Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Federal Government over the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, calling it a reflection of Nigeria’s failing security, not a success. He said the return of the students is “not a trophy moment” but proof that terrorists operate freely, negotiate openly, and set terms while government officials issue statements to save face. Atiku’s remarks responded to comments by Presidential Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, who said the DSS and military tracked the kidnappers in real time and secured the girls’ release without paying ransom. Onanuga added that operations must…
By Atoyebi Nike The Naira strengthened on Tuesday, appreciating to N1,441 per dollar as confidence improved following the conclusion of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 303rd Monetary Policy Committee meeting. The updated figures on the CBN’s website show the currency rising from N1,452 per dollar recorded a day earlier, reflecting renewed optimism driven by the bank’s continued aggressive tightening to curb inflation and stabilize the foreign exchange market. The MPC meeting, which lasted two days in Abuja, ended with members voting to retain all major policy indicators. The decision signalled the apex bank’s firm commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability. The…
By Atoyebi Nike The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, says disunity among Nigerian women is a major reason for their weak presence in politics. She said women have the numbers and passion but lack the organization needed to influence leadership. Musawa spoke in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, at a dialogue hosted by the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation. The event, themed “Breaking Barriers or Standing Still?”, reviewed Nigeria’s progress since the 1995 Beijing Declaration on gender equality. A communiqué signed by Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu urged Nigeria to adopt more inclusive and female-friendly political practices. The gathering also honored…
By Atoyebi Nike Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have apprehended two herders accused of invading community farmlands and destroying crops during a routine harvest-season patrol in Makurdi, Benue State. The arrest took place on November 20, 2025, after soldiers deployed at Zongo Akiki intercepted the suspects for allegedly leading cattle into cultivated plots owned by local farmers. Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, spokesperson for the operation, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday. He explained that the patrol was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard farmers and protect food production during the peak of the harvest…
By Bagudu Mohammed Across many African communities, people have long held onto the belief that somewhere in their ancestry lies a hidden force mystical, spiritual, or supernatural that should offer an edge in moments of danger or competition. Such power, if it worked as tradition claimed, ought to have placed Africa at the forefront of global strength, resilience, and achievement. Growing up in Nigeria meant absorbing stories filled with enchantment. Folklore spoke of warriors untouched by metal, hunters who disappeared when threatened, rulers who commanded lightning, and fighters who used invisible weapons. These tales shaped our worldview before Western ideas…
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has directed security forces to impose a comprehensive security cordon on forests in Kwara State, following a new surge in kidnappings and attacks. The order was announced on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who disclosed on X that the Nigerian Air Force had been instructed to extend aerial patrols deep into forest areas believed to be used as hideouts by armed groups. According to Dare, the Air Force is now expected to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and coordinate operations with ground troops.He added that the same directive…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Ministry of Education has unveiled the Inspire Live(s) Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, a national digital learning programme designed to give schoolchildren across Nigeria broader access to quality education. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the initiative was described as a landmark effort that supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is aimed at tackling persistent challenges such as teacher shortages, unequal access to learning, and frequent disruptions to schooling. According to the ministry, the platform streams live, interactive lessons directly…
By Atoyebi Nike Women leading climate adaptation in Nigeria say their realities are largely missing from global conversations, even as they face severe climate impacts. At the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, world leaders discussed global actions to limit warming to 1.5°C and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. But according to Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, founder of WISE (Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment), rural women farmers, the most affected by unpredictable rainfall, land degradation, and crop failure, are largely excluded from these discussions. Speaking during a farm visit and dialogue in Kaduna, Olugboji-Daramola criticized COP30 for being dominated…
By Atoyebi Nike Governor Ahmadu Fintiri urged the Federal Government to support Adamawa State’s livestock and ranching reforms during the maiden National Council on Livestock Development in Yola on Monday. Represented by Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta, Fintiri welcomed delegates, noting that Yola has become a preferred venue for conferences, investments, and tourism due to its peaceful environment and modern infrastructure. The governor highlighted Adamawa’s livestock sector, which contributes about 43% of the state GDP and supports household livelihoods, nutrition, trade, culture, and job creation. Adamawa created a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development 20 years ago, pioneering reforms later adopted by…
By Atoyebi Nike Katsina State has launched a renewed campaign to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The government established a special court to fast-track cases and a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to support victims with medical care, counselling, and legal guidance. Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, called on prosecuting agencies to pursue offenders diligently and urged residents to report abuse promptly. The state has domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, giving authorities a stronger framework to prosecute offenders. Officials also emphasized the importance of girl child education as a key tool for protection and…