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Nigeria at 65: ‘Focus on bright future’ – Speaker Abbas tells Nigerians

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Nigerians to focus on the bright future as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary. In a statement by his media aide, Leke Baiyewu, the Speaker said Nigeria has come a long way through a chequered history, while the years ahead promise greater unity and
Nigeria at 65: ‘Focus on bright future’ – Speaker Abbas tells Nigerians

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Nigerians to focus on the bright future as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement by his media aide, Leke Baiyewu, the Speaker said Nigeria has come a long way through a chequered history, while the years ahead promise greater unity and prosperity for all.

While noting that God has indeed blessed the country with immeasurable human and natural resources, the Speaker called for collective efforts by all stakeholders towards building a nation regardless of religious, ethnic and political differences.

According to him, Nigeria remains on the right path with the ongoing implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Abbas expressed optimism that the country remains the Giant of Africa and is bound to reclaim its position as the biggest economy on the continent.

He equally charged Nigerians to remain undaunted by the security and socio-economic challenges, calling for more prayers and patriotism as they remain law-abiding.

The Speaker assured Nigerians of the 10th House’s commitment to providing accountable leadership, good governance and dividends of democracy to the people especially at the grassroots.

Nigeria at 65: ‘Focus on bright future’ – Speaker Abbas tells Nigerians

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Tinubu appoints new heads of three agencies

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three new Heads of Agencies. Bello Bawa Bwari (Niger State) has been appointed as the new Director-General in the National Biosafety Management Agency for an initial term of four years, effective from September 18, 2025. Tinubu also appointed Hon. Barr. Aminu Junaidu (Zamfara State) as Chairman/ Chief
Tinubu appoints new heads of three agencies

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three new Heads of Agencies.

Bello Bawa Bwari (Niger State) has been appointed as the new Director-General in the National Biosafety Management Agency for an initial term of four years, effective from September 18, 2025.

Tinubu also appointed Hon. Barr. Aminu Junaidu (Zamfara State) as Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Investment and Security Tribunal for a five-year term, effective September 18, 2025.

Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan has been appointed as Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation for an initial four-year term, effective September 2, 2025.

With these appointments, President Tinubu is seeking to strengthen key sectors and institutions in Nigeria.

Tinubu has tasked the appointees to contribute their expertise in the development of the agencies for the good of the nation.

Tinubu appoints new heads of three agencies

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Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives

Security operatives in Nigeria have come under several attacks by criminal elements in the past few weeks, leading to the killing of scores of them. DAILY POST reports within September alone, over 50 security operatives were killed in different attacks across the country. While officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, vigilantes,
Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives

Security operatives in Nigeria have come under several attacks by criminal elements in the past few weeks, leading to the killing of scores of them.

DAILY POST reports within September alone, over 50 security operatives were killed in different attacks across the country.

While officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, vigilantes, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF and state community watch groups are affected, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army are the worst hit.

Most of the killings in several states are even underreported.

The recent incidents in Benue, Kogi, Edo and Zamfara State are more worrisome.

On Friday, September 19, armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and local militias attacked security operatives at the Agu Center, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and murdered at least 11 security operatives.

The daredevil bandits had targeted a joint security team comprising police officers and operatives of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, locally known as Anyam Nyor, during a clearance operation near the state border.

DAILY POST gathered from security sources that the bloodthirsty bandits allegedly worked with an informant within the security team, leading to the deadly ambush.

The latest attack brought the total number of security personnel killed in the state within the last 12 months to over 80.

Recall that prior to the Agu attack, Governor Hyacinth Alia had on September 5 confirmed that no fewer than 76 security personnel lost their lives in the state while discharging their duties “in the last year”.

Barely three days after the Benue incident, gunmen struck in Yagba East and Lokoja local government areas of Kogi State, killing a total of five police officers in separate attacks.

Two weeks before the attack, about three officers were gunned down on September 10, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, also in Egbe, a town sharing a boundary with Kwara State.

The same day some terrorists ambushed soldiers while on patrol in Gusau, Zamfara State and killed at least five personnel.

In another tragic incident that occurred on September 18, at least two soldiers were killed after terrorists raided military barracks at Banki in Bama Local Government Area of Borni State.

Recall also that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on September 5, killed eight personnel of the NSCDC attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Another personnel of the corps was also killed on September 15, when bandits ambushed operatives of the NSCDC along the Yantumaki–Danmusa Road at Dafa village, Katsina State.

