News
BREAKING: Retired General Christopher Musa Sworn In as Nigeria’s New Defence Minister Amid Surging Security Crisis
In a pivotal move to bolster the nation’s faltering security apparatus, Retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa was officially sworn in today as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, capping a whirlwind nomination process that underscores President Bola Tinubu’s aggressive push to combat rampant terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marked the culmination of Musa’s rapid ascent following his nomination by Tinubu on December 2 and a grueling five-hour Senate confirmation hearing the previous day.
Clad in a traditional brown kaftan and hula cap, the 58-year-old former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) – who retired from active military service in October 2025 – took the oath of office in the presence of family, top government officials, and fellow security chiefs, vowing to “go after” insurgents “fully” without retreat.
Musa’s appointment comes at a dire moment for Nigeria, where insecurity has reached alarming heights. A National Bureau of Statistics report revealed that Nigerians shelled out a staggering N2.23 trillion ($1.3 billion) in ransom payments between May 2023 and April 2024 alone, fueling a cycle of mass abductions – including recent school kidnappings in Kebbi State that drew fierce public backlash over alleged military withdrawals.
During his Senate grilling, Musa addressed these failures head-on, promising an immediate probe into the Kebbi incident and declaring, “The military is not known for cowardice.”
He emphasized leveraging technology for tracking ransom flows and building a national database to monitor citizens electronically, while urging an end to payments that embolden criminals.Born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto State, Musa brings a storied 34-year military career to the role.
A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree, he rose through the ranks as Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion, Theatre Commander for Operation Hadin Kai against Boko Haram, and CDS from June 2023 until his retirement.
His accolades include the 2012 Colin Powell Award for Soldiering Excellence, and he holds advanced degrees in military science from institutions in China and the U.S.
In his post-swearing-in remarks, Musa outlined a multi-pronged strategy: fostering inter-agency collaboration, empowering communities to share intelligence, reinforcing the Safe Schools Initiative, and overhauling outdated security laws.
He warned that terrorists view Nigeria as a “lucrative target” due to its perceived wealth, calling for zero tolerance and robust border controls to thwart foreign infiltration.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the confirmation, congratulated Musa and implored him to wield his office decisively in the war on crime.
Analysts see Musa’s insider knowledge as a game-changer, potentially ushering in a “new era” for Nigeria’s defence amid criticisms of fragmented responses to threats.
As Musa assumes command, all eyes are on whether his tenure will finally stem the tide of violence that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
The defence portfolio now rests on a general who has stared down defeat before – and vows to do so again.
News
Ogun Govt Warns Public Against Fraudulent ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Scam
The Ogun State Government has issued a strong alert to residents over a circulating fraudulent social media message falsely claiming that Governor Dapo Abiodun is offering a ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Cash Transfer through an online registration link.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government described the message as “entirely false and fraudulent,” labelling it the handiwork of unscrupulous individuals attempting to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by exploiting the Governor’s name and image.
The government emphasised that no ₦20,000 cash transfer programme is currently being offered by the state. It clarified that the online link being circulated has no connection whatsoever with the Ogun State Government or the Office of the Governor.
Residents have been strongly advised to refrain from clicking the suspicious link, providing any personal or banking details, or forwarding the message to others, as doing so could expose them to financial fraud and identity theft.
“Members of the public should disregard the fake message completely and rely only on information released through the official communication channels for authentic announcements on government programmes and initiatives,” Akinmade said.
The statement further revealed that security agencies have been notified to track down and prosecute those behind the criminal impersonation.
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents from such fraudulent schemes and urged the public to remain vigilant against online scams designed to exploit innocent citizens.
News
Kano Gov Yusuf Nominates Garo as Deputy Governor for 2027 Re-election
The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially announced the nomination of his deputy, His Excellency Murtala Sule Galadima Garo, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.
Governor Yusuf made the announcement during a strategic meeting with Federal Political Appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.
He expressed satisfaction with the working relationship between them, noting that Garo had demonstrated competence, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of his duties.
“I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my Deputy in the last few months, and he has proven to be the right choice so far. I want to confirm to you that I have every confidence in him,” Governor Yusuf declared.
The Governor also passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Governor, describing him as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened the administration’s drive to deliver meaningful development across Kano State.
Governor Yusuf urged party leaders, political appointees, and supporters to remain united and committed as the administration continues to consolidate on its achievements while preparing for the 2027 general elections.
News
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour loses mum
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
•Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour image credit: Instagram
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
The statement, issued on behalf of the family by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, described the deceased as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.
” With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. The epitome of love,” the statement read.
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