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Wike: I’m Not Lobbying To Head Tinubu’s Campaign Council 

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that he is lobbying to become the Director-General (DG) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), insisting that his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election does not depend on occupying any campaign position.

Wike, who reaffirmed his support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, said he would work to ensure the President secures a convincing victory in Rivers State and the FCT, whether or not he is appointed to the campaign council.

The minister’s position was made known in a statement issued yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

Wike was reportedly listed among prominent APC chieftains and government officials allegedly lobbying for, or being considered for, the position of DG of the President’s campaign council.

But the former Rivers State governor described the report as false, saying he had not discussed either the leadership or membership of the proposed campaign council with anyone.

Wike, who is currently outside the country, said his immediate concern was to continue delivering projects in the FCT in line with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I am outside Nigeria, resting and relaxing after spending over 30 days, commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing ones, especially those scheduled for commissioning in December and January, next year,” he said.

The minister said his focus would return to the continued implementation of the FCT’s development agenda when he gets back to the country.

“When I return, our focus will be the continuous delivery of our mandate in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to further enhance his electoral fortune in Rivers State and the FCT,” he stated.

Wike stressed that he does not need to become the campaign council’s DG or even a member to support Tinubu’s re-election.

“Therefore, I do not need to be the DG or even member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Mr President’s political party to contribute my quota by ensuring that he wins handsomely in Rivers State and the FCT,” he said.

The minister’s denial comes as political activities and alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major political parties and their supporters already positioning themselves for the contests.

Nigeria Moves to Reset Ties with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

Maiduguri, Nigeria — Nigeria has called for a diplomatic reset with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso while urging stronger regional coordination to tackle terrorism and cross-border crime, in a significant shift aimed at stabilising the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call at a high-level retreat of Nigerian ambassadors and Sahel/Lake Chad diplomatic representatives in Maiduguri, Borno State, where security and political tensions in West Africa dominated discussions.

“This also requires that we mend fences with the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger at the political and diplomatic levels,” Enikanolaiye said, signalling Abuja’s intention to rebuild strained ties with the military-led governments.

He warned that instability across the Sahel has direct consequences for Nigeria’s security and economy, stressing the deep regional interdependence.

“What happens in Niamey affects Maiduguri. What happens in N’Djamena influences Borno,” he said.

The diplomatic outreach comes amid shifting alliances in the Sahel, where AES countries have distanced themselves from traditional regional blocs, raising concerns about fragmentation and weakening collective security frameworks.

At the same retreat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the urgency of coordinated action against what he described as a “complex interplay of challenges,” including violent extremism, organised crime, irregular migration and humanitarian pressures.

“Developments within the Sahel have profound implications for Nigeria’s national security,” he said, adding that no country can address the threats alone.

Officials called for strengthened collaboration through regional institutions such as ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), particularly in intelligence sharing and joint military operations across borders.

Enikanolaiye emphasised that Nigeria’s approach would prioritise diplomacy and cooperation over confrontation.

“Our response must be collective, coordinated and forward-looking,” he said. “Our objective is not to dictate regional outcomes, but to work collaboratively with our neighbours in finding practical solutions to common challenges.”

The Maiduguri retreat is expected to produce a strategic framework — the Maiduguri Roadmap — to guide Nigeria’s engagement with Sahel and Lake Chad Basin countries, including mechanisms for sustained political dialogue and enhanced security cooperation.

Analysts say the combined push for diplomatic rapprochement and joint security action reflects a pragmatic recalibration of Nigeria’s foreign policy, aimed at rebuilding trust, preventing further regional fragmentation and strengthening efforts to combat terrorism in West Africa.

Nigeria Unveils Sahel Development Compact, Targets Security, Trade, Regional Stability

Nigeria has unveiled plans for a Sahel Development Compact, a regional framework aimed at addressing insecurity, economic fragility and humanitarian challenges across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

The initiative was announced on Saturday at the opening of a two-day high-level retreat in Maiduguri involving Nigerian ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Sahel and Lake Chad countries.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the Compact would shift regional engagement “from crisis management to sustainable development.”

