My Blog

Author: Kunle Adeniyi

  • Sowore Slams Trump Over Praise for Remi Tinubu at Prayer Breakfast

    Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised US President Donald Trump for praising Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.

    Sowore reacted after Trump acknowledged Tinubu’s presence at the event and described her as a respected Christian leader. Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and attended the annual gathering of US lawmakers, religious leaders and international guests.

    In a reaction posted online, Sowore described Trump’s remarks as hypocritical and accused the US President of using religion for political and financial gain.

    “Donald J. Trump praising ‘singing’ Remi Tinubu at his Washington DC prayer breakfast is not faith,” Sowore said. “Trump has no faith in anything but the power of money.”

    He argued that Trump and his allies often raise claims of violence against Christians for political purposes, but abandon such positions when it suits their interests.

    “Trump and his business neocons scream ‘Christian genocide’ for propaganda purposes, but the moment money changes hands, the ‘perpetrators’ suddenly become VIP guests,” Sowore added.

    According to him, religion had become a tool in global politics, used when convenient and discarded when no longer useful. He accused political leaders of weaponising faith while ignoring the real issues facing ordinary people.

    Trump’s comments on Tinubu came months after he designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians, a move rejected by the Nigerian government. Abuja maintained that insecurity affects all communities regardless of religion and said constitutional protections apply to all faiths.

    The designation led to hearings in the US Congress and later security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States through a joint working group.

    Sowore’s remarks have added a political edge to the reaction, as debate continues over religion, diplomacy and Nigeria’s security narrative on the global stage.

  • Kwara Police Admit Being Overwhelmed During Deadly Kaiama Attack

    Kwara Police Admit Being Overwhelmed During Deadly Kaiama Attack

    The Kwara State Police Command has admitted that officers were overwhelmed when terrorists attacked Woro community, where more than 100 residents were killed.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, made the admission on Friday during an interview on The Morning Brief on Channels Television. Her comments followed complaints from residents who said security agencies did not respond until about 10 hours after the attack began.

    Terrorists had stormed Woro, a community in Kaiama Local Government Area, in one of the deadliest assaults recorded in the state. Survivors said they made repeated calls for help as the violence unfolded but received no immediate response.

    Responding to the allegations, Ejire-Adeyemi said the police and other security forces were unable to contain the situation at the time.

    “As of that moment, they were overwhelmed,” she said. “We have collaboration with local vigilantes in the community, and the National Forest Guards are also present there.”

    She explained that the distance between Woro and the Divisional Police Headquarters in Kaiama contributed to the delayed response. According to her, reinforcement was eventually mobilised once the scale of the attack became clear.

    “The distance from the community to the divisional headquarters is quite far, but definitely they got reinforcement,” she added.

    The attack has renewed scrutiny of security coverage in rural areas of Kwara State, where residents have long complained of limited police presence and slow emergency response.

    Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while calls continue for stronger security deployment and improved response capacity to prevent similar attacks in the future.

  • Tinubu Meets Kwara Governor After Kaiama Massacre

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday held an emergency security meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq following a deadly attack in Kaiama Local Government Area that left at least 75 people dead.

    The closed-door meeting took place in Abuja as national and international condemnation of the killings gathered pace.

    Governor AbdulRazaq said he briefed the President on the assault and thanked him for what he described as swift action. Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command under Operation Savannah Shield.

    “I came to brief Mr President about what happened and to thank him for the prompt response,” the governor told journalists. “The military is already on the ground and taking action.”

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also ordered the deployment of tactical, operational and intelligence teams to Kaiama and nearby communities. Police confirmed that 75 people were killed in the attack and said a manhunt was under way for those responsible.

    Tinubu condemned the killings as cowardly and inhumane, saying the victims were targeted for rejecting extremist ideology. He directed security agencies to work closely with state authorities to secure the area and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The Kwara State Government has activated emergency services to support victims and displaced families, while residents have been urged to remain calm and share credible information with security agencies.

