News
Cross River State : Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Distributes N50,000,000 Cash to aged Men and Women

Cross River State : Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Distributes N50,000,000 Cash to aged Men and Women
…… Vulnerable Groups Receive Essential Food Items
By: Our Reporter
The periodic food distribution program for states by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to the vulnerable population has continued to reach targeted beneficiaries. Families are given assorted food items that can sustain households for a while. The scheme under the RHI Social investment program maintains its goal to provide succour to every vulnerable household with the interest of making life better for all.
Making the distribution in a symbolic presentation at the women Development Center Parliamentary Extension Calabar , Cross River state First Lady Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Chairman Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Her Excellency Sen Oluremi Tinubu announced that two hundred and fifty elder citizens in each state of the Federation including the FCT and the Defence Police Wives Association (DEPOWA) will receive a cash donation of Two hundred thousand Naira on the seventeenth December (17 Dec).

Represented by Wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima , the Renewed Hope Initiative stated some of the outstanding achievements of the RHI in its drive to make life better. This she said include sponsorship of youths to study courses of their choice within and outside the country, economic empowerment such as the collaboration with NITDA in the area of capacity development, encouraging women farmers by providing grants and farming implements. The RHI on the 4th of December gave the winner of every home a garden the sum of twenty million Naira as a boost to women farmers under its Agricultural Program.
The First Lady advised the beneficiaries of the food items to take the items home to their families, not to divert to other use.
The state Cordinator of RHI and wife of the Governor of Cross River State Reverend Eyoanwan Bassey Otu had in a speech expressed her gratitude to the First Lady and the RHI for the food items presented to the vulnerable in her state . She informed the gathering that the First Lady has made concerted efforts in carrying everyone along and reaching women at different levels through numerous programs under the RHI She noted that Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to empowering people is a worthy inspiration especially her commitment to humanity is unprecedented

Earlier on the wife of the Vice President Hajiya Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima and the entourage from the First Lady after a grand airport reception were at the Government house on a courtesy visit on the Governor of Cross River State Prince Bassey Edet Otu where he acknowledged the significant role the RHI is playing in complimenting Governments efforts . He stated that government’s policies and programs are all geared towards the development of the nation.
Cross River State : Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Distributes N50,000,000 Cash to aged Men and Women
News
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
News
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa

Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Crime
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto

Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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