National News
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Unveils First Baby of the Year 2025

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Unveils First Baby of the Year 2025
By: Our Reporter
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday welcomed Abuja’s first baby of the year 2025 at the Asokoro District Hospital.
Favour Stephen Odion – a baby girl – was born to the family of Mr. Odion Oyinbo and Mrs. Chioma Odion at exactly 12:27 am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, weighing 3.6kg.

The mother of the nation also received other babies born in the hospital, including the first baby boy of the year 2025, Zimchikachim Ejiofor, born to the family of Mr. Ejiofor Nworie and Mrs. Delight Nworie at about 7:14am on Wednesday and weighing 3kg.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu welcomed Favour and all the other children born on New Year’s Day in the FCT with baby gifts, including post-natal care products and other nutritional supplies, as well as cash presents.

The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, prayed for God to protect the children, wishing them long life, good health, and prosperity.
She said, “I am here to represent the mother of the nation to welcome the first baby of the year and other children. So, I’m presenting this token and a beautiful package to our dear daughter. I want to wish her well – long life, prosperity, good health. Insha Allah, they (first baby and other babies) are the next generation to take over from us. I wish you all the best. Please take good care of her.”
While congratulating and comforting the mothers of the newborn babies, the First Lady counselled them on the need for proper care for the babies in respect of exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and timely post-natal care, saying, “Good enough, this (Asokoro General Hospital) is closer to my house; I’m sure for the post-natal, they’re going to take good care of you.”
She further presented birth certificates to the first baby of the year and the first baby boy just as she moved around the maternity ward congratulating other new babies in the hospital.

Earlier, the acting Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Rosemary Nwokorie, while welcoming the First Lady, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to transforming the nation’s health sector, with a view to improving the healthcare services for every Nigerian.
Nwokorie also applauded the First Lady and the wife of the Vice President for creating various intervention programs especially the Renewed Hope Initiative toward assisting vulnerable Nigerians, especially women and children in the country.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Unveils First Baby of the Year 2025
National News
Jonathan, Marwa, Onyema, 16 Others to Be Honoured at DICAN Conference

Jonathan, Marwa, Onyema, 16 Others to Be Honoured at DICAN Conference
By: Michael Mike
A convergence of Nigeria’s diplomatic community, security stakeholders, policy experts, and scholars is set to take place in Abuja on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) hosts the first-ever Diplomatic/Security International Conference, focusing on the intersection of diplomacy, national security, and Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora spearheaded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
This groundbreaking gathering, themed “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions, and the Age of Disinformation: The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media in Shaping National and Global Stability.” is a timely response to the growing need for informed, cross-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and global interests.

It will bring together seasoned diplomats, representatives of foreign missions, security chiefs, media professionals, researchers, and civil society actors to dissect key issues shaping the nation’s international engagement and internal stability.
Chairman of DICAN, Idehai Frederick, described the conference as a bold intellectual platform aimed at bridging the gap between security policy, diplomatic action, and media accountability.
According to him, “Nigeria is undergoing a deep recalibration of its foreign policy doctrine under the 4D framework. We believe the media has a crucial role in amplifying these strategies, while experts and diplomats must align security and diplomacy with real-time global shifts. This conference offers that synergy.”
He said in recognition of outstanding contributions to diplomacy, peacebuilding, national cohesion, and security sector reforms, DICAN will present the prestigious DICAN Award of Excellence to 20 distinguished personalities and institutions who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress and international stature.
Among those to be honoured are:
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for his enduring efforts in peace diplomacy and conflict resolution across Africa;
Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for his trailblazing anti-narcotics reforms;
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, for fostering regional connectivity, crisis evacuation, and supporting national diplomacy through aviation logistics;
The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Nigeria, for its consistent diplomatic engagement and support for bilateral cooperation.
Others on the honour list include top security operatives, humanitarian actors, and institutions whose work has strengthened Nigeria’s international presence and internal security architecture.
The conference, will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions, with prominent speakers including: Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chief Host), The Minister of Defence, The Minister of Interior, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS,
The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad,
As well as Nigeria’s Service Chiefs and select heads of foreign missions.
DICAN, as the umbrella body for journalists covering the diplomatic and foreign affairs beats in Nigeria, views this international conference not just as a media initiative, but as a national dialogue to reinforce Nigeria’s place in global diplomacy while confronting existential security challenges.
According to Idehai, “We are living in an era where diplomacy is not just about embassies and bilateral meetings. It is now an essential tool in combating transnational threats, shaping economic development, and projecting national interest. This conference creates that rare space for reflective, inclusive discourse.”
End
National News
VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI

VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI:
Late ex-President Pursued Justice With Sincerity
** Says Tinubu-led FG will continue to protect dignity of the Buhari family, Katsina people
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said the late former President Muhammadu Buhari pursued justice with the utmost sincerity.
And in death, according to Senator Shettima, the late Buhari has also proved to the world that he was, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa.

The Vice President stated this on Thursday during the 3rd day prayers (Fidau) offered for the repose of the soul of the former Nigerian leader, at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.
“Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued – often misunderstood, but always with sincerity.
“When you are in power, your friends know you; when you are out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, the greatest son of Africa. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah. May Allah forgive his shortcomings,” he prayed.

On behalf of his boss, President Bola Tinubu, VP Shettima expressed gratitude to Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State for the reception and kind gesture accorded to the Federal Government delegation throughout their stay in the state.
“We have been together with the governor right from London to Nigeria. He gave a warm reception and all the necessary support,” he said, adding that President Tinubu is personally pained by the loss of his friend, brother and political soulmate.
The VP assured that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, “will continue to protect the image and dignity of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.”
He revealed that he will proceed to Abuja with the family of the late former President to attend a Special Valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the deceased.
Earlier, the governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Radda, said the deceased rendered selfless service to the nation, maintaining that nobody can dispute the fact that he was an honest and just person.
He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for honouring the remains of late President Buhari, saying, “We, the people of Katsina State, don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown compassion, respect for the people of Katsina State and the nation entirely. Tinubu has allowed 25 members of his cabinet, under the leadership of Vice President Shettima, to be in Katsina State. The 25 Ministers supported us at this trying moment, and we also thank the President for declaring a public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest,” Governor Radda added.
Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the late Buhari has an important place in the national history of Nigeria, appealing to all Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of the former President, as reminded by Islamic clerics.
“We want to thank all of you on behalf of the 25 ministers, as directed by Mr President, for finding time to offer prayers for our President and also participate in this national assignment. Indeed, former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and the world,” the minister said.
Earlier, the prayer session was opened by the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Pantami, who emphasised the need for constant prayers for all the departed souls, including late President Buhari.
Pantami further observed that prayer for the departed soul should not be restricted to a number of days.
Similarly, the Minister of State Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Abudullahi, on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), prayed Almighty Allah to cover the grave of Buhari with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.
Islamic scholars who offered prayer include Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque; Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Bishop of Katsina; Mamman Musa; Khalifa Mohammad Nasir; and Malam Hassan Daura, among others.
Other dignitaries present at the prayer session are former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN); Ambassador Adamu Daura; former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari; former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adu, and former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.
Others are former Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai; Business Mogul, Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, former FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade; the Sultan of Maradi from the Niger Republic, and thousands of sympathisers from various walks of life.
VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI
National News
Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura

Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other African leaders in Daura, Katsina State, for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in a London hospital.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu received the remains of the former President at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where he inspected a military guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force jet conveying the casket arrived at 1:51 p.m.

The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was conveyed by a senior military pallbearer team led by Major General Mike Alechenu, and wheeled in a solemn procession to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” flanked by a full military guard of honour.

Vice President Shettima had accompanied the body of the late President from London, alongside the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the late President’s widow, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and close family members.
Upon arrival in Daura, the remains of President Buhari were received by a large crowd of mourners chanting praises of Allah and offering prayers for his soul. The body was later interred at his private residence in a ceremony attended by a cross-section of dignitaries and ordinary citizens alike.

President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were joined at the burial by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, and former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou. Also in attendance were governors, ministers, service chiefs, former governors, captains of industry, Islamic clerics, and representatives from across the continent, including an envoy of the President of Chad.

Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura
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