By David Torough, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has overhauled its Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications, restricting official communication on behalf of the campaign to three senior officials in a move aimed at ensuring greater discipline, coordination and consistency in public messaging.

Under the new arrangement, only the campaign’s Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari; the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who will serve as the official spokesperson; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, are authorised to speak on behalf of the council.

The decision was announced on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the President and Deputy Director-General (Administration) of the council, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Gbajabiamila said the restructuring was designed to promote “more cohesive, disciplined, and effective public engagement” by streamlining the campaign’s communication structure.

As part of the changes, all individuals previously announced or designated as spokespersons have been directed to relinquish those responsibilities and integrate into the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications as ordinary members.

The council also issued a directive to radio and television stations to take note of the new arrangement and adjust their engagement protocols accordingly.

It explained that the campaign would designate appropriate representatives for media appearances whenever necessary, effectively ending the practice of multiple officials independently speaking on its behalf.

The restructuring comes against the backdrop of a controversial television appearance by a member of the campaign council, Alwan Hassan, on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday.

During the interview, Hassan defended the functionality of Nigeria’s 112 emergency number, describing it as one of the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

However, when programme anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, challenged him to demonstrate that the emergency line was working by calling the number during the live broadcast, repeated attempts to connect were unsuccessful.

Hassan suggested that network-related difficulties might have affected the calls, but the explanation was questioned by the presenter, turning the exchange into a contentious moment during the programme.

The campaign council’s announcement followed less than a day after the interview. However, Gbajabiamila did not expressly attribute the restructuring to the television appearance or the controversy surrounding the emergency number.

The new directive nevertheless signals a tighter approach to the campaign’s media relations, with official public communication now concentrated in the hands of three designated officials.

For broadcast organisations and other media platforms, the changes mean that previous spokesperson designations are no longer valid, while invitations and requests for official campaign representation will henceforth be coordinated through the restructured Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications.

By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with Federal Government Savings Bonds worth N100 million each following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The reward package, announced on Wednesday at a special reception for the team at the State House, Abuja, also includes ₦100 million in cash for head coach Hakeem Busari and N50 million for each member of the technical crew.

The President was represented at the ceremony by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who presented the rewards on his behalf and congratulated the young champions for bringing honour to Nigeria and making history for African football.

The players’ rewards will be held in five-year Federal Government Savings Bonds, reportedly carrying an annual interest rate of 14 per cent, with the certificates held in trust through designated banks until the beneficiaries attain the stipulated age of 18.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, explained that the decision to invest the money rather than hand it over as immediate cash was deliberate, given the players’ young ages.

He said the arrangement was designed to protect their financial future while ensuring that they benefit from regular returns to support their education, football training and other needs.

According to Dikko, the investment would prevent a sudden influx of money from distracting the teenagers from their careers and personal development, allowing them to make informed financial decisions when they become adults.

The First Lady praised the players for their determination, discipline, humility and resilience, particularly their ability to recover from an opening-match defeat to Poland and go on to win six consecutive matches to lift the trophy.

Nigeria began its campaign with a 2-1 loss to Poland but bounced back impressively, defeating Puerto Rico, defending champions Korea DPR, Mexico and Venezuela before overcoming Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals.

In the final, the Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the decisive goals to secure Nigeria’s maiden title in the competition.

The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s team to capture a FIFA World Cup title at any level.

Mrs Tinubu described the achievement as a landmark for Nigerian sports and a source of inspiration for millions of young girls across the country, urging the players to remain focused, disciplined and committed to greater accomplishments.

She also commended the coaching staff, medical personnel, sports administrators, parents, guardians and supporters whose contributions helped the team achieve the historic feat.

President Tinubu equally acknowledged the efforts of the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, its Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in supporting the development of Nigerian football.

Captain Harmony Chidi attributed the team’s success to faith, hard work and unity, recalling how the players rallied together after their opening defeat to remain determined throughout the competition.

She pledged that the team would continue working hard to achieve more success, describing the World Cup triumph as the beginning of a greater journey rather than the end of their ambitions.

“This is just a starting point. I will not say we have arrived. As young players, this is good and we have to keep working so that we can keep representing the country and winning more trophies,” she said.

Head coach Hakeem Busari also attributed the victory to teamwork, dedication and the support received from the Federal Government.

Beyond the financial rewards, the Flamingos’ historic achievement represents a major breakthrough for Nigerian and African women’s football, offering renewed hope for the development of young female talents and strengthening the country’s presence on the global sporting stage.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Federal Government has declared its readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), assuring the international community of Nigeria’s capacity to deliver a successful event.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday, at a world press conference in Abuja, ahead of the Forum scheduled for November 15–22, with President Bola Tinubu serving as Chief Host.

Idris described the Forum as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity and strengthen its role in global communication discourse.

He thanked the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for selecting Nigeria to host the global and continental gatherings simultaneously. He noted that Nigeria is the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the WPRF.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and particularly His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Chief Host of the historic 2026 World Public Relations Forum, I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association for the confidence reposed in Nigeria,” the Minister said.

Speaking on the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” Idris said the rapid transformation of the information ecosystem through digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies had heightened concerns around misinformation, disinformation and declining public trust. He urged public relations professionals to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest.

“Public relations professionals must recognise that their responsibility goes beyond managing reputations or promoting institutional interests. They have a duty to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest,” he stated.

The Minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, describing it as a strategic intervention to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the skills to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.

He stressed that government communication must go beyond explaining policies to listening to citizens, addressing legitimate concerns and providing credible information that builds public trust.

“For governments, communication must be a two-way process. It must not only explain policies and programmes but also listen to citizens, address legitimate concerns and provide accurate information that enables people to make informed decisions,” he said.

Idris said the Ministry was working with NIPR and relevant institutions to coordinate protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement for the Forum. He welcomed delegates to Nigeria and urged them to explore the country’s cultural heritage, hospitality and economic opportunities.

“The 2026 World Public Relations Forum is an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its capacity, strengthen its international partnerships, and help shape the future of responsible communication. We are ready, our doors are open, our people are welcoming, and the Federal Government stands firmly behind this important undertaking,” the Minister declared.

Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, commended Idris for his support during Nigeria’s bid and preparations for the Forum. He recalled the Minister’s directive to the team to secure the hosting right and praised the contributions of government agencies and Ministry officials.

“You said, ‘Go, don’t come back without result.’ You gave us that marching order, and we made sure that we started it from there,” Neliaku recalled.

The Secretary-General of APRA, Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan, described Nigeria’s hosting of the WPRF alongside the 37th APRA Conference as a historic opportunity for Africa to strengthen its collective voice and influence global communication discourse. He commended the Minister’s leadership and support, noting the importance of the continent’s participation.

“We want to speak with one voice as a continent,” Ibietan said.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, disclosed that more than 126 countries were expected at the Forum, alongside representatives of the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission.

He praised President Tinubu and Minister Idris for their support, describing the Minister’s commitment as crucial to bringing the event to Nigeria.

“Your minister, your minister, because without him, this event would not be happening,” Green declared.