Author: Faith Babatunde

Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu has officially taken over as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), succeeding Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed. At the handover ceremony in Abuja, he pledged transparent leadership, enhanced welfare for corps members, and stronger job opportunities for graduates. To tackle unemployment, Nafiu emphasized the NYSC job-matching program, aiming to connect corps members with private-sector employers for better post-service job retention. “We aim to incentivize employers to retain a significant number of our corps members after their service year,” Nafiu stated. The initiative aligns with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, which…

These Executives Minds (TEXEM) is set to host a leadership training program focused on digital innovation and intrapreneurship, equipping executives with the skills to remain competitive in the digital era. The event, scheduled for May 19-22, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, will bring together top leaders from various sectors. The “Digital Innovation: Stimulating a Culture of Intrapreneurship in a Digital Age” program aims to help organizations overcome challenges such as reactive market approaches, lack of structured intrapreneurship, and misalignment of digital initiatives with business goals. Participants will learn how to proactively identify opportunities, nurture creativity, and align digital investments with strategic…

The United States Bureau of Counterterrorism has praised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its commitment and contributions to the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. Jessica Long, Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism, gave the commendation during a high-level meeting with NAF officials in Abuja. Long acknowledged Nigeria’s recent successes in disrupting terrorist networks and highlighted the intelligence-driven tactics that have enhanced national security. She emphasized that these efforts have not only safeguarded strategic regions within Nigeria but also contributed to broader stability in the region. The US reaffirmed its continued support for NAF’s counterterrorism initiatives, stressing the importance of…

President Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste has called on Nigeria to maximize its vast resources to strengthen its position in international trade, technology, and diplomacy. Speaking at a symposium in Lagos honoring diplomat Prof. Babafemi Badejo on his 70th birthday, he emphasized the need for Nigeria to assert itself on the global stage. Ramos-Horta urged Nigerian leaders to shift from dependence on international aid and focus on self-reliance, economic growth, and innovation. He stressed that Nigeria must take charge of its development agenda rather than allow external forces to dictate its interests. “Nigeria must define its interests, not have them dictated by…

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 88th birthday, recognizing his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s history and development. Tinubu highlighted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s past, from receiving the surrender instrument that ended the civil war to his leadership as both a military and civilian president. He commended Obasanjo’s efforts in peacebuilding, governance, and Pan-Africanism, noting his global influence and continued impact on national affairs. “As a statesman, his dedication to unity, progress, and democracy is undeniable,” Tinubu stated, expressing gratitude for Obasanjo’s service. He prayed for continued strength for the former president, acknowledging…

Rev. Fr. Thomas Edogbanya has urged Christians to use Lent as a time to grow closer to God and support the less privileged. Speaking at Saint Charles Lwanga Parish, Abuja, during Ash Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent, he explained, is a season of repentance and spiritual renewal, symbolizing Jesus Christ’s journey to the cross. He encouraged believers to go beyond applying ashes and instead focus on holy living and acts of kindness. “Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a period of reflection and renewal for millions of Christians worldwide,” he said. Christians are…

The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) has partnered with Zipline International Nigeria Ltd. to revolutionize blood supply delivery using drone technology. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare efficiency and save lives by ensuring swift blood distribution nationwide. NBSA Director-General Prof. Saleh Yuguda described the partnership as a groundbreaking advancement, emphasizing its potential to reduce delays and prevent fatalities due to blood shortages. “This initiative is both a life-saver and a time-saver,” Yuguda stated. Zipline Nigeria’s Managing Director, Akin Oyediran, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge drone technology to address blood-related emergencies. He praised NBSA for embracing innovation, aligning with…

The Federal Government has announced plans to tighten aviation regulations to enhance safety and security. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this announcement after receiving the final report from the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Illegal Private Charter Operations.Keyamo emphasized that curbing illegal private airline operations aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of enforcing proper regulations across all sectors. He noted that many private jets operate unlawfully under the PNCF license, posing security and safety risks.The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory standards despite past challenges. He pledged to work with the Nigerian Civil Aviation…

Gov. Dapo Abiodun has issued a strong warning to commercial vehicle operators in Ogun State, urging them to avoid transporting flammable materials to ensure passenger safety. This caution follows a tragic accident near the Muhammadu Buhari Estate on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange Expressway, which claimed 16 lives. The incident involved a white Mazda bus carrying a filled gas cylinder that exploded, causing a deadly fire outbreak. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, the governor emphasized that the accident was preventable. He called for stricter regulations on handling and transporting highly flammable substances such…

Dr. Fawaz Babandi, Consultant Psychiatrist at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBTH), has emphasized the urgent need to integrate mental health services into hospitals to combat rising domestic violence cases. In an interview, Babandi linked increasing family-related violence to underlying mental health issues. He noted that individuals with untreated mental illnesses could exhibit violent behavior toward loved ones. Symptoms such as poor sleep, excessive body heat, loss of social interest, and prolonged headaches could escalate into aggression if left untreated. Babandi urged the government to prioritize mental health at all healthcare levels, especially in primary healthcare centers where such…