employment across multiple value chains. Similarly, Minister of Transportation, Sai’du Ahmed Alkali, described the summit as a vital forum to implement the 10-year national steel roadmap, optimize private steel rolling mills, and harness Nigeria’s natural resources within a strong regulatory framework.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole, emphasized the untapped potential across the steel value chain, from mining to rolling, fabrication, and production of critical inputs for construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing sectors. She noted that domestic value addition, international partnerships, technology transfer, and targeted reforms will reduce import dependence, create jobs, and help achieve Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target by 2030.

In his welcome address, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, described the summit as a pivotal platform to chart a new course for Nigeria’s steel industry. Highlighting the sector’s strategic importance, he stressed that steel underpins railways, bridges, manufacturing, energy, and defense. Dr. Isokpunwu called on all stakeholders to engage actively, share innovative ideas, and forge strategic partnerships, noting that outcomes from the summit would inform the National Strategic Plan of Action for the Steel and Metallurgical Sector, ensuring Nigeria’s steel sector is globally competitive, sustainable, and a driver of national growth.

With strategic partnerships, regulatory reforms, and multi-stakeholder engagement now in motion, Nigeria is poised to transform its steel industry into a cornerstone of industrialization, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.

ODE TO THE HEROINE OF THE PRESS

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Being a press Statement on the transition of Dr. (Mrs.) Doyin Abiola, former Managing Director of Concord Press of Nigeria

It is said that some are born great and others have greatness thrust upon them. Dr.Doyin Abiola, who joined the Saints yesterday, showed up on both counts.
She was the scion of the illustrious Aboaba family, reputed for its elitist pedigree and nobility built on professionalism and class.
That heritage ensured that she climbed to the pinnacle of scholarship. Starting with Bachelor’s in English and Drama of Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan, she followed with a Master’s and later crowned it with Doctor of Philosophy at the New York University, United States.
A seminal reflection of this interesting foray into knowledge indicated a zig-zag, trapeze dance between theory and practice, private and public media practice. For instance, she started her journalism.practice at Daily Sketch, a regional newspaper of the defunct Western State Government in 1969.
After her Master’s, she worked at Daily Times, a national medium owned by the Federal Government and following the completion of her doctorate, she moved from Daily Times to Concord Press of Nigeria to birth a newspaper with a distinct and different approach to mainstream news and tabloid journalism.
Dr Doyin Abiola, gentle and genial, soft yet solid, inhaled and exhaled journalism. Breaking the news day after day, splashing shockers on the front pages and making sure that readers got the news of Concord hot very early at the newstands, were the goals that drove her to deliver the best copies to the market.
She was, indeed, a newsman, ( as there are no women in journalism), trained for the job with an incredible passion for investigation and staying power for following up till the end of each episode.
Dr. Abiola’ s managerial expertise was unparalleled. Complementing her husband, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the publisher, Dr.Abiola supervised several innovative projects to position Concord Press as the primus inter pares in the media industry. For instance, Concord was the first to archive newspapers by converting from print to microfilm.
She showed her motherly disposition in the provision of conducive working conditions and personal interest in staff welfare and professional development.
Only a professional and manager of exceptional capacity and courage could have translated the publisher’s vision of independent journalism into daily publication of news and respected leaders. Only a woman of quintessential professional standards and stoic sacrifice could have survived the regular onslaught of military invasion of Concord’s newsroom, incessant closures and incarceration of staff, and ultimately, the detention and death of the publisher.
It is a testament of her doggedness that she brought her resourcefulness and stature to count on the side of the Nigerian people when it mattered most, unbowed by the wicked incarceration of her husband and winner of the June 12, 1993 election.
Dr Doyin Abiola’s transition signals the gradual exit of the beautiful ones who brought sparkle to the lives of many readers by publishing delightful stories of hope and perseverance.
Dr Abiola’s transition is a personal loss to me and my family. She was the auntie who held my hand and led me up the corporate steps of Africa’s foremost media establishment. She was the sister who polished the edges of a character in flight to stardom and higher responsibilities. She was the boss who believed in me and contributed to what I have become today. She was the leader who spotted bright minds and nurtured to fruition talents that could have been spent half way. She was the mother who counselled and encouraged us to stand by the values of integrity and enterprise.
As you prepare to meet your Maker, Auntie D, the world is aware that you left a void that will be difficult to fill.
Adieu, Auntie, and rest peacefully in the bossom of the Lord.

Dr. Dele Alake
Former Concord Editorial Board member,
Former Editor Sunday Concord,
Former Editor National Concord ,
Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lagos State ,
Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

Atiku: Stop Party-Hopping, You’re Over 80

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Barr Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of political inconsistency and serial defections driven by personal ambition.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike berated Atiku for constantly switching political parties over the years in pursuit of the presidency.

“Atiku was in PDP in 1999, left for the Action Congress, came back to PDP, moved to APC, and now he’s reportedly moving again—all because he wants to be president,” Wike said.

Delivering a sharp rebuke, the former Rivers State governor said,

“If I were his son, I would sit him down and say, ‘Daddy, at almost 80 years old, why keep moving from one party to another just to be president?’ It’s not right.”

Wike’s remarks followed reports that Atiku had aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a broader opposition coalition targeting the 2027 general elections.

He suggested the defection was driven by Atiku’s declining influence in the PDP and an awareness that the party was unlikely to offer him its presidential ticket again.

“He’s forming a coalition to fight President Tinubu because he knows PDP will not give him the ticket,” Wike added.

