In the recently released 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, Nigeria has been ranked as the third most formidable military force on the African continent. The index, which assesses 145 countries worldwide, uses over 60 parameters such as manpower, available weaponry, financial resources, logistical efficiency, and geographical factors to determine each nation’s military strength. Egypt retains its position as Africa’s top military power, followed by Algeria in second place. Nigeria’s climb to third place, surpassing South Africa which now holds fourth, signals a notable enhancement in its defense capabilities. This progress is largely attributed to Nigeria’s increased investments in military…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a comprehensive three-day weather forecast, signaling a mix of sunshine, cloudiness, and rainfall across various regions from Monday to Wednesday. The forecast, issued on Sunday, details expected weather conditions state by state, emphasizing the need for caution amid potential thunderstorms. Northern Nigeria will experience mostly sunny mornings with intermittent clouds. However, isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains are forecast in the afternoon and evening in Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. Central states such as Plateau, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger will similarly see…
President Bola Tinubu has joined in celebrating the 55th birthday of Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, commending her extensive contributions to healthcare and philanthropy. The President’s message, conveyed through Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, described Dr. Elumelu as “a distinguished physician, devoted mother and wife, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.” He praised her for her dedication to improving lives and empowering vulnerable populations, stating, “The President commends Dr Elumelu for her outstanding achievements and numerous recognitions, highlighting her lifelong commitment to saving lives and empowering women and children.” Dr. Elumelu’s leadership in Avon Healthcare Limited…
In response to escalating violence between herders and farmers, eleven Nigerian states have embraced ranching as a strategic solution to reduce conflict and enhance livestock management. This move follows a series of deadly attacks, including the massacre of over 200 people in Benue State’s Yelewata community. The states actively pursuing ranching include Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra. While some have allocated land for ranching, others are developing policies and infrastructure to support the initiative. President Bola Tinubu condemned the recent killings, attributing them to land-grabbing, and established a committee of elders to promote…
A coordinated military operation by troops from the 22 Armoured Brigade, stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Patigi, Kwara State, resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims on Saturday. The operation, which was carried out following reliable intelligence, focused on a hideout situated on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area. Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Brigade, confirmed in a statement that, “Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched a tactical operation on Saturday, 21 June 2025, targeting a hideout on the…
For over twenty years, Benue State has been synonymous with insecurity, poor governance, and socio-economic decline. Once hailed as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” the state found itself drowning in debt, with unpaid salaries, crumbling infrastructure, and a debilitated agricultural sector. The humanitarian crisis deepened as Benue became a hub for internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of violent clashes and insecurity. Answering the desperate call of his people, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, then a priest in the Diocese of Gboko, temporarily set aside his ecclesiastical duties to enter politics. Riding the wave of public hope known as the “Yes…
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the mop-up examination for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025. This announcement was made by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board’s Public Communications Adviser, through an official statement on Sunday. A total of 96,838 candidates are expected to participate in the mop-up exercise. This includes 5,096 spill-over candidates who experienced biometric verification failures during the main UTME, as well as 91,742 candidates who were absent during the main and resit exams. Candidates have been advised to print their notification slips starting Monday,…
In response to the recent killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the incident, labelling it “unacceptable and barbaric.” The attack targeted wedding guests travelling from Zaria, Kaduna State, to Jos, Plateau State, leaving several dead and others injured. A statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, outlined the President’s directives to the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and face justice. Tinubu called for composure among citizens, promising that the government would not allow the crime to go unpunished. He also urged…
The political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima is under scrutiny as the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces internal debates about its 2027 presidential ticket. Sources within the party and the Presidency have disclosed that President Bola Tinubu may be under pressure to select a different running mate for the next election. Reports indicate that at least four northern governors—split evenly between the North-East and North-West—and two leading National Assembly members are interested in the vice-presidential position. Borno State’s Political Fallout The campaign against Shettima is attributed to public dissent from Borno State’s Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and Senator Ali…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong condemnation of the recent violent attacks in Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Kebbi states, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people. Speaking on his X platform on Saturday, Atiku highlighted the urgent need for a security strategy that centers on protecting human lives rather than political interests. “These heartbreaking reports from Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Kebbi… are a devastating blow to our collective conscience as a nation,” Atiku said. “My deepest sympathies go to the bereaved families and the affected communities. These tragedies are not mere statistics; they…