  • World Bank hails Nigeria as global example of reform under Tinubu

    The World Bank has praised President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing Nigeria as a frequent reference point for successful policy implementation and results globally.

    Anna Bjerde, the bank’s Managing Director of Operations, made the remarks on Tuesday while leading a delegation to the State House, Abuja. She said Nigeria’s reform outcomes over the past two years had drawn attention among global leaders, investors and policymakers.

    “Nigeria is a frequent example in my discussions around the world because the results achieved in two years are really commendable,” Bjerde said, highlighting the consistency and steadiness of Tinubu’s leadership even in the face of implementation challenges.

    She noted that feedback from Nigeria’s private sector confirmed strong reform outcomes and improving investor confidence. Bjerde also outlined the bank’s forthcoming Country Partnership Framework, which will support Nigeria’s vision of a $1 trillion economy and seven per cent growth, with a focus on job creation for the country’s growing youth population.

    Priority areas for collaboration include infrastructure investment, modernisation of agriculture, and improved access to finance for small and medium enterprises. Bjerde emphasised the need for innovative public-private partnerships to address Nigeria’s low infrastructure spending relative to GDP.

    The World Bank’s public sector portfolio in Nigeria currently stands at about $17 billion, while the International Finance Corporation (IFC) invests around $5 billion annually. Bjerde added that a new reform-linked budget support operation and expanded risk guarantees are being prepared to attract private capital.

    President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to the reform agenda, describing it as irreversible. He noted that measures such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate were initially painful but necessary to secure long-term stability and growth.

    “The first reaction was high inflation, but it has come down dramatically. Now that it is stable, we can help investors,” Tinubu said, stressing transparency, accountability and openness to deeper engagement with the World Bank.

    The president also urged the bank to accelerate innovative financing, reduce bureaucracy, and deepen skills development to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.

  • NECO releases 2025 SSCE External results as over 80% score five credits

    The National Examinations Council has released the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination External results, with more than 80 per cent of candidates recording five credits and above.

    The results were announced on Tuesday by the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Dantani Wushishi, during a press conference at the council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State.

    In a video shared on NECO’s official X account, Professor Wushishi confirmed that candidates can now check their results online using their examination registration numbers.

    “It is my pleasure to declare the 2025 SSCE External Results released,” he said. “Candidates can access their results on the NECO official website.”

    A total of 96,979 candidates registered for the examination, made up of 51,823 males and 45,156 females. Of this number, 95,160 candidates eventually sat for the exams across 16 subjects.

    In English Language, 93,425 candidates sat for the paper, with 73,167, or 78.32 per cent, obtaining credit and above. Mathematics recorded a stronger performance, with 85,256 out of 93,330 candidates, representing 91.35 per cent, scoring credit and above.

    Overall, 68,166 candidates, or 71.63 per cent, achieved five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics. A total of 82,082 candidates, representing 86.26 per cent, secured five credits and above regardless of English and Mathematics.

    Professor Wushishi also raised concerns over examination malpractice. He disclosed that 9,016 candidates were booked for various offences, marking a 31.7 per cent increase compared with 6,160 cases recorded in 2024.

    He added that five supervisors from the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, Adamawa and Ondo states were recommended for blacklisting, while four centres in Niger, Yobe and Kano states were recommended for de-recognition over whole-centre malpractice.

    The SSCE External examination is designed mainly for private candidates seeking certification outside the regular school system or those aiming to improve previous results.

  • APC Names 73-Member Committee Ahead of March National Convention

    APC Names 73-Member Committee Ahead of March National Convention

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a 73-member National Convention Central Coordination Committee as preparations gather pace for its national convention scheduled for 27 and 28 March 2026.

    The party named Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as chairman of the committee, with Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni appointed secretary. The convention is expected to culminate in the election of new members of the party’s National Working Committee.

    APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said on Monday that Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, would serve as vice chairman of the committee.

    The announcement signals a fresh phase in the party’s internal process following the release last year of a timetable for ward, local government, state and zonal congresses leading to the national convention.

