The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • Nollywood’s Black Market Sets Guinness World Record With 51,000 Viewers

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Nollywood crime thriller Black Market has set a Guinness World Record after 51,000 people watched the film at a single-location screening at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The record-breaking screening was held on Saturday, September 26, as thousands of movie lovers gathered at the Lagos venue for the film’s premiere.

    Guinness World Records recognised 51,000 viewers as the qualifying attendance, surpassing the previous record of 43,624 people who watched the Filipino film Felix Manalo at the Philippine Arena in the Philippines in 2015.

    The figure recognised by the record body was lower than the total crowd at the venue. Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat had put the attendance at about 64,000, but the Guinness count was based on viewers who remained for the required duration of the screening.

    The achievement sparked celebrations at TBS, with cheers and fireworks following the announcement.

    Organisers had targeted at least 50,000 simultaneous viewers for the screening, which was designed to break the 43,624 benchmark. The official event programme stated that the gates opened at 2pm, while the film was scheduled to run from 7pm to 8:30pm.

    Long queues formed around the venue before the screening as movie lovers arrived for the event, which also featured music, games, food and other entertainment activities.

    The event attracted government officials and several Nollywood personalities, including Hamzat, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Toke Benson, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Gabriel Afolayan, Kunle Afolayan, Stan Nze and other members of the Nigerian film industry.

    Black Market was directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and co-written by Gimsay and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed.

    The film centres on five women involved in a cross-border smuggling operation whose activities are disrupted after the daughter of one of them is kidnapped. The cast includes Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele D Icon, and Uzor Arukwe.

    The project was produced through Rixel Studios, in collaboration with Signet Ring Studios, Switch Visuals Production and FilmOne Studios. Plans for the record attempt had been announced months before the premiere, with the filmmakers targeting 50,000 people at TBS.

    The previous Guinness World Record of 43,624 people was established on October 4, 2015, when Felix Manalo was screened at the Philippine Arena. Guinness World Records lists the same attendance as the record for both the largest attendance at a film screening and the largest audience at a film premiere.

    With the latest achievement, *lBlack Market has moved the record to Nigeria, giving Nollywood another international milestone.

  • NDLEA Arrests Newlywed Over Alleged Cocaine Trafficking At Enugu Airport

    NDLEA Arrests Newlywed Over Alleged Cocaine Trafficking At Enugu Airport

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 25-year-old businessman at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Portugal.

    The suspect, identified as Lovely Chukwulobelu, was intercepted on Thursday, September 25, 2026, at the airport’s departure hall while preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal through Addis Ababa, according to the NDLEA.

    The agency said the suspect had allegedly ingested 72 wraps of cocaine and was placed under observation following his arrest.

    He subsequently excreted all 72 wraps, the NDLEA said.

    According to the agency, the suspect told investigators that he previously operated a car decoration business at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, before relocating to Portugal in May 2023.

    He reportedly returned to Nigeria recently and got married on September 13, 2026.

    The NDLEA said the suspect claimed he turned to the alleged drug trafficking in an attempt to recover expenses incurred during his wedding.

    The Enugu arrest was among a series of drug interdiction operations carried out by the agency across several states.

    At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, NDLEA operatives recovered 2,550,000 opioid pills during the examination of three monitored consignments at the airport’s import shed.

    The agency said the consignments, which arrived from India and Bangladesh through Qatar Airways, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines, had a combined gross weight of 1,640.55 kilogrammes.

    The seized drugs included Tramaking 225mg, Tramaking 250mg and Royal Tapentadol 250mg.

    In Bauchi State, two men aged 35 and 45 were arrested along the Maiduguri bypass after NDLEA officers allegedly found 300 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 262.5kg concealed in a false compartment of a truck.

    In Edo State, the agency, with support from soldiers, destroyed two cannabis farms at Eko Camp, Ilushi. The farms were estimated to have a combined yield of 1,360.23kg.

    Two women, aged 36 and 40, were also arrested during a raid on Anifowoshe Street, Mushin, Lagos, where 3.4kg of cannabis was recovered, according to the NDLEA.

    At Ebute-Ero motor park in Lagos, officers arrested a 58-year-old man and allegedly recovered 5.92kg of cannabis, 2,400 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 8,400 tablets of nitrazepam and 40,000 pills of tramadol.

