Nigeria and China have taken steps to strengthen their defence partnership following a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, and China’s Minister of Equipment and Development, Air Chief Marshal Xu Xueqiang, during the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Thursday. The bilateral talks, held on the sidelines of the global security summit, focused on technology transfer, joint military production, and expanding defence cooperation between the two nations. Officials said the meeting highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces through strategic partnerships, while China signaled its readiness to share expertise in defence technology…
Author: National Update
By Ben Adaji As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), work round the clock to find solutions to neutralise the supposed tactics and strength of the opposition in preparation for the 2027 general elections, political pundits have identified lack of reward for loyalty as a major factor that could hinder Tinubu’s smooth path to victory. Our correspondents’ tour of the North-East geopolitical zone reveals that numerous APC chieftains and loyalists—who worked relentlessly for the victory of President Tinubu and APC during the 2023 general elections—have been completely forgotten or not considered for appointments…
Leader of the Obidient Movement in the South East, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has condemned the verbal attacks against former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, over his call for South East citizens to participate actively in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. The backlash followed el-Rufai’s appearance at the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture in Owerri, where he urged greater voter participation. Some detractors branded him an “Igbo hater,” prompting condemnation from the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, whose Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, decried what he described as “hired, placard-carrying thugs” protesting outside Maria Assumpta Cathedral. Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Ezeh…
A new chapter in grassroots empowerment is unfolding in Nigeria as Mrs. Vera Nnadozie, founder of the Verachilly Women and Girl-Child Community Development Project, completed a high-impact visit that galvanized leaders, communities, and development partners across the country. Nnadozie, accompanied by Co-Founder Mrs. Jamila Abari and Ambassador Nkiruka Okoronkwo, used the tour to expand partnerships, supervise ongoing projects, and deepen Verachilly’s reach into underserved communities. Her agenda moved seamlessly from closed-door meetings with senior government officials to heartfelt outreach in orphanages and rural communities, reflecting a strategy that bridges policy influence with tangible, on-the-ground support. “Empowering women and girls is…
By Janet Salihu When Honourable Ahmed Muhammed Munir stepped into the green chamber of the National Assembly after a resounding electoral victory, many saw him as a young man with big dreams. Today, just months into his tenure, those dreams are translating into projects and policies that are directly transforming lives in Lere Federal Constituency, Kaduna State. At his young age, Munir embodies the new face of Nigerian politics—a blend of youthful energy, professional competence, and grassroots empathy. Trained as an engineer, his background is steeped in problem-solving and innovation, qualities he has now brought into governance. Before venturing into…
Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has renewed his campaign for a more united and equitable Nigeria, meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with the leadership of Afenifere, the influential pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation. The closed-door meeting, chaired by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, also the head of a coalition of ethnic nationality groups including PANDEF and the Middle Belt Forum, was convened in Abuja to discuss Nigeria’s deep-seated challenges—from education and healthcare to widespread poverty—and explore paths toward a more stable federation. Obi praised Afenifere’s “courage and unwavering commitment to fearless justice and the unity of Nigeria,” urging the…
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has denounced President Bola Tinubu’s now-lifted state of emergency in Rivers State, branding it a reckless abuse of power that struck at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy. In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, CUPP National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, described the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly as “a dangerous precedent that should never have happened.” Tinubu declared the emergency on March 18, 2025, blaming a bitter feud between Governor Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike and citing pipeline vandalism as a security threat. But…
Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the federal government over unpaid pension arrears, describing the situation as “unacceptable” and a betrayal of senior citizens who dedicated their best years to national service. Obi criticized the government for celebrating revenue targets while pensioners remain unpaid, calling it “a moral contradiction that undermines public trust.” “Just last month, Mr. President announced that Nigeria had reached its revenue target. If that is true, the moral question is simple: why are our senior citizens, who worked, served, and sacrificed, still owed their rightful pensions and gratuities?” Obi queried. He…
The University of Benin’s Faculty of Arts lit up Benin City this week as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee, honouring Senator Neda Imasuen with the Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award for his outstanding service to democracy, education, and public advocacy. The two-day celebration—filled with music, culture, and reflection—brought together academics, government officials, students, and alumni to mark 50 years of intellectual and cultural impact. It was more than a milestone; it was a renewal of the Faculty’s commitment to shaping Nigeria’s future. Represented by former Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Senator Imasuen reaffirmed the National Assembly’s dedication to…
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), chaired by Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has shared ₦2.225 trillion among the three tiers of government for August 2025, from a gross revenue of ₦3.635 trillion. The Breakdown of the allocation indicated that the Federal Government received ₦810.047 billion, States got ₦709.831 billion, Local Government Councils received ₦522.228 billion and Oil Producing States (13% Derivation): ₦183.012 billion Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that deductions included ₦124.839 billion for the cost of collection and ₦1.285 trillion for transfers, interventions, and refunds, VAT…