Last year, it was reported that about 229 personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were murdered by the trouble makers between January 2023 and October 2024.

The ugly trend has raised concerns not just among the security agencies but also stakeholders, who are eager to see the end of the wanton killings going on across the country.

In a chat with DAILY POST, a security expert, Mr Abayomi Oyelade urged the security agencies to “start the fight from within”, stating that the evildoers may have infiltrated the agencies.

According to Abayomi, “you can’t be fighting your enemies and succeed when the people around you are collaborating with those you are fighting.

“There have been reports where operatives plan to attack either bandits or terrorists in their hideouts but before you know what is happening, the bad eggs among them leaked the information to the bad boys. This is the major issue and the reason this security crisis may persist.

“People are too greedy. How do you sell your colleague to your common enemy and you are enjoying the money even with the guilty conscience?

“The military and the police have been infiltrated since and they know this fact.

“You hear some ex-military men accusing even commanders of collaborating with the bandits all because of money. We are our own problem. Why will the insecurity end when many people are benefiting? But that’s blood money.

“We have been saying this. When you identify their hideouts, work with the telecommunication industry, make sure there is no cell phone service in that area until after the operation. It is a simple thing but are you ready?

“Let’s take for instance, through credible intelligence, you have established that there are bandits around the monkey village in Ushafa, inform Glo, MTN and other telecom companies about the planned operation.

“They know how to switch off the network from the area until the operations are carried out. Once you cripple their ability to communicate, you have defeated them.”

Similarly, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, said that “while both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are employed to combat banditry and terrorism, community leaders, politicians and the locals should identify and check internal saboteurs and those who are collaborating with criminals.”

He called on the Federal Government to ensure that modern technology equipment was procured and appropriately deployed to end the security crisis.

Ajayi identified some of the needed equipment as drones, close circuit cameras, among others.

He added that security personnel should also be motivated and encouraged.

Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives

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INTERVIEW: Nigeria at 65: ‘It keeps getting worse’ – Economist, Simon

Dr. Samson Simon, chief economist, ARKK Economics & Data Limited, has said that Nigeria does not seem to have gotten it right from the word go. In this interview with DAILY POST, he speaks about the 65 years independence anniversary, economic hardship in the country, political corruption, judiciary, among other issues. At 65, many Nigerians
INTERVIEW: Nigeria at 65: ‘It keeps getting worse’ – Economist, Simon

Dr. Samson Simon, chief economist, ARKK Economics & Data Limited, has said that Nigeria does not seem to have gotten it right from the word go. In this interview with DAILY POST, he speaks about the 65 years independence anniversary, economic hardship in the country, political corruption, judiciary, among other issues.

At 65, many Nigerians are struggling under rising food prices, fuel costs, and unemployment. In your opinion, has independence delivered economic freedom to ordinary citizens?

Independence for Nigeria has largely not availed much for ordinary Nigerians. Most especially when compared to other economies we were at the same level in 1960. Nations like South Korea and Malaysia have done much more for themselves and improved the lot of their citizens.

However, for Nigerians the larger chunk of the population still struggles with making ends meet, They cannot afford food, and the recent rises in fuel price have priced them out and unemployment seems unabated. So, it can be said that independence has not delivered economic freedom to ordinary Nigerians. It is the elite who have replaced the colonial masters that have seen their situation get better.

How would you describe the impact of current economic realities on the average Nigerian family?

The current economic realities have impacted the average Nigerian family badly as hyperinflation has led to a cost of living crisis hence making families struggle to keep body and soul together. Purchasing power being eroded and consequently making families hard up. And really badly so.

Do you believe successive governments have betrayed the hopes and aspirations of Nigeria’s founding leaders?

Nigeria does not seem to have gotten it right from the word go. It is just sad that it keeps getting worse. While the founding leaders might have done their bit, however, that did not move the needle for majority of Nigerians. Even the hopes and aspirations of the founding fathers are not any different from the ones trumpeted by the current crop of leaders. In spite of this, if subsequent leaders had built on the legacies of the founding leaders and even improved on them, we might have been reaping the benefits by now. Sadly, the overwhelming majority are still stewing in regression as of now.

What role has corruption and bad governance played in worsening today’s harsh economic conditions?

Corruption and bad governance have played a huge role in making Nigeria to fail woefully at reaching its full potential. And the current malaise being suffered might have been the direct result of these twin evils. Public funds are being diverted, contracts inflated, incompetence and ineffective government policies are being pushed hence yielding next to nothing for the everyday Nigerians.