    In Oyo State, two Togolese nationals, aged 35 and 33, were arrested along the Iganna-Ilero road in Iganna.

    The NDLEA said 305.6kg of cannabis was recovered from two pickup vans allegedly transporting the substance, which it said had been sourced from Ghana and brought into Nigeria through the Oyo axis.

    At the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos, five suspects were arrested after officers intercepted 420 cartons of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

    The agency put the weight of the consignment at 1,688.4kg and said the substance was being transported from the border into Lagos in two vehicles.

    The operations came as the NDLEA continued its nationwide War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaign, with officers conducting awareness programmes in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities.

    The agency said the activities were held in several states, including Oyo, Edo, Gombe and Kano, while the Delta Ports Command also carried out a WADA advocacy visit to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatshe III.

    NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations and urged personnel across the country to sustain the agency’s enforcement and drug-prevention efforts.

    The NDLEA has also recently announced the dismantling of a suspected Nigerian-Mexican drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Two suspects were arrested and subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Enugu.

  • Tinubu Billed To Return To Nigeria On Tuesday After Four Weeks

    Tinubu Billed To Return To Nigeria On Tuesday After Four Weeks

    President Bola Tinubu, who has been on a four-week working vacation to Europe, is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday.

    The president, who was scheduled to return to the country this weekend, is now due back on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

    Reliable Presidency sources told THISDAY yesterday that President Tinubu would return through the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos, where he is expected to be received at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    It was further gathered that the president would celebrate Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026 in Lagos.

    This would be the second time the president will be celebrating the nation’s independence in Lagos, the first being in 2025 when he stayed back in Lagos after his working visit to the Centre of Excellence in the wake of the news of an attempted coup det’at by military officers.

    THISDAY further learnt that Tinubu would stay back in Lagos to attend to official state duties before returning to the nation’s capital, Abuja by next weekend.

    The Presidency had last Monday disclosed that the president, who has been on working leave since August 30, 2026, would return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days.
    Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, who made this known via a statement, added that the president departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation.

    After spending a week in London, he moved to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Mr Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group.

    While away, President Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions. This Day

  • Enugu LG Polls: Renewed Hope Ambassadors Coordinator Hails Conduct, Predicts APC Victory in 2027

    Enugu LG Polls: Renewed Hope Ambassadors Coordinator Hails Conduct, Predicts APC Victory in 2027

    …Lauds Mbah Over Development

    …Congratulates Winners of Chairmanship, Councillorship Election

    The Enugu State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. USA Igwesi, has commended the peaceful conduct of the Enugu State local government elections, describing the exercise as free and fair.

    Igwesi, who spoke to newsmen after casting his vote at his polling unit on Saturday, September 26, 2026, also congratulated the winners of the chairmanship and councillorship elections across the state.

    He said the large turnout of voters and peaceful atmosphere witnessed during the exercise demonstrated the people’s interest in choosing their representatives at the grassroots.

    “The concluded election was free and fair. People came out in their numbers to vote. There were two polling booths; one was for Local Government Chairman and the other one was for Councillor.

    “I am thanking the Governor of Enugu State for providing an enabling environment for this concluded election. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah did well by providing this environment. All the political parties did their best to contest and show interest.

    “I thank God that there was no problem and violence of any sort. Everybody came out peacefully, happily and joyfully to vote so I really thank God for that.”

    The former federal lawmaker also praised Governor Mbah for what he described as the widespread development projects being executed across the state, saying the administration’s projects had given the All Progressives Congress (APC) confidence ahead of future elections.

    He specifically mentioned the International Conference Centre (ICC), Presidential Hotel, 300-bed hospital, Smart Schools across the 260 political wards, Type C health centres, road projects and other developments in Obuoffia.

    “I am highly optimistic and my heart is strong because the Governor of the State gave us bragging rights. The work he is doing in Enugu State is much; including ICC, Presidential Hotel, 300-bedded hospital, Smart Schools scattered across the 260 political wards, Type 2 Health Center across the different political wards, including roads and the work he has done in Obuoffia.

    “And the work he is doing is spread across every other Local Government and every other community in Enugu State. God is the only one that has the attribute of ubiquity; that is being everywhere at the same time, but Peter Mbah has shown that he possesses that attribute of ubiquity. God gave him that attribute and that honour. He’s everywhere. In all the construction sites that Enugu State has, work is going on there.”

