Former Military President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida, has described the theme of the 2026 study tour by participants of Senior Course 48 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, “Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity”, as both timely and relevant to Nigeria’s current security realities.

Babangida made this known while receiving members of the delegation at his uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.

He emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies in tackling emerging threats across the country.

The former Head of State, who hosted the delegation alongside former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, noted that study tours serve as vital platforms for expanding the knowledge and operational capacity of senior military officers, particularly in areas of national security and civil-military relations.

The leader of the delegation, Air Commodore Obasa highlighted Babangida’s enduring contributions to military education, especially his role in establishing the Department of Air Warfare at the college.

He recalled that Babangida laid the foundation for the department on July 3, 1986. He commissioned it a year later, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in strengthening military training and national development.

….US Maintains Lead as India Climbs Higher.

The International Monetary Fund’s latest projections show the United States solidifying its position as the world’s largest economy in 2026, with nominal GDP expected to reach approximately $32.38 trillion, while emerging powers like India continue their rapid ascent.

According to IMF data compiled for 2026, global GDP is forecast to total around $126 trillion, reflecting steady but uneven growth amid geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and varying regional performances.

Here is the full list of the Top 10 largest economies by nominal GDP for 2026:

1. United States — $32.38 trillion
   The U.S. economy remains the global powerhouse, driven by innovation in technology, strong consumer spending, and resilient financial markets. Projected growth stands at about 2.32%.
2. China — $20.85 trillion
   China holds a firm second place, supported by its manufacturing dominance and domestic consumption, with expected growth of around 4.41%.
3. Germany — $5.45 trillion
   Europe’s largest economy continues as an industrial leader despite modest projected growth of 0.79%.
4. Japan — $4.38 trillion
   Japan maintains its spot with stable but low growth of approximately 0.72%.
5. United Kingdom — $4.26 trillion
   The UK edges into fifth place with projected growth near 0.80%.
6. India — $4.15 trillion
   India stands out with one of the fastest growth rates among major economies at 6.48%, continuing its climb in global rankings.
7. France — $3.60 trillion
   France remains a key European player with projected growth of about 0.86%.
8. Italy — $2.74 trillion
   Italy rounds out the top eight with slower growth around 0.52%.
9. Russia — ~$2.66 trillion (projected)
10. Canada/Brazil — Contenders for the remaining spots, with figures hovering near $2.2–2.5 trillion depending on final revisions.

Economists note that while advanced economies dominate the top ranks by nominal GDP, emerging markets like India are closing the gap in real terms and purchasing power parity (PPP) measures, where China already leads. India is widely expected to overtake Japan and others in the coming years.

These rankings are based on IMF World Economic Outlook projections and can shift with new data releases, currency fluctuations, and global events. Analysts highlight that sustained growth in Asia, particularly from India, signals a gradual rebalancing of global economic power.

In a major push to strengthen Nigeria’s food security, the National Assembly has forged a strategic partnership with agricultural colleges and research institutions across the country.

The collaboration focuses on enhanced research, improved legislation, better funding, and practical innovation to transform the agricultural sector.

The Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), announced the partnership ahead of the maiden National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

The two-day event, themed “Unfolding the Potential of Agricultural Colleges and Institutions through Collaboration and Innovation to Enhance Food Security and Job Creation,” is scheduled for May 12–14, 2026, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Senator Alli emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between farmers and research institutions.

He noted that many breakthroughs by Nigerian researchers including improved varieties of cassava, cocoa, and other crops have not reached smallholder farmers, contributing to declining productivity despite the country’s agricultural potential.

Senator Alli highlighted historical lessons, such as Malaysia’s rise in palm oil production after obtaining seedlings from Nigeria, stressing the need for Nigeria to reclaim its leadership in agriculture.

The summit will convene over 28 agricultural institutions, international development partners, embassies, policymakers, and stakeholders. It also aims to create jobs for youths and women through mechanized farming, reduce post-harvest losses with technologies like solar-powered dryers, and improve market access.

Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Professor Mohammed Atanda, described the initiative as timely and called for a stronger legislative framework to support research institutions.

Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Dr. Adedeji Rasheed, urged greater private sector involvement in funding research, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility.

Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) affirmed that Nigeria has the expertise to achieve food sufficiency with the right policies, funding, and coordination between federal and state governments.

This partnership forms part of broader National Assembly efforts to reposition agriculture as a driver of economic diversification, rural development, and poverty reduction.

Observers see the Ibadan summit as a critical step toward turning Nigeria’s agricultural institutions into innovation hubs capable of delivering sustainable food security.