NEWS
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Child Protection On Children’s Day

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the protection, development, and empowerment of every Nigerian child.In his address to the nation, President Tinubu described Nigerian children as “the pride and future of our great nation,” emphasizing their role as the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.
The president who made these remarks at the 2025 national children’s day highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation. ”The president, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud stated that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in Nigeria.Tinubu announced the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030):He said this comprehensive roadmap was aimed at preventing abuse, prosecuting perpetrators, and supporting victims. The plan is backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.President Tinubu said; “government is conducting a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand protections, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.”The Cybercrime Act is also being leveraged to combat cyberbullying and online exploitation.”The Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) is being scaled up for real-time tracking and response to cases.” The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is strengthening community-based mechanisms and leading nationwide awareness campaigns.”On Education and Inclusion, the president said a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools has been introduced, with guidelines for school administrators. Social-emotional learning and child safeguarding embedded in teacher training.The president further stressed that the government is expanding access to primary healthcare, upscaling Mother and Child Hospitals, and implementing the Nutrition 774 programme and School Feeding Scheme to ensure no child goes hungry and every child receives the nutrition needed to thrive.The President assured children that their voices and dreams matter while urging them to speak up if they were bullied or harmed, promising that they would be heard and protected.The President commended states that have taken bold steps for children’s welfare and urged others to follow suit.FCT Women Affairs Mandate Secretary Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi calls for Bullying-Free Schools and Full Implementation of Child Rights ActBenjamins-Laniyi, in her address, commended parents, caregivers, and educators for their vital role in nurturing children and emphasized the importance of children as the nation’s future.The Secretary expressed concern over persistent bullying in schools and urged students to speak out against such acts while encouraging school management to foster safe, inclusive environments and innovative curricula.”The Women Affairs Secretariat has also championed interventions such as advocacy against Gender-Based violence and improved guidelines for orphanage homes,” she affirmed.Benjamins-Laniyi reminded the gathering of Nigeria’s adoption of the Child Rights Act in 2003 and called for its full domestication and implementation by all states to ensure every Nigerian child enjoys their fundamental rights.The high point of the event was the presentation of trophies to deserving schools that participated in a march pass to commemorate the 2025 national children’s day celebration.NEWS
Tinubu Honors Buhari, Renames University of Maiduguri after Late President

By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University.
“May we now adopt the University of Maduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,” Tinubu said at the close of a special session of the Federal Executive Council held to honour Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
The President paid a glowing tribute to Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man” whose legacy of discipline, patriotism and moral uprightness would endure for generations.
Tinubu said although the late president was not without flaws, his unwavering commitment to national service set him apart.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man, no leader is, but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.
“His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten.
“His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God,” he said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s time in office and his long military and civil service, Tinubu praised the late leader’s simplicity, humility, and stoic resistance to the trappings of power.
He said, “He stood, always, ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular.
“His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism lived more in action than in words.”
Tinubu also recounted their political alliance, which culminated in the historic 2015 elections that marked Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint,” he said.
The President expressed admiration for Buhari’s post-office modesty, noting that he returned to his hometown, Daura, without seeking to wield influence behind the scenes.
“When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward.
“Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns,” he added.
Tinubu thanked the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting state funeral within 48 hours, describing it as a “profound honour” to lead the burial procession in Daura.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer: “Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President, your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
NEWS
C’River First Female NUJ Chairman Describes Tenure as Trial Period

The first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River, Archibong Bassey has said that her first tenure in office was a trial period.
Bassey, who was returned unopposed in council’s election, made the assertion in an interview on Thursday in Calabar.
The Bassey- led executive was first elected on 9th May 2025, to complete the tenure of Nsa Gill, who was then appointed as Chief Press Secretary to Gov.
Bassey Otu.The chairman, who thanked the members for keeping faith in her and her team, said that she would improve on her achievements while correcting any mistakes she might have made in her first tenure.
She pleaded that any member who she must have offended in the course of her leadership should forgive her as she was not perfect and called for unity among members.
“Let’s leave any form of rancour behind, I need all your support;push me from the back, support me as you can.
‘’Tell me your ideas of moving the council forward and not what someone told you about me; I am asking God for the spirit of humility and love, to enable me lead the council well.’’
Earlier in his goodwill message, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, had commended the union’s unity in electing its new executives.
According to Ekpang, they will continue as a government to give the Cross River Council of NUJ what it needs and all the necessary support to enable it carry out its functions objectively.
“I want to thank you for your unity, it’s better to come unopposed, I believe one day, the Cross River Council will emerge as the best in the nation,” he said.
Other executive members who were returned unopposed are Mr Sunday Inah of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) as Vice Chairman, Michael Abang of Business Day as Secretary.
Others are Kingsley Agim of the Cross River Ministry of Information as Assistant Secretary, Mrs Achiane Adams of the Ministry of Information, Treasurer, and Benedine Tete Anam of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Auditor.
NEWS
Gov Makinde Confered With Prestigious Chieftaincy Title of Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land by Akure Kingdom

The Akure Kingdom will today bestow a prestigious chieftaincy title, Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land, meaning President of the Respectable People, upon His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The conferment ceremony, which will take place in Akure, Ondo State, marks a significant recognition of Governor Makinde’s exemplary leadership, integrity, and contributions to the advancement of Yoruba culture and national development.
The title, one of the highest honors in the Akure Kingdom, celebrates individuals who embody the virtues of respect, dignity, and service to humanity.
Governor Makinde’s conferment reflects his outstanding commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and fostering unity across Nigeria.
The ceremony will be attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and government officials, underscoring the significance of this historic event.
This honor further strengthens the bond between Oyo and Ondo States, fostering mutual respect and cooperation for the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.