    Igwesi expressed confidence that the APC would retain its electoral strength in future elections, including the 2027 general elections, attributing the party’s prospects to the performance of the Mbah administration.

    “So, what I’m saying in essence is that APC will always win elections. This one that is ENSIEC, APC will win it. APC will every other level of elections because we have something to hold on to and our people understand that they will follow the person that is working so Peter Mbah and APC will always win any day, any time.”

    He urged the electorate to continue to support leaders whose performance, according to him, had translated into visible development across their communities.

  • White House Blocks CNN From Travelling With Trump To Tennessee

    White House Blocks CNN From Travelling With Trump To Tennessee

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The White House has barred CNN from travelling aboard Air Force One with United States President Donald Trump for his Saturday trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, despite the network being scheduled to serve as the television press pool reporter.

    The latest restriction comes days after Trump’s administration banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the organisations of publishing coverage that was unfavourable to his administration.

    A federal judge, Timothy Kelly, subsequently ordered the administration to restore the three outlets’ access to the White House, ruling that they were likely to succeed in showing that their press credentials had been revoked without adequate due process.

    CNN reporters returned to the White House on Thursday following the ruling, although the network and MS NOW later reported being denied access to parts of an event marking Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit.

    Despite the restoration of access, CNN was excluded from Trump’s trip to Tennessee, where the President is scheduled to attend a college football game.

    CNN had been due to take its turn in the rotating television press pool, a system involving ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News and CNN. The designated network provides video coverage of presidential events and distributes the footage to other television outlets because of limited space during presidential travel.

    However, a White House schedule released late Friday did not list CNN or another member of the traditional television pool as the primary TV pooler for Saturday.

    Instead, the schedule listed Real America’s Voice News, a conservative outlet, in a secondary television role. The Washington Post reported that the White House decision effectively prevented CNN from carrying out the pool duties it had been assigned for the trip.

    The dispute has already disrupted the White House television pool. After CNN was barred from the White House last week, ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC joined CNN in suspending pooled video coverage in protest.

    The five networks said the public had an important interest in receiving independent information about the government and argued that news organisations should not be denied access because of disagreements over their reporting.

    The television pool resumed on Friday after CNN’s White House access was restored. CBS served as the designated pool network for most of the day, while CNN handled coverage of an event at the National Archives.

    The latest exclusion, however, has raised fresh questions about the future of the rotational pool and the administration’s approach to media access during presidential travel.

    CNN confirmed its exclusion from the Tennessee trip, while the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

  • Supreme Court Restores Electoral Act Provisions Ahead Of 2027 Polls

    Supreme Court Restores Electoral Act Provisions Ahead Of 2027 Polls

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Supreme Court has restored key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing political party membership registers and the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    A seven-member panel of the apex court, in a unanimous decision, upheld an appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission against an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that had declared Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.

    The ruling means political parties are required to comply with statutory rules on their membership registers and candidate nomination processes.

    Under Section 77 of the Act, political parties must make their membership registers available to INEC not later than 21 days before their primaries, congresses or conventions.

    The law further provides that only members whose names are contained in the register submitted to INEC can vote or be voted for at party primaries, congresses and conventions. Parties are also prohibited from using a different register for such exercises.

    A party that fails to submit its membership register within the stipulated period is not eligible to field a candidate for the election, according to the Act.

    The Supreme Court also restored Section 84(2), which provides that political parties may nominate candidates through direct primaries or consensus. INEC’s 2026 Regulations and Guidelines similarly recognise direct and consensus primaries as the two permitted methods under the Act.

    The legal dispute began after the Zenith Labour Party challenged the provisions at the Federal High Court, arguing that they interfered with the constitutional powers of political parties to manage their internal affairs and nominate candidates.

    The Federal High Court dismissed the challenge in May 2026, but the Court of Appeal later overturned that decision in July and struck down the four disputed provisions. INEC subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court.

    The Supreme Court has now set aside the Court of Appeal’s decision and reinstated the earlier Federal High Court judgment, holding that the disputed provisions were not inconsistent with the Constitution. The apex court also awarded N2 million in costs against the Zenith Labour Party.

