Nduka Obaigbena, founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, on Thursday delivered a rousing address at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference in Abuja, calling on Nigerian editors to defend democracy, embrace artificial intelligence, and reclaim Africa’s place in global media distribution.
Addressing more than 500 editors, policymakers, and diplomats at the State House Conference Centre, Obaigbena unveiled plans to launch a new homegrown digital platform, Lekeelekee, in January 2026. The platform, he said, is designed to “dilute the chokehold of the United States and China” over the global flow of information and entertainment content.
“We must engage for the greater good of Nigeria,” Obaigbena declared, reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the execution of journalist Ken Saro-Wiwa under military rule. “Thirty years after, we sit in this same complex under a democratic government. That is why democracy matters.”
In a sweeping speech that wove together history, economics, and media innovation, Obaigbena linked Nigeria’s authoritarian past to its current democratic progress. He invoked the legacies of three historic media figures — Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Bola Tinubu — to illustrate the transformative power of journalism in shaping national leadership.
Obaigbena commended President Tinubu, who hosted the conference and is himself a former media proprietor, for maintaining an open channel with the press. “We are at the crossroads of reforms that have been hard fought,” he said. “We must protect our economic stability with everything we have, because if we lose it, we lose the sacrifices of the last two years.”
He warned that external shocks — including sanctions or geopolitical disruptions — could “destabilise the economy” and undermine recent fiscal gains. Instead, he urged editors and national leaders to “build a coalition of the willing” to confront insecurity, poverty, and the rise of misinformation through cooperation and shared purpose.
Turning to technology, Obaigbena stressed that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the global media landscape. He cautioned that Africa risks becoming “a passive spectator” in a world where “one or two countries control global content distribution.”
“We are entering an AI-dominated information age,” he noted. “Google’s algorithms are changing, search models are shifting, and the monetisation of content is being rewritten. If we do not act, we will again be consumers, not creators, in the new media economy.”
He described Lekeelekee as a strategic intervention — a multimedia hub that would empower African creators, editors, and broadcasters to distribute and monetise their work independently of Western and Chinese digital gatekeepers. “We have a responsibility to build our own technology and algorithms,” he said, “to determine how our content is earned and shared.”
This year’s conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, drew an impressive array of national leaders and media stakeholders.
President Bola Tinubu was joined by the governors of Plateau, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Kano States, as well as ministers, diplomats, and media veterans including Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and Femi Adesina.
General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) has raised alarm over what it describes as an unlawful and contemptuous attempt by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to appoint a Receiver over the company in defiance of a valid court order.
In a strongly-worded statement on Wednesday, the company stated that Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos had on 23 September 2025 — in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1903/2025 — issued an interim injunction expressly restraining AMCON, its Managing Director, the Attorney General of the Federation, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), and their agents from taking any steps to enforce any rights over GHL or its assets pending the determination of the substantive motion.
GHL noted that the order was again reinforced in open court on 22 October 2025, in the presence of AMCON’s representatives.
The court injunction, as quoted in the GHL statement, specifically restrains AMCON and all persons acting on its behalf from: “…taking any steps or continuing with any steps whatsoever to enforce any rights against the Applicant (GHL) or its assets, including but not limited to freezing the accounts of the Applicants, its Directors or Shareholders, the appointment of a Receiver/Receiver Manager, Asset Manager, Recovery Agent, etc…”
The order further blocks any such enforcement actions arising from transactions or agreements relating to AMCON’s purchase of First Bank’s non-performing loan against GHL.
According to the company, the attempt to override the court directive amounts to a calculated abuse of judicial processes, and an alleged scheme by institutions and parties acting in collusion to wrongfully take over GHL’s assets.
“We expect institutions and Government agencies to obey Court Orders and govern Nigeria based on the rule of law, and not lend themselves to be used as willing tools in the hands of private companies to oppress and intimidate innocent citizens, corporate or individual,” GHL said.