Some argue that Nigeria’s judiciary is no longer the last hope of the common man. How do you assess the performance of the judiciary in protecting citizens’ rights?

The Nigerian Judiciary might have had better days, but at the moment, the sentiments, as well as the fundamentals seem set against it. It is considered not independent, corrupt and not able to dispense justice without fear or favour. This calls for reforms that would make it at par with the best judicial systems anywhere in the world. This does not mean that it is completely gone as we still see pockets of successes with freeing of government critics and ruling against the government.

Many election disputes are decided in court rather than at the ballot box. Do you think the judiciary has strengthened or weakened Nigeria’s democracy?

The judiciary should not determine who wins or loses an election as it is becoming the norm in recent times. It should ask for disputing parties to go back to the polls and let the people be the only ones determining who should be the winner or not of an election. By the judiciary arrogating to itself the powers to pick winners and losers in elections, it has undermined democracy.

Looking back 65 years, do you think Nigeria’s leaders have managed the country’s resources responsibly?

Nigeria’s resources have not been managed well by any stretch of the imagination. There are a myriad of cases to prove the inefficiencies, incompetencies and inability of those in charge to deliver a modicum of decent living for the lowliest of Nigerians. And a country can only be considered to do well when it takes care of its weakest and most vulnerable. Nigeria has not done so well in that regard.

What urgent reforms do you think are needed in governance and the judiciary to put Nigeria on the right path before its 70th independence anniversary?

There is a need for reforms in all facets of Nigerian life, among which should be the overhaul of the fight against corruption with the strengthening of the EFCC, ICPC, Auditor General’s Office, etc, by making them independent and supplying them with all the resources to deliver.

And more importantly, build structures to prevent acts of corruption and make Nigeria the most transparent society with drastic reduction if not complete elimination of corruption in daily activities through automation and other technologies.

Secondly, make Nigeria the easiest place to do business to boost investments, most especially FDIs in order to grow the Nigerian economy and make Nigerians thrive in their homeland.

Thirdly, LGA reforms guaranteeing hundred per cent autonomy for them and making the leadership accountable and corruption-proof.

Fourthly, creating a merit-based society while being inclusive as well, among others.

Despite the challenges, do you still see hope for Nigeria’s future?

Of course there is hope. But more of what we have as evidence does not guide this hope. It is rather hoping against all hope as the situation does not present one with any empirical basis to hope. Furthermore, sectors like Nigerian music, movies and IT might be the bright spots.

INTERVIEW: Nigeria at 65: ‘It keeps getting worse’ – Economist, Simon

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DSS never withdrew arms from vigilantes before deadly Kwara attack – Govt

Kwara State Government, on Tuesday denounced the rumour in circulation alleging that weapons were withdrawn from vigilantes and forest guards for servicing hours before the armed bandits struck on Sunday at Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. At least 12 people were massacred and scores abducted in the bloody attack by bandits on
DSS never withdrew arms from vigilantes before deadly Kwara attack – Govt

Kwara State Government, on Tuesday denounced the rumour in circulation alleging that weapons were withdrawn from vigilantes and forest guards for servicing hours before the armed bandits struck on Sunday at Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

At least 12 people were massacred and scores abducted in the bloody attack by bandits on the community.

Reacting to the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin on Tuesday, said “there is no truth in the claim that the Department of State Service, DSS, withdrew weapons from the forest guards at any time” prior to the deadly attack on the community.

He said the leadership of the forest guards had disputed the claim, while the DSS had expressed strong reservations about the demoralizing, albeit false claim made in the viral video, reportedly by a woman.

“We pray to God to console the bereaved woman and every other one, but her claim is not true,” he added.

The governor’s spokesman assured that “we will get out this stronger and safer, let us remain united, calm, and refuse to be daggers drawn with ourselves, that will be a road to the Golgotha.”

Ajakaye also dwelt on the official statement by the Nigerian Air Force on the Monday night assault on bandits’ hideouts on Kwara-Kogi border which eliminated a sizeable number of the criminals.

He dismissed insinuating members of the public who doubted the authenticity of the statement, and confirmed that it was issued by the Air Force on its official Whatsapp platform at about 1:54p.m on Monday about its operation in the troubled area.

Ajakaye confirmed that the statement was issued by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

“What does the government gain to say there was an operation if there was none?” He queried.

DSS never withdrew arms from vigilantes before deadly Kwara attack – Govt