The housing intervention, facilitated through partnership with Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), reflects a shared commitment to providing safe, dignified, and sustainable homes for the families of military personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

This is just  as the renewed effort to support the families of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty has received a major boost with the delivery of the 50 newly completed affordable homes in Oyo State.

It is instructive to note that the remarkable move underscores  growing collaboration between public institutions to address both housing needs and social welfare.

The housing estate, located at Idi-Ape, Akobo, in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, was officially transferred to the families of the fallen heroes during a handover ceremony on July 10, 2026, at the headquarters of the Post-Service Housing Development Limited in Asokoro, Abuja.

The initiative is designed to provide permanent housing for families of military personnel who paid the ultimate price in service to the country, while advancing efforts to improve access to affordable and sustainable housing across Nigeria.

According to the officials of Family Homes Funds, the project reflects a collaborative commitment to ensuring that the families of fallen service personnel have access to safe, decent and dignified accommodation.

The formal transfer of the completed estate was witnessed by representatives of Family Homes Funds Limited, the Post-Service Housing Development Limited of the Nigerian Army, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the project developer and other stakeholders involved in the execution of the scheme.

During the unique ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Abdul-Mutallab Mukhtar, formally handed over the completed housing units to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General Isaiah Allison, who received the estate on behalf of the organisation.

The 50 housing units were built with energy-efficient features aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, reducing energy consumption and lowering the cost of living for beneficiaries while providing comfortable and durable homes.

The project forms part of broader efforts by Family Homes Funds  to expand access to affordable housing through partnerships with government institutions and other stakeholders.

Beyond addressing accommodation needs, the intervention is expected to provide long-term stability for the beneficiaries while recognising the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the service of the nation.

The FHFL said the initiative aligns with its mandate of supporting inclusive housing delivery and contributing to national development through innovative housing solutions capable of strengthening communities and helping to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Family Homes Funds also reaffirmed its commitment to working with strategic partners to develop sustainable housing projects that improve living standards and extend homeownership opportunities to more Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups requiring targeted support.

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The Federal Government has congratulated Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria welcomed President Faye’s emergence as chairman of the regional bloc and commended ECOWAS for conducting what it described as a smooth leadership transition.

The ministry said the seamless process reflected ECOWAS’ continued commitment to democratic principles, regional unity and collective development among member states.

According to the statement, President Faye assumes the leadership of the regional organisation at a critical period as West Africa continues to address common challenges while pursuing greater regional integration, peace, security and economic prosperity.

The Federal Government reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment, as a founding member of ECOWAS, to supporting President Faye’s leadership in advancing the bloc’s objectives and strengthening regional cooperation.

Nigeria expressed confidence that under President Faye’s leadership, ECOWAS would continue to promote unity, stability and sustainable development across the West African sub region.

The government also pledged to work closely with Senegal and other ECOWAS member states to strengthen the institution, deepen intra regional trade, promote good governance and enhance peace and security across the region.

In addition, Nigeria congratulated Senegal on the appointment of General Birame Diop as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission and reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the commission’s new leadership in advancing the goals of regional integration and development.

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The ancient city of Ile-Ife, revered as the cradle of the Yoruba race, has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, the respected elder brother of His Imperial Majesty, Ọọ̀ni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, CFR, the 51st Ooni of Ife.

The news of Prince Adetunji’s transition has elicited an outpouring of grief from traditional institutions, political leaders, cultural organisations, friends, and admirers across Nigeria and beyond, as tributes continue to celebrate a prince remembered for his dignity, humility, and unwavering commitment to the illustrious House of Oduduwa.

Born into the renowned Giesi Ruling House of the Ogunwusi Royal Family, Prince Adetunji belonged to one of the foremost royal lineages in Yoruba history. Long before his younger brother ascended the revered throne in 2015, Prince Adetunji had established himself as a respected member of the royal household whose devotion to the heritage and traditions of Ile-Ife was never in doubt. He was among the princes who exercised their legitimate right to contest the Ooni’s stool during the succession process that eventually produced Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, a development that reflected the openness of the royal selection tradition rather than division within the family.

Following the historic emergence of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi as the Ooni of Ife, Prince Adetunji remained a loyal pillar of support to the throne and the royal family, embracing the collective responsibility of preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of the ancient kingdom. Those who knew him describe him as a calm, gracious, and deeply cultured prince who carried the values of royalty with quiet elegance.