“The Compact envisions deeper cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, trade, transport connectivity, energy, education, climate resilience and human capital development,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s ties with countries in the region are rooted in “centuries of shared history, commerce, culture, religion and family ties,” stressing that developments in the Sahel directly affect Nigeria’s stability.

“What happens in Niamey affects Maiduguri. What happens in N’Djamena influences Borno,” Enikanolaiye said.

He added that economic cooperation would be central to the initiative, describing trade as a pathway to peace.

“Countries that trade with one another do not fight one another,” he said.

The minister also called for renewed diplomatic engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger — urging efforts to “mend fences at political and diplomatic levels.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the proposed framework would drive coordinated action across key sectors.

“Participants will examine practical strategies for advancing a proposed Sahel Development Compact… aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical areas,” he said.

According to him, the Compact will focus on security cooperation, trade and infrastructure, agriculture, climate resilience and humanitarian response, as well as youth empowerment and sustainable development.

He described the Sahel as strategically vital to Nigeria, noting that developments in the region have “profound implications for Nigeria’s national security, economic prosperity and foreign policy.”

He identified terrorism, transnational organised crime, climate change, irregular migration and food insecurity as major threats requiring urgent and coordinated responses.

The Permanent Secretary added that evolving geopolitical dynamics, including the emergence of the AES bloc, require renewed diplomatic engagement.

“These developments should not be considered solely as challenges, but as opportunities to review our engagement… through constructive dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation,” he said.

Enikanolaiye also highlighted the need to revive Lake Chad, revealing that more than $50 billion would be required to restore the shrinking water body.

“We must move beyond debate and take concrete steps to actualise this strategically important regional project,” he said.

He further called for stronger support for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to combat terrorism and transnational crime in the region.

The retreat, which includes representatives of ECOWAS, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the MNJTF, is expected to produce a policy framework known as the Maiduguri Roadmap to guide Nigeria’s regional engagement.

Both officials described Maiduguri as a symbol of resilience and recovery.

“Today, Maiduguri presents a remarkably different narrative — one of resilience, courage, recovery and renewed hope,” Enikanolaiye said.

The Permanent Secretary added that the city now stands as “a compelling testament to resilience, determination, recovery and renewal.”

Participants at the retreat are expected to adopt the Maiduguri Roadmap, outlining mechanisms for sustained political dialogue, security cooperation, economic integration and humanitarian collaboration.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, stating that diplomacy remains key to long-term stability.

“Enduring peace is sustained through dialogue, mutual trust, economic opportunity and respect for shared interests,” he said.

Power Outage Probe Uncovers Dead Vandal at Collapsed Delta Tower

An investigation into a power outage on the Ughelli–Benin 330kV transmission line has led to the discovery of a suspected vandal crushed beneath a collapsed transmission tower in Delta State.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said the incident was uncovered on August 8, 2026, during an emergency patrol by its linesmen after the line tripped on an earth fault.

According to a statement signed by TCN management, the fault was traced to Tower 101, which had collapsed, with the body of the suspected vandal found trapped within the structure.

“The patrol team traced the fault to Tower 101, which had collapsed. The body of the suspected vandal was found crushed between the tower members,” the statement said.

The company disclosed that further checks revealed extensive vandalism on nearby infrastructure, including Tower 101 on the adjacent Ughelli–Sapele 330kV line, which was heavily damaged but still standing.

TCN condemned the incident, warning that attacks on power infrastructure continue to pose serious threats to electricity supply and public safety.

“This incident is a tragic reminder of the extreme dangers of tampering with power infrastructure,” the company stated.

The agency called on host communities and the general public to support efforts to curb vandalism by reporting suspicious activities around power installations.

It stressed that protecting national grid assets is a shared responsibility, noting that vandalism not only disrupts electricity supply but can also lead to fatal consequences.

Bode George Still Bitter Over PDP Chairmanship Loss — Wike

 

…‘I Have No Regret Stopping Him’

(FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, accusing him of remaining bitter over his failed bid to become the party’s National Chairman.

Wike declared that he had no regret frustrating George’s ambition, insisting that the PDP chairmanship was not his birthright and that the position had to go to the South-South at the time.

The minister spoke in a statement issued yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

According to Wike, George’s persistent attacks against him were simply a product of his disappointment over losing the chairmanship race.

