Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders

By: Michael Mike

The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has officially announced the commencement of its 2026 Athena-Anchoria Junior Fellowship Programme, marking a significant step in efforts to nurture young leaders in governance and public policy across Nigeria.

The programme, which began on April 25, 2026 in Abuja, is being delivered in partnership with Anchoria Advisory Services Limited.

Speaking on the initiative, the firm’s Managing Director and CEO, Sam Chidoka, emphasized the long-term vision behind the fellowship, noting that investing in capable young minds is essential to shaping Nigeria’s policy future.

A statement on Monday by the Centre, read that following a rigorous nationwide selection process, 14 exceptional young Nigerians were admitted into the 2026 cohort. The fellows were chosen based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to governance and public policy.

The cohort reflects a broad national spread, drawing participants from all six geopolitical zones. Representatives from the Southeast include Kosisochukwu Praise Bosah, Adaobi Patience Ayogu, and Daniel Kelechi Nnamani. From the Southwest are Ezekiel Adeshina Adebisi and Eunice Iyanuoluwa Olasunkanmi, while the South-South is represented by Angelica Onagiekhuwemhe Enegbuma and Shedrack James Owen.

The Northwest contingent comprises Yahaya Abubakar, Hassan Suleiman Haruna, and Rashida Bafashi Abubakar. From the Northeast are Gabriel Mohammed Shuwa and Mohammed Baba Kale, while the North-Central zone is represented by Augustina Enuwa Abakpa and Muhammad Saheed Afodun.

According to the statement, participants come from diverse academic backgrounds, including political science, law, mass communication, medicine, and other science-based disciplines. The group consists of undergraduates, postgraduate students, and early-career professionals drawn from top Nigerian universities.

The six-month fellowship is designed as a leadership and policy development programme aimed at building a pipeline of reform-oriented leaders. It will begin with virtual learning sessions, followed by sustained engagement and mentorship, and conclude with an intensive in-person session.

Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on policy engagement, fellows will gain practical insights into governance challenges and institutional reform strategies.

The launch of the 2026 cohort reinforces the Athena Centre’s commitment to strengthening policy capacity and developing a new generation of leaders equipped to drive meaningful change in Nigeria.

Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders

Nigeria No Longer Safe Haven for Drug Cartels, Says UNODC

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment for international drug cartels, citing a surge in arrests, seizures, and convictions driven by reforms within the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, made the statement in Abuja on Monday during the handover of newly constructed audiovisual interview rooms to the NDLEA.

The facilities, equipped with modern interrogation technology, were provided by UNODC with funding support from the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US-INL).

Toure described transnational drug trafficking as one of the most destabilizing global threats, linking it to corruption, violence, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. He noted that Nigeria’s geographic position has historically made it both a target and transit hub for drug networks spanning Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

However, he said recent enforcement efforts have significantly altered that narrative.

“Under the leadership of Mohamed Buba Marwa, the NDLEA has demonstrated remarkable courage and professionalism,” Toure said, adding that the agency’s intensified operations since 2021 have sent a strong deterrent message to organized criminal groups.

He further emphasized that international collaboration remains critical, commending the United States government for its financial support. According to him, the newly donated facilities represent more than infrastructure, describing them as an investment in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

The UNODC chief also called for the replication of such modern interrogation systems across NDLEA commands nationwide to strengthen investigative capacity.

In his response, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, expressed appreciation to both UNODC and US-INL for their continued partnership, assuring that the agency is prepared to build on recent gains.

“We are not just commissioning rooms; we are strengthening the integrity of our investigative process,” he said.

Marwa highlighted that the agency is undergoing a major digital transformation, and the integration of advanced interrogation technology would enhance operational efficiency and align Nigeria’s law enforcement standards with global best practices.

He described the facilities as a symbol of international trust and a boost to the agency’s capacity to deliver justice effectively, while reaffirming NDLEA’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights.

The event was attended by senior officials from UNODC, NDLEA, and the US-INL, including Deputy Director Douglas Grane.

The latest development underscores growing international confidence in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts and signals a shift in the country’s role in the global fight against drug trafficking.

Nigeria No Longer Safe Haven for Drug Cartels, Says UNODC

Nigeria Trains New Envoys, Pushes for Results-Driven Diplomacy

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has begun the formal preparation of newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, signaling a renewed push for a more proactive and results-oriented foreign policy.

The induction programme, which commenced on Monday in Abuja, is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to equip the envoys with the skills and strategic direction required for their diplomatic postings.

Speaking at the opening session, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the appointees as critical representatives of Nigeria’s image and interests abroad.

She said their appointments reflect the confidence placed in them by President Bola Tinubu and come with significant responsibility.

According to her, the envoys are expected to drive Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, particularly the administration’s “4Ds” framework—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

She stressed that diplomacy must go beyond protocol to deliver measurable outcomes, especially in attracting foreign investment, promoting trade, and boosting tourism.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also highlighted the importance of protecting Nigerians living abroad, urging the diplomats to ensure efficient consular services, rapid crisis response, and sustained engagement with diaspora communities. She warned against misconduct, emphasizing that diplomatic privilege must be exercised with discipline, integrity, and accountability.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the appointments as a “sacred national duty.” He noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy has been repositioned to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and called on the envoys to produce tangible benefits that support national development and enhance the country’s global standing.

Akume further urged the diplomats to uphold professionalism, respect the laws and cultures of their host countries, and demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Nigeria.

Representatives of the National Assembly also pledged legislative backing for the diplomatic corps. Lawmakers assured continued oversight and support for improved funding of foreign missions while emphasizing strict adherence to financial regulations and accountability standards.

The induction programme will feature a series of technical sessions covering diplomatic practice, mission administration, economic diplomacy, security coordination, and multilateral engagement. It will also address the role of spouses in diplomatic service.

Officials said the initiative underscores the government’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery and ensure its representatives abroad deliver impactful and citizen-focused outcomes.

Nigeria Trains New Envoys, Pushes for Results-Driven Diplomacy