His passing represents not only a profound personal loss to the Ooni but also a painful moment for the Ogunwusi Royal Family, whose contributions to the growth and prestige of the ancient kingdom have remained significant for generations. It is also a moment of sorrow for the people of Ile-Ife, where the bonds of family, royalty, and community remain inseparable.

As messages of condolence continue to pour in, sympathisers have prayed for divine strength for His Imperial Majesty during this difficult period. Many have noted that while kings are symbols of courage and resilience, they too experience the pain of losing cherished family members.

In a condolence message, mourners expressed their heartfelt sympathy to the Ooni, the Ogunwusi Royal Family, the House of Oduduwa, and the entire people of Ile-Ife, praying that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Though Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi has departed this earthly realm, his memory will endure in the hearts of those who knew him and in the history of a royal family whose legacy continues to shape the cultural identity of the Yoruba people. His life stands as a reminder that beyond the splendour of royalty are men and women whose greatest inheritance is service, family, and honour.

As Ile-Ife mourns one of its distinguished princes, prayers rise that the Almighty grants Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi eternal rest, comforts the bereaved family, and strengthens His Imperial Majesty, Ọọ̀ni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, as he leads his people through this season of grief.

May the gentle soul of Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi rest in perfect peace.

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By Jimmy Fatunbi

Members of the University of Lagos Department of English Alumni (UDEA) have encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, adaptability and continuous self-development, stressing that an English degree should serve as a springboard to diverse professional opportunities rather than a limitation.

The charge was delivered during the maiden reunion of the association held at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos, where the Group Executive of The Alternative Bank, Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, presented the reunion lecture titled, “Unlocking Global Opportunities with English Studies: The Akoka Legacy.”

Drawing from his transition from English studies to executive leadership in the banking sector, Ozoemene urged graduates to remain open to learning and personal reinvention.

“Your starting point does not determine your destination. What determines your destination is your willingness to learn, adapt and invest in yourself as a student. Learn new things, understand new markets and build new networks. Every career shift should be a deliberate choice rather than a departure from your academic foundation,” he said.

Speaking on the place of English graduates in an increasingly AI-driven world, Ozoemene noted that while artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, the future would still depend on human strengths such as contextual decision-making, critical interpretation and complex social interaction.

He also advised members of the university community to uphold integrity, exercise patience, invest in personal development and regularly evaluate their progress.

Veteran actress Joke Silva, in her remarks, expressed concern that technological advancement was outpacing investment in human development. She urged English graduates not to regard teaching as a second-choice profession but as a noble and impactful career.

“If you get the opportunity to teach, embrace it with confidence,” she said, adding that Nigeria needed to place greater emphasis on developing the next generation of teachers.

Also speaking, Professor of Digital Linguistics and Discourse, Tunde Ope-Davies, reflected on his academic journey, recalling how a scholarship to Germany influenced his research trajectory and professional growth.

He attributed his success to values such as grit, discipline, faith and perseverance, noting that he made considerable personal sacrifices, including committing personal resources, to support the establishment of an academic programme in which he played a pioneering role.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented at the event, urged members of the university community to continue prioritising the safety, welfare and overall wellbeing of students.

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, has disclosed that the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed a complex, intelligence-driven operation that lasted more than 56 days and involved multiple security agencies.

Speaking during the formal handover of the rescued victims to the Oyo State Government, Major General Nnebeife said troops launched an immediate rescue mission after the abduction on May 15, 2026.

According to him, soldiers were mobilised from nearby formations immediately the incident was reported. However, by the time they arrived, the abductors had already retreated deep into the forest.

The Army commander explained that the initial search operation faced significant challenges due to the dense forest terrain, which limited the effectiveness of aerial surveillance despite the deployment of drones and support from the Nigerian Air Force.

He noted that security operatives eventually intensified ground operations with the support of local hunters and vigilantes to track the kidnappers.

Major General Nnebeife revealed that the operation came at a heavy cost, with one officer and one soldier losing their lives, while several others sustained injuries, including a soldier who suffered a severe gunshot wound that resulted in a broken arm.

He said the rescue mission later evolved into a coordinated national security operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters Special Forces, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Operation Safe Haven, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The GOC stressed that security agencies refused to negotiate with the kidnappers, opting instead to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

According to him, the operation focused on identifying the leaders of the group, disrupting their logistics network and arresting members of the syndicate and their collaborators across different parts of the country.

He disclosed that blocking the group’s major supply route eventually compelled the kidnappers to release the victims unconditionally.

Despite the successful rescue, Major General Nnebeife maintained that the military’s operation against the criminal network would continue until those responsible are completely dismantled.

