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FG to investigate Sokoto airstrike, ensure justice, says Matawalle

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The Federal Government has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the airstrike that led to the deaths of 10 people in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made this assurance during a condolence visit to the state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, in Sokoto, the state capital, on Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, quoted Matawalle as saying that justice would prevail and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, wherever they may be.

Matawalle expressed regret over the actions of terrorists, who he said were disrupting the peace of Nigerians. However, he assured that the Federal Government would confront them decisively.

He praised Governor Aliyu’s commitment to fighting banditry and other criminal activities in Sokoto State.

According to Matawalle, Aliyu is the only governor who has proactively requested a military base in his state and reassured him of the military’s support in making the state safer.

“We will continue to provide all the necessary equipment and resources to Sokoto State,” Matawalle assured.

“Mr President (Bola Tinubu) is deeply concerned about this unfortunate incident and asked me to come and convey his condolences,” he added.

The minister attributed the wrong bombing to erroneous information available to the military during the operation.

However, he clarified that security reports confirmed the area where the incident occurred was being dominated by the Lakurawa bandits.

In response, Governor Aliyu called on the military to improve its information gathering and surveillance to avoid hitting the wrong targets in the future.

He commended the military and other security agencies for their continued commitment to ensuring the state’s safety and thanked President Tinubu for his concern regarding the incident.

The governor also thanked Matawalle for his support in the fight against banditry.

He described the incident as something that was bound to happen and prayed to Almighty Allah to prevent its recurrence.

Aliyu expressed his sorrow over the events in the two villages and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the full facts of the situation.

NAN

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BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

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President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.

Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

Details later…

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UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

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The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.

It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.

Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.

“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.

We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.

“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

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BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.

ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.

Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.

The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.

In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.

On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.

The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.

Watch video below:

Video source: ChannelsTV

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