National News
Tuggar Tasks Foreign Service graduates to and debunk negative religious narratives
Tuggar Tasks Foreign Service graduates to and debunk negative religious narratives
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has charged newly graduating Foreign Service officers on the need to project the country’s image while at the same time debunking the ongoing negative narratives about the state religious persecution.
Tuggar gave the charge on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy in Abuja.
He said: “For our Foreign Service, this imposes a clear mandate: to project the narrative of a reformed, confident, and forward-looking Nigeria. Our missions must serve as economic outposts, actively promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation in every host country.
“You must also debunk false narratives at every opportunity, such as the ongoing campaign against the Nigerian state alleging religious persecution.”
He also reminded them of sections 10, 38 and 42 of the country’s Constitution that make it impossible “to have a state religion, guarantee freedom of religion, and prohibit religious and ethnic discrimination.”
He added: “Explain that our judicial system has secular courts of appeal and constitutional override to set aside rulings and judgements of first instance courts if they infringe on any citizen’s rights. Tell them that our state governments do not have blasphemy laws. “What they have are breach of peace or incitement offences to prevent communal violence, necessary in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation of 230 million souls.”
The Minister also informed the graduates their expected role in the ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu, stating that: “Complementing these domestic reforms, our foreign policy is now a pediment of strategic autonomy sitting atop the 4 Diplomatic pillars of Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—which serve as the compass for Nigeria’s global engagement. This doctrine reinforces our commitment to good governance and the rule of law, shared prosperity through innovation, the immense potential of our youthful population, and a vibrant diaspora that projects Nigeria’s excellence across the world. Together, these four pillars form a people-centred and forward-looking framework that defines Nigeria’s renewed voice and influence on the world stage.
“We must avoid over-alignment because it creates threats in our region. Strategic Autonomy is sophisticated statecraft, not wanton opportunism. We must reject binary ideological alignments and focus on issues-based relationships as defined by our foreign policy objectives and national aspirations.”
The Minister also disclosed that the process of reviewing the curriculum of the Foreign Service Academy has commenced, adding the review, Tuggar is to reflect the current global realities.
He noted that we are in an era where diplomacy itself is being redefined.
The Minister stressed that the world has become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.
He noted that the Foreign Service is a profession that demands patriotism, integrity and most importantly, competence, stressing that: “In this regard, and following my recent visit to the permanent site of the Foreign Service Academy in Badagry, I am pleased to announce that the process of reviewing the curriculum to reflect these global realities has commenced.”
He explained: “We live in an era where diplomacy itself is being redefined. The world has become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.
“The Foreign Service is a calling to represent Nigeria’s dignity and aspirations. Every word you speak, every negotiation you enter, and every decision you are part of, will project the image of this great country.”
He also added that the Ministry has created the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk in recognition of the evolving world.
According to him: “It is in recognition of this evolving reality that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently created a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and hosted a seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy. These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigerian diplomacy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and competitive.”
He also reminded the graduates that “the Foreign Service entails a lifetime of learning. You must keep reading and improving yourselves. Each assignment will teach you something new about nations, about humanity, and about yourself. I urge you to embrace this journey with humility, curiosity and discipline.
“Your diplomatic life will know no limits if you look beyond postings and protocol assignments and aim to be innovative, resilient and purpose-driven.”
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry has commenced a review process of its Station Charters “to set new, contemporary performance targets that reflect modern diplomatic demands. “Our goal is to derive greater value from Nigeria’s presence in over 109 countries, not just through political engagement, but also through human capital development, business process outsourcing, local minerals processing, and trade facilitation.”
He noted that the country’s diplomats “must understand their role within the framework of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), an initiative championed by President Tinubu to strengthen democratic institutions, promote stability, and address the root causes of insecurity across West Africa. As representatives of Nigeria, you will serve on the front lines of this task, helping build coalitions to protect democracy and development in our region. Bear in mind that RPD recognises the variable geometry of Democracy- it’s different forms and speeds of application, especially in our region and our continent.”
The minister also used the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Foreign Service Academy returns to its permanent site in Badagry, Lagos. Discussions are ongoing to secure partnerships and funding through both public–private collaboration and development partners to make this a reality.”
He equally urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Foreign Service Commission Bill, which will provide the legal framework necessary to strengthen the Academy’s autonomy, attract partnerships, and expand its capacity to train not only Nigerians but diplomats across brotherly countries in Africa.
Tuggar Tasks Foreign Service graduates to and debunk negative religious narratives
National News
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
By: Bodunrin Kayode
President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.
The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.
From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.
A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.
“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.
“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.
“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.
Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.
These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001
This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.
And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.
The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
National News
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.
This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.
The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).
The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).
Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.
Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.
He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.
“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.
“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.
Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
National News
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
By: Michael Mike
The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.
The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.
The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.
His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.
In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.
He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.
The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
