NEWS
Zulum Felicitates Muslims, Pledges Greater Sacrifices for Lasting Peace

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to intensifying efforts for lasting peace and security in the state.In his Eid-el-Adha message to Muslim faithful, the governor pledged to make greater sacrifices in support of military operations and humanitarian interventions aimed at stabilising resettled communities affected by insurgency.
Zulum, in a statement issued by Mr Dauda Iliya, his spokesperson, congratulated the Muslims in Borno and the country at large describied the occasion as a period of deep reflection, sacrifice, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah. “I extend my warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, a festival of sacrifice.“Let us embody the virtues of patience, charity, and obedience to Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).“We must also keep our brave troops and volunteer forces in our prayers, as their sacrifices enable us to live in peace,” Zulum said.He called on citizens to use the occasion to pray for the safety and success of Nigerian troops, the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hunters who continue to play vital roles in counter-insurgency efforts across the North-East.The governor cited his recent visits to conflict-affected communities of Marte, Rann, Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa, Kukawa, and Monguno as part of efforts to boost morale, assess resettlement needs, and coordinate security reinforcements.“My recent visit to these areas is reassuring. We will continue to build resilience among our people.“This is the only way to defeat insurgency. On my part, I will continue to make extra sacrifices and invest hugely in the security sector to achieve sustainable peace,” the governor said.He reiterated his government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security stakeholders to consolidate gains made in the restoration of civil authority in liberated areas.The governor also extended his well wishes to pilgrims from Borno currently performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and urged them to pray for peace and progress in Borno, the NorNorth-east and Nigeria as a whole.“Prayer is the key to our success. A few weeks ago, I called for a special day of prayer and fasting, which received overwhelming support.“This demonstrates our collective resolve to end this conflict,” Zulum said.The governor reaffirmed that his administration would not relent until total peace is restored across every part of the state. (NAN)Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)