#The Nigerian Senate has confirmed a list of high-profile non-career ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu, including former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, social media influencer and former presidential aide Reno Omokri, and ex-Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK).

The confirmations followed screenings by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which cleared the nominees amid some procedural debates but ultimately recommended their approval.

Other prominent figures confirmed include former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, ex-governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and several former senators and political allies.

The approvals form part of a broader diplomatic restructuring by the Tinubu administration, with the nominees expected to be deployed to key missions abroad to strengthen Nigeria’s international relations.

Sources indicate that the list, which includes a mix of career and non-career diplomats totaling around 68, addresses long-standing vacancies in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

The nominations had sparked public debate earlier, with critics questioning the inclusion of politically controversial figures, while supporters highlighted their experience in public service and loyalty to national interests.

The confirmed ambassadors-designate will receive their specific postings after formal letters of credence from the president.

This development marks a significant step in revitalizing Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally.

Television Continental Communications (TVC) has announced the appointment of seasoned journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju as its new Director of News.

The appointment was revealed by the organisation’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Ajayi, during a town hall meeting at the station’s headquarters in Lagos.

Otitoju, who previously served as Director of Current Affairs at TVC, brings decades of experience in broadcast journalism to the role. He is widely recognised as a prominent figure on the station’s flagship daily socio-political programme, Journalists’ Hangout, where he offers incisive analysis on national issues.

In separate interviews, several TVC staff members praised the decision, describing it as “wise” and noting that Otitoju has “paid his dues” in transforming the station. They highlighted his earlier stint as Acting Director of News, during which TVC clinched the Best Station of the Year award for two consecutive years.

Staff expressed optimism that under Otitoju’s leadership, TVC is poised to reclaim its position as a pacesetter in Nigeria’s competitive broadcast industry.

A respected investigative journalist, historian, polemicist, and political analyst, Otitoju hails from Ekirin Adde in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, his new role places him at the forefront of shaping the station’s coverage of critical national discourse.

The appointment has drawn congratulations from various quarters, underscoring Otitoju’s reputation as a towering figure in Nigerian media with over three decades of excellence.

Profile:

Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, a veteran Nigerian journalist and prominent anchor on TVC News’ flagship program *Journalists’ Hangout*, is widely regarded as an investigative journalist, political analyst, and security commentator. With over three decades in broadcast journalism, he has earned awards including Political Analyst of the Year and Security Analyst of the Year.

His work often involves on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis of national issues, and discussions on corruption, security, and governance.

While Otitoju is frequently described as a “fearless” and “investigative” figure—known for dissecting socio-political matters without prejudice—specific standalone exposés are less prominently documented in public sources compared to his daily commentary and panel discussions.

His investigations typically emerge through *Journalists’ Hangout* segments, personal insights from sources, and field visits. Here are some key examples drawn from his reported work:- **Accountant General of the Federation Fraud (2022)**:

During a *Journalists’ Hangout* discussion on the arrest of the Accountant General for alleged embezzlement, Otitoju revealed—based on a trusted EFCC source—that the stolen amount exceeded the reported N80 billion. This claim highlighted deeper probing into the scandal.-

**Fake NGO Allegations Against TVC**: In an earlier incident, Otitoju investigated threats from a purported NGO linked to Nigerian generals.

He verified that the organization’s address was nonexistent and described its operator as a “freelance miscreant,” preventing potential misinformation from affecting his station.- **Security and Counter-Terrorism Reporting**:

Otitoju has conducted field investigations in conflict zones, including visits to military fronts like Buni Yadi in Yobe State and areas affected by Boko Haram (e.g., Sambisa Forest references in public discourse). His analyses often cover banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism financing, such as allegations that ransom payments fund property acquisitions by criminals.-

**Refinery Operations and Infrastructure**: He has personally toured facilities like the Warri Refinery to verify operational status amid public skepticism, countering claims of shutdowns with on-site evidence. Similar fact-checking extends to projects like the Mambilla Dam, where he highlighted unfulfilled allocations despite surveys.-

**Police Funding and Governance Issues**: Otitoju disclosed details on police “imprest” allowances for Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and critiqued funding gaps, noting contributions from states and private donors like Aliko Dangote.-

**Other Topical Probes**: Discussions have included electoral reforms (e.g., electronic transmission of results), bandit designation as terrorists, anchor borrowers’ loan discrepancies (attributing misuse to politicians via fake cooperatives), and high-profile cases like the JAMB result forgery saga.Otitoju’s style emphasizes balanced analysis, source-based revelations, and direct verification, often distinguishing him in debates on national controversies.

His promotion to Director of News at TVC in December 2025 reflects recognition of this track record in reshaping the station’s credibility.

Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel and their C-130 aircraft, ending a nearly two-week diplomatic standoff triggered by the plane’s emergency landing in the country.

The release was confirmed shortly after Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, concluded a meeting with Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, on Wednesday in Ouagadougou.

Tuggar, acting as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special envoy, delivered a message of solidarity and fraternity while addressing the incident involving the aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8 due to technical issues en route to Portugal.

A statement from Alkasim Abdulkadir, spokesperson for Tuggar, described the resolution as amicable, noting that both nations resolved concerns over the Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew through constructive dialogue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed the release of both the personnel and the aircraft, emphasizing sustained diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.

The incident had initially raised tensions, with Burkina Faso citing procedural irregularities in airspace authorization. Nigeria expressed regret over the matter while reaffirming respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.

Officials on both sides highlighted the spirit of fraternity, with Tuggar praising the treatment accorded to the crew during their stay. Discussions also touched on broader cooperation in security and counter-terrorism.

The swift resolution underscores ongoing efforts to maintain neighborly relations amid regional challenges, with the personnel expected to return home imminently.