    The ruling reinforces INEC’s statutory role in receiving and verifying party membership registers and monitoring compliance with the requirements governing party primaries and candidate nominations.

    INEC had earlier confirmed that all 22 registered political parties submitted their membership registers in May 2026, with the Commission stating that the registers would undergo verification in line with the law.

    The Supreme Court’s decision therefore provides the legal framework that will govern future party nomination exercises under the 2026 Electoral Act, including subsequent elections and the primaries, congresses and conventions preceding them.

  • Google Unveils New AI Advertising Tools For Nigerian Businesses

    Google Unveils New AI Advertising Tools For Nigerian Businesses

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Google has introduced new artificial intelligence-powered advertising features aimed at helping businesses, including those in Nigeria, better understand the performance of their online campaigns and manage their advertising strategies.

    The technology company announced the developments as part of new updates to its AI Max for Search campaigns, including a new reporting feature and an expanded version of its AI Brief tool.

    Google Director for East and West Africa, Olumide Balogun, disclosed the developments in Lagos on Friday.

    The new reporting feature will provide advertisers with a unified view of the customer journey, bringing together information on the search terms that triggered an advert, the creative content displayed to the user and the webpage the user visited after clicking the advert.

    Google said the information, which had previously been available across different sections of Google Ads, will now be presented in a single view, making it easier for advertisers to assess campaign performance and understand how customers interact with their adverts.

    Balogun said the development would give Nigerian businesses greater visibility into how their advertising budgets are being used, particularly as businesses prepare for major shopping periods such as Black Friday and the festive season.

    The reporting feature was unveiled at DMEXCO 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and Google said further details on its availability would be released later in the year.

    Another update is the expansion of AI Brief, a Gemini-powered feature that allows advertisers to provide instructions to AI Max using ordinary language.

    Through the tool, advertisers can give detailed information about their businesses, target audiences and key messages and use those instructions to guide how AI Max develops and manages campaign elements.

    For instance, businesses can provide instructions about the type of searches they want to prioritise, messages they want highlighted or information they do not want included in advertisements.

    Google said advertisers can also preview sample advertisements and searches before campaigns go live, allowing them to adjust their instructions where necessary.

    The closed beta of AI Brief is being expanded to seven additional languages: Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

    Google said the latest changes are part of its broader effort to adapt advertising tools to changing search behaviour as consumers increasingly use more conversational and detailed queries when looking for products and services.

    The company has also expanded AI-powered features across Google Search. AI Overviews are available in more than 200 countries and territories, while AI Mode has also expanded to more than 200 countries and territories.

    Google has been developing AI Max as a broader AI-powered system for Search advertising. The company said AI Max moved out of beta in 2026, with additional controls for targeting, creative content and campaign performance.

    The company also said AI Max campaigns using its full feature set recorded an average of seven per cent more conversions or conversion value at a similar cost per acquisition or return on advertising spend, compared with campaigns using search-term matching alone. Google described the figures as based on its internal 2026 data for non-retail advertisers.

    Google Vice-President of Global Ads, Dan Taylor, said changing consumer behaviour was also influencing the way businesses connect with potential customers through Search.

    According to Taylor, users are increasingly turning to longer and more detailed questions, voice commands and images when searching for information, products and services.

    Google has previously reported that queries made through AI Mode are nearly three times longer than traditional searches, reflecting the growing use of conversational search.

    Google said AI Max, launched in 2025, is now being used by hundreds of thousands of advertisers globally.

    The company has also continued to expand AI-powered advertising formats as Search becomes increasingly conversational, including new advertising experiences being tested in AI Mode.

    Balogun urged Nigerian businesses preparing for the Black Friday period and the end-of-year shopping season to begin planning their campaigns early.

    He said the new tools would enable businesses to better understand their advertising results and make more informed decisions about where to allocate their marketing budgets.

  • Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s decision to appoint former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to his 2027 Presidential Campaign Council was partly aimed at recognising what he described as El-Rufai’s political sacrifices.

    Momodu, who serves as Deputy Director-General of the campaign’s Media and Communications Directorate, spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Friday.

    Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, unveiled his campaign council on Thursday, appointing Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman and El-Rufai as deputy chairman. Senator Austin Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager.