“His anger is because we didn’t allow him to be PDP National Chairman and there is no regret doing so,” Wike said.

He alleged that George behaved as though the national chairmanship was his personal entitlement.

“He wanted to be PDP National Chairman and was carrying on like the position was his birthright. We stopped him because it was the turn of the South-South. Since then, he has not stopped being angry,” he said.

Wike also recalled how, as a sitting governor, he visited George’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, after the party’s national convention in an attempt to calm tensions.

He alleged that George’s wife attempted to send him out of the house, but that the intervention of former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, prevented the situation from escalating.

The FCT minister, who described George as a “failed politician”, said the former PDP chieftain had failed to deliver electoral victories for the party in Lagos State despite the influence and privileges he had enjoyed over the years.

Wike argued that political leadership should be measured by the ability to win elections and deliver results, rather than by titles, names or claims of being a founding member.

“Leadership of a political party is not by name, title or being a founding father. It is about what you are able to bring to the table in terms of winning elections, and in this regard, Bode George is a complete disaster,” he said.

To buttress his claim, Wike cited election results from George’s former polling unit in Lagos Island.

“Even his Unit 001 in Ward E2, Evans Street, Lagos Island, he has never won for the PDP. In the 2019 presidential election, APC had 84 votes while PDP had 40. In the 2023 elections, he transferred his voter’s card to Eti Osa, PDP had four votes in his polling unit,” he said.

Wike also claimed that George’s political frustration had been worsened by the emergence of Deji Doherty, whom he said the former PDP leader did not want to head the party in Lagos State.

The minister said he had tolerated George’s criticisms despite what he described as his lack of electoral value, but warned that he would continue to respond whenever the former party chieftain attacked him.

“We have managed him even though we know that he has no value. But as it is, since he wants to keep dancing naked in the marketplace of politics, we can’t but allow him,” Wike said.

He added sarcastically that George’s frequent television appearances may be because he had little else occupying his time.

“Since it appeared that he is not busy, he will continue to make his likes busy by creating reason for them to jump from one television station to the other,” he said.

 

GIG Mobility Partners The Next Titan Season 11 to Support Young Entrepreneurs

GIG Mobility has been unveiled as the official mobility partner for Season 11 of The Next Titan, Africa’s longest-running entrepreneurial reality television show, in a move aimed at supporting young Nigerian entrepreneurs through improved logistics and mentorship.

The partnership was announced during the pre-season brunch and official press conference for the new season held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, where media professionals, corporate partners, former contestants and ecosystem stakeholders gathered ahead of the programme’s commencement.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer of GIG Mobility, Jude Odum, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s commitment to creating opportunities by supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth.

According to him, mobility goes beyond transporting people from one location to another, stressing that it serves as an enabler of business development and enterprise creation.

“We invest in entrepreneurs because mobility enables opportunity. At GIG Mobility, moving people has never just been about reaching a physical destination—it is about what that movement makes possible. Somewhere within this competition are visionary founders who will build impactful enterprises and create employment for thousands of Nigerians. If our logistics and support help move even one of those dreams closer to reality, we have accomplished our mission,” Odum said.

Under the partnership, GIG Mobility will provide transportation and logistics support throughout the competition, including dedicated vehicles for the Top 50 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and seamless movement of contestants, production crew and organisers during the 10-week filming period across multiple locations.

Organisers said the arrangement is expected to ensure efficient movement of participants while allowing contestants to focus on the business challenges and leadership exercises that define the competition.

Now in its 11th season, The Next Titan has built a reputation for discovering and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through business simulations, executive coaching and access to startup funding.

This year’s edition, themed “Be Relentless,” offers a grand prize of ₦50 million, with contestants expected to compete in a series of practical business tasks designed to test innovation, resilience, leadership and strategic decision-making.

Beyond the television programme, GIG Mobility highlighted several initiatives through which it supports entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

Among them is the GIGM Ambassador Scheme, a digital referral programme that enables participants to earn commissions on interstate bus ticket bookings through the company’s mobile application.

The company also showcased its Drive-to-Own (Owner Captain) Scheme, which allows eligible interstate drivers to acquire ownership of their operational vehicles through a structured hire-purchase arrangement after meeting agreed payment milestones.