    The coordination committee draws heavily from the party’s leadership across the country, with serving governors forming a major bloc. They include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Peter Mbah of Enugu.

    Other governors on the list are Muhammed Yahaya of Gombe, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Abba Yusuf of Kano, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Dikko Radda of Katsina, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Agbu Kefas of Taraba.

    The committee also includes senior party figures and federal lawmakers. Among them are APC interim national chairman Bisi Akande, former party chairmen Adams Oshiomhole, Abdullahi Adamu and Abdullahi Ganduje, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several former Senate presidents and speakers.

    Party officials say the committee will oversee logistics and coordination for the convention, which is expected to shape the APC’s leadership structure and internal direction ahead of future elections.

  • FAAC Shares N1.97tn December Revenue Among FG, States and Councils

    The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared N1.969 trillion as revenue for December 2025 among the Federal Government, state governments and local government councils.

    The allocation was approved at FAAC’s January meeting, according to a communiqué issued on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa.

    The communiqué said the distributable revenue comprised N1.084 trillion from statutory sources, N846.507 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT) and N38.110 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL).

    It added that total gross revenue of N2.585 trillion was available in December 2025. From this amount, N104.697 billion was deducted as cost of collection, while N511.585 billion went to transfers, refunds and savings.

    FAAC reported that gross statutory revenue stood at N1.631 trillion in December, down by N105.202 billion from the N1.736 trillion recorded in November 2025.

    In contrast, VAT revenue rose sharply, with Gross VAT for December totalling N913.957 billion, an increase of N350.915 billion compared with N563.042 billion in November.

    From the N1.969 trillion shared, the Federal Government received N653.500 billion, state governments received N706.469 billion and local government councils received N513.272 billion. A further N96.083 billion, representing 13 per cent derivation revenue, was paid to oil-producing states.

    Breaking down the statutory revenue, FAAC said the Federal Government received N520.807 billion, states received N264.160 billion and local governments received N203.656 billion. The derivation component of N96.083 billion was also drawn from this pool.

    From the VAT allocation, the Federal Government received N126.976 billion, states received N423.254 billion and local governments received N296.277 billion.

    The EMTL revenue of N38.110 billion was shared with the Federal Government receiving N5.717 billion, states N19.055 billion and local governments N13.338 billion.

    The committee noted that Companies Income Tax, Import Duty and VAT recorded significant increases in December. Oil and gas royalty, CET levies and fees rose slightly, while Excise Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax and EMTL declined.

  • Kwara govt orders schools to reopen, cites improved security

    Kwara govt orders schools to reopen, cites improved security

    The Kwara State Government has announced the reopening of schools across the state from Monday, citing improved security conditions following sustained operations against bandits and other criminal groups.

    The decision was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Peter Amogbonjaye, quoting the Commissioner for Education, Lawal Olohungbebe. School authorities across the state have been formally notified.

    “The government deems the situation now to be a lot better than it was before. Even so, we continue to maintain vigilance,” the statement said.

    It added that security operations remain ongoing to consolidate recent gains, alongside efforts to strengthen community resilience through cooperation with local stakeholders.

    Schools in Kwara were shut in November 2025 as insecurity worsened in parts of the state, especially in border communities and forested areas where bandit attacks and kidnappings were reported. At the time, the government said the closure was a precaution to protect students, teachers and school workers amid fears of attacks on educational institutions.

    The situation intensified late last year, prompting the deployment of additional troops and joint security operations across affected local government areas. Only weeks ago, the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, was also closed after security threats forced students to vacate the campus, disrupting academic activities and raising fresh concerns among parents and education stakeholders.

    According to the government, recent military and security efforts have led to the neutralisation of several criminal elements and the restoration of relative calm in previously affected areas. Security agencies are maintaining a strong presence in vulnerable communities, with increased intelligence gathering and community engagement aimed at preventing renewed attacks.

    The state government urged parents, teachers and school administrators to cooperate with security agencies and remain alert as schools resume.