    Explaining El-Rufai’s inclusion, Momodu said the appointment was a way of acknowledging the former Kaduna governor’s political experience and what he described as the difficulties he had faced.

    Momodu also pointed to El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria despite the legal proceedings involving him, arguing that the former governor could have remained outside the country but chose to return.

    El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings and has denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations against him. Reports on the case have also noted that he remains involved in proceedings concerning allegations linked to his time in public office.

    Commenting on the bail conditions attached to El-Rufai’s case, Momodu described them as excessive and questioned what he considered the former governor’s treatment by the authorities.

    Momodu further credited El-Rufai with playing an important role in the political developments that preceded the 2023 presidential election, claiming that his contribution was significant to President Bola Tinubu’s emergence.

    That claim represents Momodu’s political assessment and was not independently established by the campaign council announcement.

    El-Rufai’s appointment places him among several prominent political figures assembled by Atiku as the ADC builds its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The council includes former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, who was named chairman of the Campaign Advisory Board, while Momodu will oversee Media and Communications and former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye will lead Contact and Mobilisation.

    The campaign structure comprises six operational directorates, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen will coordinate the Policy Team, while former governors and other political figures are also included in the wider campaign structure.

    The unveiling of the council comes as political parties and their candidates begin preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the ADC campaign saying its structure would focus on issues including the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Chelle Urges Super Eagles To Handle Pressure, Build Strong Start Against Madagascar

    AFCON Qualifiers: Chelle Urges Super Eagles To Handle Pressure, Build Strong Start Against Madagascar

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has urged his players to embrace the pressure of representing Nigeria as they begin their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar.

    Nigeria are expected to open their qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar, with Chelle stressing the importance of securing a strong start and building confidence for the matches ahead.

    Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the coach said pressure was an unavoidable part of managing the national team and that his players must learn to deal with it.

    “We don’t manage the pressure. We try to deal with the pressure. This is our job. The pressure is a part of the job,” Chelle said.

    The coach said the Super Eagles must avoid repeating the poor start that characterised their previous World Cup qualifying campaign.

    “We know the experiences of the last World Cup. We started really, really poor, really bad. It will never happen again because this is a focused team,” he said.

    Chelle described the opening fixture as important to Nigeria’s campaign, saying a positive result would help establish the momentum needed for the subsequent qualifiers.

    “We are planning to set the momentum because the first game is the most important game of every competition. This is qualifiers. The first game sets the momentum. So it gives us the confidence to go for the other games coming,” he added.

    The French coach also expressed confidence in the quality of his squad, describing the Super Eagles as one of Africa’s leading teams.

    “For me, of course, this is the best team in Africa, and maybe this team has a good ranking in the world. So we are motivated,” Chelle said.

    He said his players had the right mentality ahead of the encounter, insisting that their mindset would be crucial to their performance.

    “My players are very good. They have a good state of mind. They understand everything. So, like I said every time, this is not a question of winning or losing. This is a question of state of mind,” he said.

    Chelle, however, warned that Madagascar should not be underestimated, recalling the country’s 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    “For sure it will be a difficult game because Madagascar, this is not a tough team. This is a big team. I think they won against Nigeria in 2019. So we have to be ready. It will be a fight,” he said.

    The coach also explained the late arrival of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, saying the player had been granted permission to attend an event organised by his club.

    “The club of Udinese asked me to let him make an event for the club. He was supposed to come before, but he’s not here. So I will manage the situation because I have to take some decisions,” Chelle said.

    On injuries within the squad, Chelle acknowledged that several players were unavailable but maintained that Nigeria had sufficient depth to cope with the absences.

    “We have a lot of injuries. So this is not a problem for us. We have a group. Of course, I prefer that these guys are with us. But we have to work on it. So we are ready to play that game,” he said.

  • Terrorism In Nigeria Has Global Implications, Defence Minister Says

    Terrorism In Nigeria Has Global Implications, Defence Minister Says

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has said terrorism, banditry and other emerging security threats in Nigeria extend beyond the country’s borders, with consequences for the wider region and the international community.

    Musa spoke during a high-level security discussion organised by the Ministry of Defence on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.

    The meeting brought together diplomats, security experts and representatives of the United Nations, African Union and Economic Community of West African States to examine Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and possible responses.