In addition, the company said its corporate social responsibility initiatives are driven through the ESA Foundation, established in honour of the founders of God Is Good Motors, to support education, community development and other social impact programmes across Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Producer of The Next Titan, Mide Akinlaja, described the partnership as a strategic fit, noting that both organisations share a common vision of empowering entrepreneurs.

According to him, GIG Mobility’s involvement extends beyond logistics, reflecting a broader commitment to nurturing innovative businesses and supporting the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

Season 11 of The Next Titan will commence with regional auditions in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu, after which successful applicants will advance to the Top 50 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp.

From the bootcamp, the final 20 contestants will move into the Titan House, where they will undergo 10 weeks of intensive business tasks, boardroom challenges, commercial projects and pitch presentations as they compete for the grand prize.

Organisers expressed confidence that the collaboration with GIG Mobility would enhance the overall delivery of the programme while providing participants with the support required to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Nigeria Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Civilians, Urges Restraint

Abuja — Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent attack by Houthi militia on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region, describing it as a violation of international humanitarian law.

The Federal Government also warned against escalating violence in the Middle East, stressing the need for restraint and adherence to international norms to protect civilian lives and infrastructure.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed “serious concerns” over the incident, which reportedly left several civilians injured, including women and children.

“This reprehensible act… constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the fundamental principles of the protection of civilians in times of conflict,” the statement read.

Reaffirming its position, Nigeria said attacks deliberately targeting civilians are unacceptable regardless of the perpetrators and must be condemned by the international community.

“Attacks that deliberately target civilian populations… must be unequivocally condemned,” the ministry stated, while urging all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint.

Amid rising tensions, the government called for renewed diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful and sustainable resolution, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region.

The ministry added that Nigeria remains closely engaged with developments and will continue to work with regional and international partners to promote peace, security, and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.

Nigeria Pushes Regional Security Agenda as Envoy Begins Mali Mission

Bamako, Mali — Nigeria is ramping up its regional security diplomacy following the formal presentation of credentials by its Ambassador-Designate to Mali, Geoffrey Ijomah David Chima, signaling a renewed focus on counterterrorism and strategic cooperation in West Africa.

Ambassador Chima presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, officially kickstarting his diplomatic assignment in Bamako.

The meeting quickly moved beyond ceremony into substantive discussions, with both countries prioritizing stronger collaboration in tackling terrorism and addressing shifting geopolitical realities in the sub-region.

According to officials familiar with the talks, both sides stressed “the need to further invigorate diplomatic consultation mechanisms” to enhance South-South cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for both nations.

Security dominated the agenda, as Nigeria and Mali acknowledged the growing complexity of threats across the Sahel and West Africa. The discussions highlighted the importance of unity among regional actors, with emphasis on “strengthening solidarity, constructive political dialogue, and mutual trust among States” as key tools in confronting shared challenges.

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s broader foreign policy direction aimed at reinforcing regional stability through diplomacy, security partnerships, and sustained dialogue.

With Ambassador Chima now formally in place, expectations are high that Nigeria-Mali relations will deepen, particularly in areas of security cooperation, political engagement, and regional integration.

Alake Pledges Full Support for Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo, Says Mining Sector Ready for Strategic Capital

Alake Pledges Full Support for Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo, Says Mining Sector Ready for Strategic Capital

 

ABUJA — The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has pledged full support for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, with Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to attract strategic investment and reposition Nigeria’s minerals sector for value addition and industrial growth.

The minister, who was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, made the commitment at the official launch of the investment forum in Abuja, where he also accepted to serve as Patron of the inaugural edition of the Expo.

The two-day event is scheduled to hold on November 19 and 20, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Earlier, the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr Vivian Okono, representing the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, FNSE, declared the event open.

Alake described the Expo as timely, saying it aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to position Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.

He assured the organisers of the ministry’s continued support throughout the planning and implementation of the event.

“Our support will not end with today’s launch. The Ministry will continue to interface with EnergyNet Limited and relevant institutions throughout the preparatory period to ensure that the event is properly coordinated and capable of delivering tangible outcomes beyond speeches and ceremonial participation,” Alake stated.

