News
Tinubu Vows to Crush Terrorism as FEC Reconvenes after Three Months
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, for the first time, spoken publicly since U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution and issued threats of military action against terrorist groups in the region.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu avoided direct reference to President Trump but underscored Nigeria’s resilience and growing economic credibility. He cited the overwhelming success of the country’s recent $2.35 billion Eurobond, which was oversubscribed by 453 percent, as clear proof of “strong investor confidence despite political headwinds.”
“Nigeria remains open for business. The confidence of global investors in our economy is unshaken. We will continue to engage our international partners diplomatically while working tirelessly to defeat terrorism and build a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient nation,” Tinubu said.
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, briefed the council that the Eurobond attracted $13 billion in orders, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform trajectory.
He added that the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on removing barriers to investment, reviewing tariffs and import restrictions, and improving fiscal discipline to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
Thursday’s FEC meeting marked the first in three months, with President Tinubu also swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) from Enugu State and Bernard Doro from Plateau State — bringing the cabinet back to its full complement of 48 members.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to crush terrorism and violent extremism, stating that no external pressure or political distraction would deter Nigeria from safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.
News
JAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a total of 632,788 results now available for viewing.
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
JAMB clarified that at this stage, candidates can only view their results, as printing options are not yet available.
It also issued a strong warning against attempts to manipulate or alter result messages received from official channels, stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence.
The Board added that it is already taking action against offenders, revealing that some suspects are currently in custody.
“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” it stated.
News
Arise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award
The award’s: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Deputy Director of News, Arise TV, Ohi OIdiai, has won Editor Of The Year 2026 Awards category, courtsey of The Industry Newspaper.
In a statement, the organiser said that the award was: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Details later…
News
JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget
……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.
The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.
Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.
A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.
The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.
He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.
The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.
-
Business3 days agoFCCPC says didn’t ban MTN, Glo, Airtel data loans
-
Business3 days agoCBN introduces money market instrument NOFR
-
Crime3 days agoNDLEA jails 11 drug kingpins to 254 years in prison
-
Business3 days agoMAN Condemns World Bank’s Call for Nigeria PMS imports
-
News3 days agoArise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award
-
Business2 days agoFG restricts paracetamol ,16 other products for local manufacturing
-
News3 days agoJAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results
-
Sports1 day agoFormer NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
