Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Victor Ukaogo, PhD The socio-political landscape of Nigeria is characterized by a complex interplay of ethnic identities, historical grievances, and aspirations for development. Among the various ethnic groups, the Ndigbo have experienced significant challenges, particularly in the post-civil war era. The need for reintegration and development has become a focal point for leaders and policymakers. In this context, the establishment of a federal university in Item and a federal college of education in Bende, both located in Abia State, represents a significant step towards addressing the educational and developmental needs of the Ndigbo. My intervention at the moment explores the…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that medical personnel, including doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria, must be motivated with the right work conditions to remain in the country and not migrate overseas. Obasanjo stated this when he commissioned the renovated and rehabilitated Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Zamfara State on Tuesday. The former president, who Governor Dauda Lawal hosted, lamented the migration phenomenon known as ‘Japa’, which has been popularised by Nigerian youths leaving the country in their droves for economic prosperity and job security in faraway Europe, the Americas, Asia and other parts of the world. The octogenarian…

The United States President Donald Trump has urged Iran to resume diplomatic talks, warning that the Islamic Republic is not gaining the upper hand in its ongoing conflict with Israel. Trump also stated that the Iranian officials have indicated they want to talk about de-escalating hostilities with Israel as the two sides trade attacks and international leaders look for a way to end the conflict, according to USA News Today. Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in Canada on Monday, Trump said it was in Iran’s best interest to return to the negotiating table without delay. He also believed…

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s delayed visit to crisis-hit regions of the country. Obi warned that selective empathy and “leadership by remote control” send a dangerous message to grieving Nigerians In a post on X handle on Tuesday, Obi hailed Tinubu’s planned visit to Benue massacre communities but noted that similar compassion should be shown to communities in Niger State, particularly Mokwa, where floods reportedly claimed over 200 lives and left more than 1,000 people missing. “It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law two bills sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, establishing Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende, Abia State into law.  The President equally signed into law a bill for the act to establish a Federal University Okigwe, Imo State. Whereas Kalu sponsored the two bills for the establishment of Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende, Abia State, he lobbied for the…

President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State, opting instead to travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed on Monday. “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga stated. According to him, Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission various state government projects.…

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, rejected an application by the Federal Government to issue a bench warrant against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in an alleged defamation case against her. The government is prosecuting Akpoti-Uduaghan on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello. When the matter was called on Monday, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. D.D. Kasue, told the court that the matter was for arraignment but that the defendant was not in court. Kasue told the court that he served the charge on the defendant’s counsel which meant that the defendant was…

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his tough stance on immigration, demanding a sweeping expansion of arrests and deportations by federal agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the Republican president called on ICE and other agencies to do all in their power to carry out what he described as the single largest Mass Deportation Programme in History. Trump specifically targeted Democrat-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, urging the federal agents to step up enforcement efforts. The president’s hard-line approach has sparked widespread protests across several…

Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday granted bail at ₦2 billion to a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. Justice Yusuf granted the bail after Emefiele was arraigned on an eight-count charge in which he is accused of among others, unlawfully acquiring a housing estate comprising 753 units, allegedly stealing and taking control of billions of naira in proxy accounts. In the ruling, Justice Yusuf noted that Emefiele had been granted bail in three other criminal cases pending against him and that there was no evidence that he had…

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State and ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to the region following a wave of deadly attacks that have left scores dead. A brief statement posted by the Nigeria Police Force on Monday via X confirmed the development. “IGP arrives Benue, orders for additional deployment of tactical teams,” the statement said. The deployment comes amid mounting public outrage and calls on social media for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Benue, following a two-day killing spree by suspected herders. Recall that at least 45…