The minister said the participation of the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Power; Petroleum Resources; and Solid Minerals Development demonstrated the cross-sectoral opportunities that the Expo would seek to present to investors.

He added that state governments would also be able to showcase bankable projects, infrastructure priorities and potential investment partnerships to local and international investors.

Alake reiterated the Federal Government’s policy of moving the country’s mining industry away from the export of raw minerals towards processing, manufacturing and industrial development.

He said achieving the transformation would require patient capital, modern technology and responsible investors willing to comply with Nigerian laws, protect host communities, preserve the environment and operate transparently.

According to him, the Federal Government is seeking investors who can contribute not only capital but also the technology, expertise and long-term commitment required to develop Nigeria’s mineral resources sustainably.

Speaking on behalf of EnergyNet, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, Abdoulaye Sylla, said the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo was conceived as a project-focused annual platform designed to connect investors directly with government and project developers.

Sylla said extensive market assessments had shown that Nigeria was increasingly positioned to attract greater foreign direct investment, with discussions at the Expo expected to focus on strategic infrastructure projects and multilateral initiatives, including Mission 300.

He disclosed that between 500 and 600 delegates from across the world were expected to participate in the inaugural edition.

Sylla also said EnergyNet was committed to making the Expo a long-term annual investment platform in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Damilola Hamid Balogun, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, stressed the need for greater youth participation in the country’s energy transition agenda.

Balogun said young Nigerians had an important role to play in advancing the country’s Energy Transition Plan and achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2060.

The launch also recognised organisations supporting the initiative. Nextier was named Official Advisory Partner, while The Electricity Hub was named Official Media Partner.

The Nigeria Women in Mining and Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) received EnergyNet’s Leadership Award in recognition of its contribution to the sector.

The Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, Dr Esther Udo, delivered the vote of thanks.

The Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is expected to bring together government officials, investors, project developers and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities across Nigeria’s mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.

The organisers said the platform would also support the Federal Government’s broader objectives of sustainable economic growth, industrialisation, investment promotion and value addition.

Tinubu Should Resign, Not EFCC Chairman, Adebayo Declares

 

…Says President Has No Power to Direct Anti-Graft Agency

 

Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign over alleged interference in the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Adebayo said he does not support calls for the resignation of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, insisting that the anti-graft agency should be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without political interference.

The former presidential candidate was reacting to reports alleging that President Tinubu directed the EFCC to unfreeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.

According to him, if the commission acted wrongly in freezing the accounts, the Osun State Government should challenge the action in court instead of seeking political intervention.

He maintained that the EFCC operates under judicial supervision and that any person or institution dissatisfied with its actions has legal remedies, including applying for the accounts to be unfrozen or seeking damages through the courts.

Adebayo argued that the President has no constitutional authority to direct the anti-graft agency on how to conduct investigations, describing such interference as a violation of the rule of law.

“The EFCC should be allowed to perform its duties independently. If there is any wrongdoing, the courts remain the proper avenue for redress,” he said.

The SDP chieftain said his party has consistently respected law enforcement institutions even when it disagreed with some of their actions, preferring legal action rather than attacking public institutions.

He assured that under an SDP administration, anti-corruption agencies would enjoy full operational independence without political directives from the Presidency.

On the recent meeting between President Tinubu and Catholic bishops, Adebayo said the clerics offered sincere advice in the interest of the nation and should not be criticised for speaking truth to those in authority.

He urged religious leaders not to relent in praying for Nigeria and offering constructive counsel to leaders.

Speaking on the development of Northern Nigeria, Adebayo described the region as one of the country’s greatest assets, saying its vast land, population and abundant natural resources could drive agricultural and economic prosperity under responsible leadership.

He blamed Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges on poor leadership rather than regional differences, insisting that every part of the country has the potential to prosper under accountable governance.

On growing calls for a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, Adebayo said Nigerians should focus on electing a competent leader rather than political calculations.

He also criticised the National Assembly, accusing lawmakers of placing personal interests above the welfare of Nigerians and calling on citizens to unite in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance.

 

Niger Detainees’ Deaths: Alake Sends Probe Team to Minna

ABUJA — Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the deployment of a high-powered ministerial team to Niger State to investigate the...