Nigeria and Qatar are set to open a new chapter in their bilateral relations with plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cultural and tourism cooperation — a move that could redefine creative and cultural diplomacy between both nations. At a meeting on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, received the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Dr. Ali Ghanem Al-Hajri, for renewed discussions on strengthening cultural, artistic, and tourism linkages. Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted Musawa to have described…
Author: National Update
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse Tension flared in Turabu town, Kirikasamma Local Government Area of Jigawa State, on Saturday when some residents expressed displeasure during the visit of the member representing Birniwa/Guri/Kirikasamma Federal Constituency, Dr. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, at a public event. The incident occurred during the flag-off of a road construction project by Governor Umar Namadi. Witnesses said the disruption was triggered by discontent among a section of the crowd, who reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some political officeholders in the area. An eyewitness, Yakubu Hudu, told National Update that the programme had initially proceeded smoothly until the…
***Aims to Resolve All Election Cases Ahead of Swearing-In ***Stakeholders rally for full electronic voting, result transmission Nigeria’s election calendar may soon be rewritten, with the National Assembly proposing to hold the 2027 presidential and governorship polls in November 2026 — a significant departure from the usual election timeline. The proposal, contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, was presented on Monday during a public hearing jointly organized by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters in Abuja. If passed, it would mark the most significant change in Nigeria’s electoral calendar since 1999—replacing the traditional February–March elections with…
By Umar Muhammed, Lafia The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) chapter, has fully complied with the directive of its national leadership to embark on a two-week warning strike aimed at pressing home long-standing demands from the Federal Government. Addressing journalists shortly after a congress meeting held at the institution’s multipurpose lecture hall on Monday, FULafia ASUU Chairperson, Comrade Sunday Orinya, said the branch had no option but to obey the national directive. “We gathered our members this morning to brief them on the two-week warning strike declared by our national body,” Orinya stated. “FULafia…
***Calls for Transparent, Tamper-Proof Transmission of Results Renowned legal scholar and former jurist, Justice Nathaniel Ajileye, has called on the National Assembly to adopt Blockchain technology as a tool to secure Nigeria’s electoral system, describing it as the most reliable means to prevent hacking, manipulation, and loss of public confidence in election results. Speaking at a public hearing organized by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on the Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2025, Justice Ajileye said Blockchain could revolutionize how results are transmitted and stored, ensuring they remain transparent, traceable, and tamper-proof. “Blockchain technology is…
***Calls for Bold, Inclusive Reforms ***Enugu Governor Backs Judicial, Police Overhaul By Fatima Ndagi, Enugu Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, says the ongoing constitutional review must produce a document that truly reflects the aspirations of Nigerians. Speaking at the opening of the 3rd House Committee Retreat on Constitutional Review in Enugu on Friday, Kalu said Nigerians desire a Constitution that strengthens local governance, deepens fiscal federalism, guarantees women’s participation, and enhances electoral and institutional accountability. “Our democracy cannot remain vulnerable to inefficiency and manipulation,” Kalu declared. “We…
By Gabriel Ajanaku The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigerians will recall, rode to power on the premise of ridding the country of endemic corruption. The late President Muhammadu Buhari who became the party’s first leader, laid the foundation for the war against corruption on assumption of office by strengthening institutions for an all-out battle. The Buhari administration did unearthed corruption in high places including in the country’s civil service. Key among such cases was the one investigated by the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property headed by the former the Special Assistant to the late…
Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Saturday hosted an inspiring mentorship and interactive session with young women from across Nigeria in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, urging them to embrace courage, self-awareness, and purposeful leadership. The event, themed “An Evening with Senator Natasha,” drew from the global theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.” It created an intimate platform for honest conversations, reflection, and empowerment, bringing together over fifty young women who shared stories, aspirations, and lessons from the senator’s personal and political journey. In her…
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has raised alarm over the growing crisis of period poverty in Nigeria, revealing that one in four schoolgirls lacks access to menstrual hygiene products — a condition leading to frequent absenteeism, health complications, and loss of dignity. This was contained in a statement signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, and made available to National Update as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The statement, titled “Breaking the Silence: Empowering Girls Through Dignity, Health and Justice,” aligned with the year’s…
***Demands Urgent Investigation The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Mr. Onyedika Chukwu Ede from Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, describing it as “barbaric, inhuman, and a grave assault on the sanctity of life.” Mr. Ede was reportedly attacked and killed by armed assailants at the community’s project site in Ndinwuba village, while working alongside other unarmed members of his community. Eyewitnesses alleged that the attackers were accompanied by armed security operatives, who invaded the site and unleashed terror on the villagers. The victim was said to have been stabbed in the…