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National, News

FAAN Chairman Visits MMIA Following Fire Outbreak

The Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has led members of the authority’s governing board on an on-site inspection of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, following a recent fire incident at the facility in Lagos. The visit was aimed at assessing the extent of the incident, reviewing emergency response measures, and ensuring that adequate steps are being implemented to prevent a recurrence. During the inspection, Ganduje and the board also evaluated ongoing work at the airport’s temporary terminal. Related: Ganduje Pushes Sports as Tool for Youth Empowerment Ganduje Commissions Mosque, Islamiyya School in Kano Ganduje, Kuku Lead Nigeria’s Airports Into a New Era He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the project, noting that the development aligns with efforts to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. Ganduje reiterated the board’s commitment to strengthening safety standards across Nigerian airports, while ensuring the timely completion of critical infrastructure. He emphasized that the authority remains focused on maintaining high safety protocols and improving service delivery within the aviation sector.

National, News

Nigeria Elections Get New Dates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new dates for the 2027 general elections, rescheduling both presidential and governorship polls in line with recent legal changes. In a statement issued on Thursday, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027. He added that governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been fixed for February 6, 2027. The commission had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and governorship elections for March 6, 2027. However, the timetable was reviewed following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026. Read Also: Ramadan: INEC Defends 2027 Poll Dates, Signals Possible Adjustment Haruna explained that the new law introduced adjustments to statutory timelines guiding pre-election and electoral activities, necessitating a realignment of the schedule to ensure full compliance. According to him, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are set to begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026. “As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before election day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines, as the commission will enforce compliance,” he said. INEC also announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, which has been moved from August 8 to August 15, 2026. Haruna noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all remaining processes would now strictly follow the provisions of the new electoral law. The 2027 election cycle will mark a departure from Nigeria’s traditional voting calendar, making it the first time since the country’s return to democracy in 1999 that presidential elections will be conducted in January.

Education, National, News

New VC Unveils Plan to Modernise Curriculum, Introduce Tech-Driven Degrees

The new Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse (FUD), Prof. Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, has unveiled plans to introduce a range of modern, technology-driven degree programmes aimed at repositioning the institution for global competitiveness. Speaking during an interactive session with university staff, Prof. Gumel said the initiative forms part of efforts to resuscitate and modernise the university’s curriculum in line with evolving global academic and industry demands. He explained that the proposed programmes will include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science and Analytics, Networking, and Cloud Computing, among other emerging fields. According to him, the move is designed to align the university’s academic offerings with the standards of the National Universities Commission and global best practices in digital education. “In order to achieve academic excellence in the 21st century, there is a need to revise and modernise our curricula to meet regulatory benchmarks and global standards in digital pedagogy,” he said. Read Also: Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes ASUP NILEST Celebrates Retiring Unionist, Demands Settlement of Entitlements Sule Unveils World’s First University of Public Relations in Nasarawa The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the expansion will also cover programmes such as Project Management, Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Geology, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Community Health, Science Education, and Business Education. Prof. Gumel noted that the reforms are anchored on his administration’s “Vision 2030,” which seeks to position the university as a nationally and globally competitive institution. “Our goal is to offer market-driven and cutting-edge academic programmes that will make our graduates not only employable but also job creators,” he stated. He urged academic staff to embrace the planned reforms, describing them as necessary steps toward achieving long-term institutional growth and relevance. Expressing confidence in the university’s capacity, the Vice-Chancellor said Federal University Dutse possesses the human resources and institutional commitment required to implement the transformation agenda. “With competitive academic programmes, cutting-edge research, and productive global partnerships, the university can strengthen its place among top-ranking institutions,” he reiterated.

Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Decorates Disu as Acting IGP Amid Leadership Shake-Up

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Olatunji Disu with his new rank as Acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja. The ceremony, held at about 4 p.m. at the President’s office, was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform and commended Egbetokun for his service to the nation. Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have attained the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, under the amended Police Act, which provides for a four-year tenure for Inspectors-General of Police regardless of age, he may remain in office until 2030 if confirmed. Read Also: Meet Nigeria’s New Acting IGP ASUP NILEST Celebrates Retiring Unionist, Demands Settlement of Entitlements Tinubu Pushes State Police, Urges Governors to Focus on Poor, Youths The ceremony followed the resignation of Egbetokun, who submitted his letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family matters requiring his full attention. In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for Egbetokun’s contributions, while announcing Disu’s appointment. “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” the statement read. However, multiple Presidency sources disclosed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening. Disu will serve in an acting capacity pending confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council, in line with constitutional provisions. According to Onanuga, the President will convene a meeting of the Council to formally consider the appointment, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation. Meanwhile, Disu’s elevation is expected to trigger a wave of retirements within the Nigeria Police Force, in keeping with the tradition that senior officers step aside when a junior colleague becomes Inspector-General. At least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police serving at Force Headquarters may be affected, including DIG Adebola Hamzat, DIG Mohammed Gumel, DIG Adebowale Williams, and DIG Frank Mba. Sources within the Police Service Commission indicated that between 15 and 20 senior officers could exit the Force as a result of the transition. The new Acting IGP is expected to formally assume office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, where a handover ceremony and parade of senior officers are scheduled. Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. He has served for over three decades in various operational and leadership capacities across the country, culminating in his appointment as Acting Inspector-General of Police. Photo News:

Feature, National

Meet DIGs Likely to Retire Following Disu’s Emergence as Acting IGP

The recent resignation of Kayode Egbetokun and the appointment of Olatunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police have triggered a familiar pattern within the Nigeria Police Force, the likely retirement of senior officers who are above the new police chief in rank and seniority. Although not expressly mandated by law, it is an entrenched institutional tradition for senior officers, particularly Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs), to step aside when a junior officer is elevated to the position of IGP. This practice is largely driven by the need to preserve hierarchy, discipline, and organisational cohesion within the Force. Read Also: Meet Nigeria’s New Acting IGP ASUP NILEST Celebrates Retiring Unionist, Demands Settlement of Entitlements Emir Aminu Ado Bayero To Lead National Ramadan Feeding Committee Findings by ‘The Historica Nigeria‘ indicate that several serving DIGs may be affected by this development. Profiles of Likely Affected DIGs Frank Mba A seasoned officer and widely recognised public communicator, Frank Mba rose through the ranks from Inspector to Assistant Inspector-General of Police. He is a three-time Force Public Relations Officer and a recipient of the United Nations Medal for his service in Liberia. His career reflects a blend of operational policing and strategic communication. Mohammed Gumel Currently overseeing the Force Intelligence Department, Gumel is regarded as a strong advocate of community policing. His leadership in intelligence gathering has contributed significantly to internal security coordination. He is also a recipient of professional honours, including recognition as Community Policing Advocate of the Year (2024). Adebola Hamzat Serving as DIG in charge of Logistics and Supply, Hamzat supervises critical aspects of police operations, including procurement, infrastructure, and resource management. His prior roles include AIG Zone 16 and Commissioner of Police in Oyo State. Yahaya Abubakar As head of Finance and Administration, Abubakar plays a pivotal role in managing the Force’s financial systems, budgeting, and personnel administration. His experience spans multiple senior leadership roles within the Force. Basil Idegwu A PhD holder in Peace and Security Studies, Idegwu leads the Department of Research and Planning. His work focuses on policy development, strategic reforms, and modernisation of policing structures in Nigeria. Bzigu Kwazhi Kwazhi heads the Department of Operations, one of the most critical arms of the Force. He oversees nationwide tactical operations, including election security, riot control, and joint security engagements. His field experience includes leadership roles in conflict-prone states. Sadiq Idris Abubakar An accomplished academic and police officer, Sadiq Idris Abubakar holds advanced degrees in Psychology and Education. His career reflects a strong blend of intellectual depth and policing experience, having risen from Cadet ASP to the rank of DIG. Adebowale Williams Currently leading the Department of Information and Communication Technology, Williams is at the forefront of integrating digital solutions into policing. His role is central to advancing modern law enforcement infrastructure in Nigeria. Institutional Implications The possible retirement of these senior officers underscores the ripple effect of leadership transition at the top of the Force. While the development may lead to the exit of highly experienced personnel, it also opens up opportunities for the emergence of a new generation of police leadership. Analysts note that such transitions, though routine, come with both challenges and opportunities particularly in maintaining operational continuity while introducing new strategic direction under the acting IGP. As Olatunji Disu settles into his new role, attention will be focused on how the Force navigates this transition and sustains its mandate of ensuring internal security across the country.

National, News

Meet Nigeria’s New Acting IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A Presidency source disclosed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He is to be replaced in an acting capacity by Olatunji Disu, pending confirmation in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, with his appointment confirmed by the Police Council on October 31, 2023. Although he was due for retirement in September 2024 upon attaining the mandatory age of 60, an amendment to the Police Act allowed him to serve a full four-year tenure, which was expected to end in October 2027 before the latest development. Profile of the New Acting IGP Disu, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest contemporary police officers, was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from Lagos State University, as well as two Master’s degrees, one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, and another in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University. Read Also: ASUP NILEST Celebrates Retiring Unionist, Demands Settlement of Entitlements Ganduje, Kuku Lead Nigeria’s Airports Into a New Era Tinubu Pushes State Police, Urges Governors to Focus on Poor, Youths He has attended several professional courses both locally and internationally, covering areas such as small arms smuggling, internet fraud, strategic leadership, and forensic investigations. Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and trained at the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State. Over the years, he has held several strategic positions, including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory. He also served as Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), having been appointed to the role on August 2, 2021, by former IGP Usman Alkali Baba following the suspension of Abba Kyari. He was equally a former Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State and served as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun. Before his appointment as acting IGP, Disu was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. His emergence marks a new phase in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force as stakeholders await his confirmation and policy direction.