He confirmed that the victims were rescued on July 10 but disclosed that two teachers died while in captivity.

Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, the Army commander said the victims were rescued on the same day the slain officer was buried, describing the sacrifice of the deceased soldiers as one that would never be forgotten.

Major General Nnebeife also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction, resources and receiving regular operational briefings throughout the rescue mission.

He praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his consistent support, dismissing reports suggesting the governor was indifferent to the rescue efforts. According to him, Makinde remained actively engaged by regularly seeking updates on the operation.

The GOC further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the National Intelligence Agency, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, medical personnel and local security volunteers.

He disclosed that intelligence obtained from suspects arrested by the police significantly contributed to the success of the operation, with some suspects reportedly airlifted into the forest to identify terrorist camps.

Major General Nnebeife also appreciated the media and Nigerians for keeping public attention on the abduction, saying the sustained pressure helped maintain momentum throughout the rescue operation.

He urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, while warning that investigations had uncovered the involvement of some collaborators among local vigilantes and hunters. He stressed that lasting security can only be achieved through effective collaboration between security agencies and the public.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that Nigeria and Brazil have moved beyond diplomatic engagements to the implementation phase of their bilateral agro-trade partnership, opening the door for increased agricultural trade and investment between both countries.

Shettima made the announcement during a high-level Nigeria-Brazil Agro-Trade Market Access Milestone meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with a Brazilian delegation led by the country’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André Carlos Alves de Paula Filho.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said the Nigeria-Brazil Agro-Trade Initiative had progressed from policy discussions to concrete implementation.

He noted that both countries had deliberately moved “from dialogue to delivery, from agreements to implementation, and from shared ambition to measurable outcomes,” adding that the development reflects the evolution of a sustainable bilateral partnership.

Shettima, who co-chairs the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) alongside Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, said the true value of international cooperation lies in delivering practical benefits to citizens.

He explained that the latest milestone builds on agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil and has laid the foundation for expanded trade, investment and technical cooperation in agriculture and livestock development.

According to the Vice President, the Joint Agriculture and Livestock Technical Working Group established under the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism is now fully operational, with specialised teams focusing on dairy and livestock genetics, soybean productivity, agricultural policy and agro-climatic risk zoning.

Recalling discussions between President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Shettima said both leaders had recognised that agricultural trade between Nigeria and Brazil remained below its full potential and directed officials to identify opportunities to deepen collaboration.

He said the newly announced market access milestones are the result of months of coordinated efforts involving government ministries, regulatory agencies, technical experts and private sector stakeholders in both countries.

Shettima also commended the Brazilian government for strengthening its institutional presence in Nigeria through the appointment of an Agricultural Attaché and the increased participation of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), noting that both initiatives have accelerated technical cooperation.

He urged farmers, cooperatives, processors and exporters to take advantage of the emerging opportunities by meeting international standards, adding value to agricultural products locally and expanding Nigeria’s export capacity.

Speaking at the meeting, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André Carlos Alves de Paula Filho, said the two countries were making steady progress under the Nigeria-Brazil Accelerated Agricultural Trade Initiative established following agreements between Presidents Tinubu and Lula.

He disclosed that Brazil has agreed to grant market access for Nigerian exports of hibiscus, sesame and shea butter, revealing that Brazilian authorities are finalising the phytosanitary certification required to facilitate the exports.

The minister added that Brazil would also assist in linking Nigerian exporters with prospective Brazilian buyers to create commercial opportunities for the products.

Also speaking, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi welcomed the partnership, noting that the state contributes about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s non-oil exports and pledged support for the successful implementation of the initiative.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described Brazil as a global leader in agricultural transformation and expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would boost Nigeria’s agricultural exports while strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

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Nigeria’s High Commissioner-Designate to Malaysia, Ambassador Ahmed Olatunji Sulu Gambari, has officially commenced his diplomatic assignment in Kuala Lumpur after presenting copies of his Letters of Credence to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The development was announced by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement shared on its official X account on Monday.

According to the ministry, Ambassador Gambari presented the copies of his Letters of Credence, known as copie d’usage, to the Chief of Protocol at Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ikram bin Mohammad Ibrahim.

The ministry described the presentation as a significant diplomatic milestone ahead of the formal presentation of his Letters of Credence to His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

It noted that the ceremony marks an important step in the diplomatic accreditation process, enabling the envoy to formally assume his responsibilities as Nigeria’s representative in Malaysia.

Ambassador Gambari arrived in Kuala Lumpur on July 11, 2026, and officially assumed duty on Monday, July 13.