    According to a statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa called for stronger international cooperation and a whole-of-society approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria and the wider Sahel.

    He said the complexity of modern security threats made collaboration among governments, security institutions, communities and international partners essential.

    Musa said sustainable security could not be achieved through military action alone, stressing the importance of resilient communities, effective institutions, inclusive development and good governance.

    The minister outlined measures being pursued by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, including the recruitment of an additional 22,000 personnel into the Armed Forces.

    He also cited the expansion and restructuring of the Nigerian Army’s divisional structure, efforts towards establishing state police and dedicated forest guards, particularly for rural and border communities, as well as a unified intelligence and reconnaissance programme approved by President Bola Tinubu.

    According to him, the intelligence programme is intended to improve information sharing among government agencies, eliminate operational gaps and enhance coordination in responding to security threats.

    Musa also highlighted efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic defence industry through increased support for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

    He said the initiative was aimed at improving local production of military equipment and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign sources for arms and other defence materials.

    The minister further pointed to the deployment of technology, including drones for surveillance and improvised explosive device detection, as well as the development of a comprehensive national criminal database.

    The discussions also focused on intelligence gathering and border security.

    Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.), Special Adviser on Homeland Security, called for better integration of intelligence and response systems, alongside mechanisms that would protect citizens who provide information about emerging threats.

    Former Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Major General A.K. Ibrahim (retd.), advocated stronger community-based approaches to border security and the implementation of the Office of the National Security Adviser’s Border Management Strategy.

    He also called for the revitalisation of the MNJTF and intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist financing networks and systems through which armed groups impose illegal taxes.

    Economic security was another major issue discussed at the meeting.

    Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Obiora, argued that economic stability should be treated as a central component of national security.

    He proposed the establishment of designated economic zones in conflict-affected areas to encourage businesses to return and support economic recovery.

    Professor Mvemba Phezo Dizolele of Johns Hopkins University, meanwhile, urged African countries to develop security responses based on their own circumstances rather than relying solely on foreign models.

    Cybersecurity expert Omosigho Ozo-Eso also warned against excessive dependence on foreign artificial intelligence systems, stressing the need to protect Nigeria’s critical national infrastructure and develop indigenous cyber-defence capabilities.

    Musa, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and banditry and acknowledged the support Nigeria has received from international partners, including the United States and European Union.

    He, however, said African countries must increasingly take ownership of regional security arrangements by providing greater domestic funding for mechanisms such as the MNJTF.

    The minister also highlighted government efforts to strengthen relevant laws, protect health workers operating in high-risk areas and create a more stable environment for investment.

    He urged participants to move beyond identifying security challenges and focus on practical cooperation, clearly defined responsibilities and implementable solutions.

    The meeting, themed **“Confronting Nigeria’s Multidimensional Security Challenges: A Whole-of-Society and Partnership-Based Approach,”** was opened by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi.

    Olaniyi called for constructive engagement among participants, saying discussions should produce concrete outcomes capable of contributing to Nigeria’s national development.

  • FG Set To Launch African Global Festival In October

    FG Set To Launch African Global Festival In October

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government is set to launch the African Global Festival Nigeria, popularly known as AGLOFEST, in October 2026 as part of efforts to promote Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and expand economic and international partnerships.

    The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Kana, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

    Kana said President Bola Tinubu had approved the initiative, with the approval formally conveyed to the project’s partners.

    According to him, AGLOFEST will create an international platform for cultural exchange, investment and economic cooperation by bringing together government officials, investors, businesses, cultural organisations, creative industry practitioners, entrepreneurs and development partners.

    He said the festival would comprise three major events: the Black Diaspora Economic Forum, Black Diaspora Cultural Presentation, and the Renewed Global Hope and Peace Concert.

    Kana explained that the economic forum would provide opportunities for discussions and partnerships in trade, investment and business, while the cultural presentation would highlight Africa’s heritage and creative expressions.

    The peace concert, he added, would use music and entertainment to promote peace, unity and positive engagement among people across different parts of the world.

    The permanent secretary said AGLOFEST was being developed through a public-private partnership involving the Federal Government and other stakeholders.

    He noted that the Ministries of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Trade, Investment and Industry; and Foreign Affairs would be among the government institutions involved in the initiative.

    Kana said the festival would also be used to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions, creative industries and investment opportunities to an international audience.