Feature, National

Kano-Based TVC Reporter Bags Double PR Induction in UK and Africa

A Senior Reporter with TVC News, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah, has recorded a significant professional milestone following his induction into two major public relations bodies in the United Kingdom and Africa. Isah, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Ayrah Media Concept Ltd, was admitted as a Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and an Associate Member of the African Public Relations Association (APRA). The development comes in addition to his existing membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), further strengthening his credentials within both local and international communication circles. The CIPR membership grade, known as MCIPR, is widely regarded as a top-tier professional recognition in the United Kingdom and Europe, awarded to practitioners with proven expertise in strategic communication and adherence to global ethical standards. His induction into APRA similarly positions him within a network of professionals shaping communication practice across Africa. Speaking on the achievement, Isah said the move was driven by the growing demands of global media consultancy and the need to align with international best practices. Read Also: Pantami Urges Northern Muslims to Invest in Media, Warns of Communication Deficit He noted that his firm, Ayrah Media Concept Ltd, currently manages high-level communication engagements, including work on the IsDB-funded Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), which requires compliance with international standards. According to him, the dual membership ensures that his consultancy operations meet global benchmarks comparable to those in leading cities across Europe and Africa. Isah, who holds a Master’s degree in Public Relations and is currently pursuing a PhD at Nasarawa State University, has spent over a decade in broadcast journalism, covering major national issues. Industry observers say the recognition underscores the growing influence of Nigerian media professionals on the global stage and highlights the capacity of local practitioners to compete internationally. The achievement is expected to further enhance the strategic communication capacity of Ayrah Media Concept Ltd, particularly in handling both domestic and international projects.

National, News

IGP Egbetokun Bows Out After Presidential Order

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sources within the Presidency disclosed that Egbetokun was instructed to step down during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. According to the sources, he is to be replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex, Lagos. Read Also: Tinubu Pushes State Police, Urges Governors to Focus on Poor, Youths Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, with his appointment later confirmed by the Police Council on October 31, 2023. At the time of his appointment, he was 58 years old and was due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory age of 60. However, following an amendment to the Police Act by the National Assembly, he was allowed to serve a full four-year tenure, regardless of age or years of service. Under the provision, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 31, 2027, unless removed by the President. (Vanguard)

National, News

Lawmakers Get Extended Break as NASS Delays Return

The National Assembly of Nigeria has postponed the resumption of plenary from Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to Thursday, March 5, 2026. This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. According to the statement, the postponement is to allow committees conclude ongoing budget defence sessions related to the 2026 Appropriation Bill. “This is to inform Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly that the resumption of plenary session earlier scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, has been postponed,” the statement read. Read Also: Tinubu Pushes State Police, Urges Governors to Focus on Poor, Youths Ganduje Applauds Dan’amu, Cites Tinubu’s Impact Emir Aminu Ado Bayero To Lead National Ramadan Feeding Committee It added that plenary will now reconvene in both chambers on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., urging lawmakers to take note of the new date and time. The development comes as the legislature continues consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, with several committees still engaging Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in budget defence. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are expected to resume plenary on the new date to continue legislative proceedings. The leadership of the Assembly expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the adjustment and appealed to members for understanding. (Punch Newspaper)

Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Pushes State Police, Urges Governors to Focus on Poor, Youths

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors and religious leaders across the country to prioritise the needs of the poor and underprivileged by pursuing policies that directly impact grassroots communities. This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The President made the call on Monday in Abuja while hosting governors to an interfaith Iftar at the Presidential Villa, noting that the convergence of Ramadan and Lent reflects a shared sense of humanity, discipline, sacrifice, and unity among Nigerians. According to him, both religious observances provide an opportunity for leaders to reflect on the plight of the less privileged and design programmes that improve their living conditions. Read Also: Kano Rolls Out Toll Gates to Track Movement, Strengthen Economy Ganduje Applauds Dan’amu, Cites Tinubu’s Impact Emir Aminu Ado Bayero To Lead National Ramadan Feeding Committee “It is a joy and great honour to be with you again this year to thank the Almighty God for sparing our lives to witness another Ramadan, which coincides with the Christian Lent,” he said. The President stressed that more efforts must be directed toward reducing poverty, empowering the youth, and expanding development opportunities across local communities. He called on leaders to promote tolerance, unity, and inclusion, urging them to build structures that accommodate all citizens, particularly young people. President Tinubu also welcomed Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the State House and commended Babagana Zulum for extending Ramadan outreach programmes to both Muslims and Christians. The President reiterated the need for inclusive governance, noting that development must transcend religious, ethnic, and social divides. “To reach the young man who feels forgotten, to lift the woman who carries her family on tired shoulders, and to touch communities at the grassroots where hope sometimes flickers development must not recognise religion, tribe, or status,” he stated. He further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to improving the economy, tackling unemployment, and strengthening national security. “We are determined to rescue this country. The economy is improving, and the best is yet to come for Nigeria,” he said. The President also reaffirmed plans to establish state police as part of efforts to address insecurity, stressing that security remains the foundation for economic growth and national stability. In his remarks, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who represented the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, described the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as a rare and divinely inspired moment for national reflection and unity. He commended the President for fostering collaboration among governors and promoting policies aimed at strengthening national cohesion despite prevailing challenges.

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