The comments underscore deepening cracks within the PDP and signal Wike’s continuing influence in shaping the party’s internal dynamics, even as tensions build toward the next electoral cycle.

Wike Warns PDP Leadership: Respect Calabar Congress or Risk Crisis

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging them to respect the outcome of the recently held South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar or risk deepening internal crisis within the party.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike said any attempt to undermine the congress, which produced Chief Dan Orbih as the National Vice Chairman (South-South), would be unacceptable and counterproductive.

> “Our South-South Zonal Congress was validly conducted in Calabar. It must be respected. There’s no doubt about it,” Wike declared.

He accused the PDP’s Acting National Chairman and some unnamed party leaders of attempting to sabotage the process, despite a court ruling that granted legal backing to the congress.

> “While we were holding the congress, the Acting National Chairman was busy telling people that PDP governors were not in support. Where are those governors now?” Wike queried, suggesting political hypocrisy within the party’s top ranks.

Wike maintained that the Calabar congress was both legal and transparent, warning that any call for a new congress would be an insult to the integrity of the party’s democratic processes.

> “The congress was held, a court ruling supported it, and the outcome stands. If anyone wants another congress, they should go ahead—but the one in Calabar remains legitimate,” he said.

The former Rivers State Governor’s comments come amid growing tension within the PDP over zonal leadership structures, power tussles, and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike, a key figure in the G-5 bloc of PDP governors who opposed the party’s presidential ticket zoning in 2023, has consistently criticized what he describes as the party’s lack of internal discipline and fairness.

Observers say his latest remarks could further inflame division within the PDP if not carefully managed by the National Working Committee.

“Shameful Amnesty”: Outrage as Alumni Demand VC’s Sack Over Exam Cheats Pardon at Yakubu Gowon University

By
Uche Kingsley
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A storm of controversy is raging over Yakubu Gowon University’s decision to pardon students previously punished for exam malpractice a move that has triggered fierce backlash and calls for the immediate resignation of Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Lar Patricia Manko.

The protest, led by a coalition of past students under the Concerned Alumni of University of Abuja, described the Senate’s blanket amnesty as “shameful, dangerous, and a slap on the face of academic integrity.”

The controversial decision, ratified during the institution’s 189th Senate meeting on May 28, 2025, grants amnesty to students penalized for examination offences between the 2020/2021 academic session and the first semester of 2024/2025.

Alumni say the act reduces the university to “a glorified secondary school” and equated it to granting presidential amnesty to terrorists.

“We were stunned when the news broke,” said the group in a statement signed by Barrister Mohammad Usman and Oluwaseun Akintola on Sunday. “To the best of our knowledge, no credible university in Nigeria has ever offered amnesty to exam cheats.”

The alumni questioned the moral and legal basis for what they branded “an academic abomination,” alleging the decision was influenced by political interference and monetary inducement.

“Lecturers who spoke with us suspect that some politically connected students previously caught cheating are behind this amnesty. One even claimed millions of naira changed hands at the top,” the group said.

They demanded to know why Professor Manko, whose acting tenure expires in weeks, would champion such a consequential policy.

The group posed seven damning questions:Why were the names of the beneficiaries kept secret?
Why the haste with only weeks left in the VC’s tenure?
What are the amnesty terms automatic certificates or resits?
What becomes of court cases involving expelled students?
Why the silence from the Minister of Education and NUC?
Why does the amnesty only apply from 2020 to 2025?
Why prioritize this over urgent issues like the university’s land dispute with the FCT?

The group also decried the emotional toll on lecturers who risked threats and bribes to uphold standards, only to see their efforts undone.

“These lecturers stood for truth, rejected bribes, and were threatened now their sacrifices have been rubbished,” the alumni lamented.

They issued a 7-day ultimatum for the Senate to reverse the decision or face legal action.

> “If this madness is not reversed, our degrees will soon be seen as worthless,” the statement warned.

In a reaction that did little to calm tensions, the university’s Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, defended the Senate’s action, claiming it was not politically driven.

“The decision cuts across all faculties and levels. It was made after careful consideration to ensure fairness,” Yakoob said.

But many stakeholders are unconvinced, warning that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s already fragile higher education system.

Nwosu Backs Prof. Yilwatda’s Leadership, Says New APC Chairman Will Reposition Party for National Relevance

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Chief Uche Nwosu, President and Founder of the Ugwumba Leadership Center, has declared confidence in the leadership of the newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing him as a visionary leader capable of driving strategic reforms within the party.

Nwosu made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where he congratulated Prof. Yilwatda on his appointment and commended the party for making what he termed a “timely and strategic” choice.

“I have known Professor Yilwatda for a number of years and can personally attest to his credibility, discipline, and broad capacity for leadership,” Nwosu stated. “At this pivotal moment in our party’s evolution, I am confident that his visionary approach and steady hand will reposition the APC for greater cohesion, renewed purpose, and enduring national relevance.”

He expressed optimism that the Yilwatda-led APC will usher in a new era of strategic thinking, organizational discipline, and inclusive engagement—values he said are critical to stabilizing Nigeria’s democracy and rebuilding public trust in political institutions.

Prof. Yilwatda, a renowned technocrat and former governorship candidate, is widely respected for his innovative mindset and commitment to national development. His emergence as APC National Chairman has received positive reactions across party lines, with many viewing his appointment as a fresh start for the ruling party.

Chief Nwosu’s visit is part of growing high-level endorsements for the new chairman’s leadership. It also highlights an increasing consensus among key stakeholders on the need to strengthen internal democracy and unify the party for progressive governance.

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