Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has said Nigeria is already reaping the benefits of its military partnership with China. Speaking at an event marking the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos on Tuesday, Obasa noted that Chinese support; from training to local arms production is helping Nigeria tackle insecurity. According to him, the collaboration is not only improving Nigeria’s defense capacity but also contributing to regional stability across Africa. Strengthened Bilateral Ties Obasa recalled the recent high-level engagements between President Bola Tinubu and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, describing it as…
The National Assembly has moved forward its official resumption date, shifting plenary sessions from September 23 to October 7, 2025. The announcement was contained in a statement released in Abuja by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Tuesday. He explained that the new date was directed by the presiding officers of both chambers. “The resumption date of the National Assembly earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, is postponed to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025,” the notice read. Committees to Keep Working While plenary sittings are on hold, standing and ad-hoc committees of the Senate and House of…
Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Mali have formally announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the global tribunal of bias and neocolonial tendencies. The three French-speaking nations, now united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), said on Monday that the court had lost credibility and failed to act on grave crimes across the world. “The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression,” the statement signed by Mali’s military leader and AES head, Assimi Goïta, read. ICC Under Fire in Africa The…
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has tackled former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over remarks suggesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harboured plans to extend his stay in office beyond constitutional limits. Onanuga, writing on his official X handle, dismissed El-Rufai’s claim as baseless and desperate, adding that the ex-governor was only seeking relevance after losing political ground. The row comes barely days after President Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna, where he received a massive reception from party faithful and traditional rulers. Analysts say the large turnout in the North contradicted El-Rufai’s earlier claim that…
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has declared that the president represents all Nigerians, not just his political base. Speaking after Tinubu’s recent trip to Kaduna, Dare described the visit as “a resounding political validation” that broke old myths about hostility to the president in the North. “From the streets to the mosques, the connection between the people and their president was instant. Kaduna, once whispered as hostile terrain – showed love, loyalty, and warmth,” Dare said. The aide noted that Tinubu’s presence at the wedding of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari’s son brought…
Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have embarked on an indefinite strike, leaving patients stranded and health services disrupted. The industrial action, which kicked off on Friday, follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the hospital’s management. The nurses accused the government of ignoring their welfare and failing to implement the new National Minimum Wage. In a statement signed by the unit chairman, Ojewumi Olutayo, and secretary, Adedokun Foluwake, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), LAUTECH chapter, said the strike was unavoidable after years of neglect. Nurses…
United States President Donald Trump has shaken the global tech industry after signing an executive order that slaps a $100,000 annual fee on companies seeking H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers. The policy, which kicks off on September 21, 2025, is a huge jump from the old fee of about $1,500. The H-1B visa programme is capped at 85,000 slots each year and has long been a lifeline for tech companies and startups hungry for highly skilled talent, especially in fields like software engineering and data science. US Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, defended the move, saying: “Companies need to decide…
President Bola Tinubu has thrown his full weight behind Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, describing it as an opportunity to bring the global sporting event to Africa for the first time. The President’s commitment was conveyed by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), during a reception in Abuja for the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee. Dikko said President Tinubu views the Games as more than just a sports event. According to him, it would be a “celebration of Nigeria’s emerging status in sports and a statement of Africa’s inclusivity within the Commonwealth family.” Hon.…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned those pushing for former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Thursday night, Wike said such campaigns could plunge Nigeria into political crisis. He described the move as “hypocritical,” recalling how many of the same voices abandoned Jonathan during his 2015 re-election bid. “Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for a crisis,” Wike said. “These are the same people who frustrated him in 2015. Jonathan has made a name globally;…
The Abia State Government says over 3,500 landowners affected by the Abia Airport runway in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North, have received compensation. Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, made the disclosure during a weekend inspection visit with top officials, including Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Airport Project Coordinator, Pastor Okorougo Aje. Ajagba admitted some community members had not received payment but blamed it on incomplete indemnity certificates and account issues. He assured that Governor Alex Otti’s administration remains committed to fulfilling all agreements. Nsulu Stakeholders Dispute Govt’s Position But the Nsulu Stakeholders…