    He added that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s links with other African countries and people of African descent across the world.

    The October launch is expected to form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to use culture and the creative economy to deepen international relations, attract investment and expand economic cooperation.

  • 2027: Otti Backs Tinubu, Rules Out Presidential Ambition After Tenure

    2027: Otti Backs Tinubu, Rules Out Presidential Ambition After Tenure

    …Explains his support for Tinubu

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has explained his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid while ruling out any plan to contest for the presidency or another elective office after completing his tenure as governor.

    Otti spoke during an interview with ARISE News on Friday, where he addressed his political position ahead of the 2027 general election and his relationship with other political actors, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

    The governor, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, said his support for Tinubu’s administration should not be confused with the Labour Party’s position on the 2027 presidential election.

    Otti said his position was influenced partly by his role as a governor and member of the National Economic Council, where state governors participate in discussions and decisions concerning the country.

    “It works the way you have said. It’s a statement of fact. I am not in a position to oppose his candidacy,” Otti said.

    He explained that governors could disagree with certain government policies but should raise their concerns through appropriate government channels rather than create unnecessary confrontation.

    “And sometimes people don’t understand opposition. When you say opposition, and you are part of a government, then what you are driving towards is implosion,” he said.

    “So if I do have a problem with anything, I’ll sit down in one of our meetings and I’ll make my point. So I’m not going to oppose his candidacy.”

    Otti, however, maintained that he had previously indicated support for a Labour Party presidential candidate, distinguishing that position from his support for Tinubu in his capacity as the incumbent President.

    When asked whether Tinubu was the Labour Party candidate he had referred to, Otti rejected the suggestion.

    “No, that’s not what I said,” he said, adding that he was referring to a candidate of the Labour Party.

    The governor also identified some Tinubu administration policies that he said were consistent with his own views, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy.

    “Quite frankly, there are a lot of things that we have talked about now, that he has implemented, that resonate with me and my thinking,” Otti said.

    “People don’t have to agree with me, but from where I sit, I know that for instance, the fuel subsidy was even unsustainable.”

    The interviewer then returned to the question of whether he was supporting Tinubu.

    “What do you expect me to say? To say I’m not supporting him?” Otti responded.

    He said Tinubu had a right to contest the 2027 election and noted that, as a state governor and member of the National Economic Council, he was involved in some of the decisions and policies of the Federal Government.

    “I had also said that as a governor in this republic, that a lot of the things that are being, in fact, I’m part of all the things that have been done as a member of National Economic Council. So, we should distinguish that.

    “When somebody now says, ‘Oh, you are supporting or you’re not,’ I have to support him,” he said.

    Otti Rules Out Presidential Ambition

    Despite his active participation in political discussions ahead of 2027, Otti said he had no plans to seek another elective position after completing his tenure as governor.

    He ruled out running for president, the Senate, local government chairmanship or any other elective office.

    “I had said just a few days ago that by the time I’m done with this, I’ll retire. So I’m not going to run for any other thing, not local government chairman, not Senate, not president, no,” he said.

    Otti said his political career was driven by what he described as a sense of duty and that he intended to leave politics after completing the work he set out to do in Abia.

    “I think I came to deliver a calling, and that is what I’m doing now. Once I finish it, I’ll retire. And I’m not getting any younger anymore,” he added.

    Otti Says Obi, Atiku Can Campaign In Abia

    The governor also said opposition politicians would be free to campaign in Abia State, regardless of their political affiliations.

    He specifically mentioned Peter Obi, saying there was no disagreement between them that would prevent the former Anambra governor from campaigning in the state.

    “Oh, absolutely. Anybody that wants to campaign in my state will be allowed. Peter Obi and I are not fighting. Just like there’s nobody I’m fighting,” Otti said.

    He added that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other presidential candidates would similarly be allowed to campaign in the state.

    “So if he wants to campaign in the state, he will be allowed to campaign. If any other person, even Atiku, if he wants to campaign, he will be allowed to campaign. So that is what democracy is about,” he said.

    Otti’s comments come as political parties and their potential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with discussions around alliances, presidential candidates and the future direction of the opposition continuing across the country.

    The governor, meanwhile, said his immediate priority remained the completion of his tenure in Abia rather than pursuing another political office.