His appointment is expected to further strengthen diplomatic relations and deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Malaysia across areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education and bilateral engagement.

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, bail in the sum of N20 million after he pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and conferring corrupt advantage on himself while serving as a minister.

Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Following the defendant’s plea, counsel for the prosecution informed the court that three witnesses were present and ready to testify, indicating the commission’s readiness to commence trial.

However, defence counsel, James Onoja (SAN), urged the court to hear a pending bail application, stating that the defence required additional time to prepare for trial. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.

The court ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must have lived there for at least four years. The surety is also required to file an affidavit of lease for the property presented to the court.

Additionally, the surety must be a federal civil servant on Grade Level 15, provide evidence of salary payments for the last three months, and submit a letter of employment, a letter from the head of department, and a recent passport photograph.

Justice Abdulmalik further directed the former minister to surrender his travel documents to the court as part of the bail conditions.

The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to apply the same level of urgency and operational commitment that secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State to victims still being held captive in Borno and Kwara states.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party commended security agencies for rescuing the Oriire Local Government Area schoolchildren, teachers and other victims after 56 days in captivity. It also congratulated the victims and their families on their release.

The party, however, stressed that many Nigerians abducted in other parts of the country have remained in captivity for months without receiving similar attention.

According to the ADC, pupils abducted in Borno State in May are still in captivity, while more than 100 people kidnapped in Kaiama, Kwara State, have yet to regain their freedom. The party argued that their plight deserves the same urgency, determination and national attention that led to the successful rescue operation in Oyo State.

While acknowledging the importance of rescue missions, the ADC maintained that such operations should not become the primary benchmark for measuring the government’s performance on security.

The party stated that every successful rescue is worth celebrating, but emphasised that the government’s foremost responsibility is to prevent kidnappings from occurring in the first place. It added that the true measure of success lies in creating an environment where children can attend school safely, travellers can use highways without fear, and citizens can go about their daily activities free from the threat of abduction.

The ADC further expressed concern that kidnapping has become a recurring feature of daily life in the country, warning that persistent insecurity continues to undermine public confidence and economic development.

It urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum that led to the rescue of the Oriire victims by deploying the same intelligence, resolve and operational capacity to secure the release of all Nigerians still in captivity.

The party also called for a comprehensive security strategy focused on improving intelligence gathering, strengthening collaboration among security agencies, addressing the root causes of insecurity and restoring effective government presence in vulnerable communities.

According to the ADC, while the rescue of the Oyo victims deserves national celebration, efforts to tackle insecurity will remain incomplete until every abducted Nigerian is safely reunited with their families.

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The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed claims by the Presidency that he remained silent following the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the allegation as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

In a statement issued on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said the Presidency either failed to verify publicly available information or deliberately ignored his earlier statement acknowledging the rescue.

According to Atiku, it was surprising that the Presidency accused him of remaining silent despite the existence of a public statement in which he welcomed the release of the victims and commended the security agencies involved in the operation.

He maintained that he had congratulated the military and other security personnel for their courage, professionalism and commitment in securing the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The former Vice President, however, said he deliberately refrained from praising President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the President should have personally addressed Nigerians after the successful operation instead of focusing on partisan political activities.

The reaction followed remarks by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused Atiku of failing to acknowledge the rescue nearly 18 hours after the victims regained their freedom. Onanuga had also criticised the former Vice President for previously condemning the Federal Government over the abduction while commending Labour Party leader Peter Obi for reacting to the development.

Atiku insisted that his earlier statement, titled “A Nation at War Needs a Commander-in-Chief, Not a Campaigner-in-Chief,” clearly welcomed the rescue operation and praised the security agencies, adding that documentary evidence disproved the Presidency’s allegations.

He further argued that while the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren brought relief to Nigerians, many other victims remained in captivity across the country, including abducted children in Borno State.

According to him, the Federal Government should focus on rescuing all Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and terrorists rather than engaging in political disputes over opposition statements.

Atiku also urged the Presidency to devote greater attention to addressing the country’s security challenges instead of what he described as attempts to manufacture controversies around opposition comments.

In his earlier statement, the former Vice President had argued that Nigeria required “a Commander-in-Chief, not a Campaigner-in-Chief,” maintaining that national security should take precedence over political activities.

He had also called on the Federal Government to sustain military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until every abducted Nigerian regains freedom.

The rescued victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They were rescued on Friday after spending 57 days in captivity in an operation the Presidency said was carried out without negotiating with the abductors.

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