    It assured residents that measures are in place to safeguard learners and education workers across the state, while monitoring the situation closely to respond swiftly to any emerging threats.

  • Petrol price may hit ₦1,000 as crude oil tops $70

    Petrol price may hit ₦1,000 as crude oil tops $70

    The pump price of petrol could rise to about ₦1,000 per litre in the coming days as global crude oil prices climb above $70 per barrel, fuel marketers have warned.

    Industry sources said that the recent jump in international oil prices is already pushing up the cost of imported and locally refined fuel, raising fresh concerns for consumers.

    Brent crude, the global benchmark, surged past $70 per barrel this week, its highest level in five months, amid fears that supply could be disrupted by rising tensions in the Middle East. On Thursday alone, prices rose by about three per cent. Brent settled at around $70.9 per barrel on Friday, while US West Texas Intermediate traded above $65.

    The price pressure comes just days after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased its petrol price from ₦739 to ₦839 per litre, triggering adjustments across filling stations nationwide.

    Reuters linked the crude rally to concerns that a potential US strike on Iran, a major oil producer, could affect supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 million barrels of oil pass daily.

    Speaking on the impact, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said higher crude prices and exchange rates directly influence local fuel costs.

    “If this crude price surge continues, petrol could reach ₦1,000 per litre, especially in areas far from refineries or depots,” he said. He added that marketers are under pressure as rising prices reduce their purchasing power and slow sales.

    Another major oil marketer confirmed that the landing cost of imported petrol could exceed ₦900 per litre if crude prices remain high, noting that similar price levels were seen when oil traded around $75 per barrel in the past.

    Across Lagos, petrol prices now range between ₦830 and ₦859 per litre, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited selling at about ₦849 on Friday.

    Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery said it has the capacity to supply more than Nigeria’s daily fuel demand, producing up to 75 million litres of petrol daily against estimated consumption of 50 million litres. The refinery said this buffer could help stabilise supply, even as prices respond to global market forces.

    Despite growing local refining capacity, marketers warned that sustained high crude prices could still push pump prices higher in the short term.

  • Burkina Faso Junta Dissolves All Political Parties in Unity Drive

    Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dissolved all political parties and repealed laws governing their activities, marking a sweeping overhaul of the country’s political system nearly three years after a coup brought junta leader Ibrahim Traoré to power.

    The decision was adopted on Thursday during a council of ministers meeting chaired by Mr Traoré, according to a statement from the presidency. Émile Zerbo, minister of territorial administration and mobility, described the move as a “great and important decision” aimed at rebuilding the state.

    Under the decree, all political parties are formally dissolved and their assets transferred to the state. The government said draft laws to give effect to the decision will be sent to the Transitional Legislative Assembly in the coming days.

    The presidency argued that the proliferation of political parties had fuelled division, weakened social cohesion and fragmented national politics. Officials said the new measures are intended to protect national unity, improve policy coordination and lay the groundwork for broader political reforms.

    Before the September 2022 coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered political parties. Fifteen were represented in parliament following the 2020 general election. After the military takeover, political parties were ordered to suspend activities, leaving the country without formal party politics under the current transitional arrangement.

    The dissolution comes alongside the approval of a large-scale economic programme known as the “Reliance Plan”. Valued at 36 trillion CFA francs, or about $65bn, the plan sets out development projects for the period from 2026 to 2030. The government said it will focus on growth, infrastructure and social welfare.

    Analysts say the move reflects a wider pattern across parts of West Africa, where military governments have tightened control after coups, often citing security concerns and political instability. Burkina Faso has faced persistent attacks by Islamist armed groups, which the junta has blamed in part on weak governance.

    While international observers have raised concerns about democratic backsliding, the authorities insist the decision is temporary and necessary. The government says dismantling the existing party system will help prevent further fragmentation and create a more unified framework to tackle economic and social challenges.

    For now, Burkina Faso remains under military rule, with no clear timeline for a return to multiparty politics.

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