The energy firm further asserted that it is not indebted to AMCON, FBN, or any financial institution in Nigeria in any form — either directly or indirectly — and therefore described the attempts to appoint a Receiver as “corrupt, fraudulent, and driven by ulterior motives.”
GHL disclosed that the dispute around its crude oil entitlements has now reached the Supreme Court in Suit No: SC/CV/929/2025. It added that it has also filed to set aside what it termed an inconsistent arbitration award at the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2241/2025.
The company confirmed that all relevant parties — including AMCON and its legal proxies — are expected to return to Justice Allagoa’s court on 11 November 2025, where GHL intends to formally report the alleged material non-disclosure, abuse of court processes, and disregard for the subsisting orders of the Federal High Court.
While insisting it will “vehemently resist” any illegal takeover attempt, the company appealed for calm among partners, investors, and the general public.
“As a law-abiding citizen, we urge all our stakeholders to remain calm as we are certain that justice will be served according to the law,” the statement added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the welfare of staff as a cornerstone of the Ministry’s administrative agenda.
According to a statement signed bt the Principal Superintendent of Press (PSP) on behalf of the Director, Information and Public Relations, Patience Ituke, he spoke at the official commissioning of a newly refurbished staff bus at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
Ambassador Aduda highlighted the significance of staff-centered initiatives in driving institutional efficiency and productivity.
“This refurbished bus is not just a means of transport; it is a statement of our commitment to improving the working conditions and overall well-being of our dedicated personnel,” he said.
He added, “We will continue to roll out projects and policies that boost staff morale and enhance the work environment.”
The upgraded vehicle is intended to ease daily commuting challenges and reduce transportation-related stress for staff members.
Ambassador Aduda noted that the transportation initiative will be implemented in phases to ensure broad coverage and impact staff of the ministry.
The event was attended by directors, union leaders, and members of staff, who commended the Permanent Secretary for his visionary leadership and expressed appreciation for his continued efforts to prioritize staff welfare.
Many lauded the move as timely and impactful, pledging their renewed dedication to the Ministry’s service delivery objectives.
As the world marks the 2025 World Refugee Day under the theme “Solidarity with Refugees,” the Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation (ARRA)—also known as the Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocates—joins the global community in commemorating the resilience, strength, and dignity of millions of people forcibly displaced from their homes.
This year’s observance is not merely a ceremonial reflection—it is a clarion call to global action. In a world where over 120 million people are currently displaced due to conflict, persecution, violence, and climate-induced crises, ARRA is calling on governments, international agencies, civil society organizations, and host communities to move beyond rhetoric and embrace genuine solidarity through practical support, legal protections, and inclusive policies.
In a statement signed by Dr. Okey James Ezugwu, a legal practitioner and Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration Service (Rtd), and the Founder/Executive Director of ARRA, the organization stressed that:
“Solidarity with refugees must be more than a theme or a slogan. It must translate into tangible actions that safeguard their rights, protect their dignity, and guarantee their access to justice, healthcare, education, employment, and a safe place to call home. The world cannot afford to look away while vulnerable families and individuals suffer in camps, border crossings, and detention facilities.”
Dr. Ezugwu decried the increasing incidences of xenophobia, forced deportations, arbitrary detentions, and policy rollbacks that have worsened the plight of refugees across continents. He noted that despite the commitments made under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, many nations continue to fall short in meeting their obligations.
“We must remind ourselves that refugees are not threats—they are victims of threats. They are not a burden to society but are potential contributors to national growth, if given the chance to rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity,” he said.
ARRA further called for enhanced global cooperation to address the root causes of displacement, and urged states to adopt and implement refugee protection frameworks that uphold international human rights and humanitarian standards.
As part of its commitment to action, the Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation announced its continued readiness to provide pro bono legal support, representation, and advocacy services for asylum seekers and refugees in Nigeria and across Africa. ARRA will also intensify its partnership with other rights-based organizations, policy influencers, and government stakeholders to push for more inclusive migration and refugee policies.
“On this World Refugee Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand with refugees—not just in words, but in consistent and courageous action. Solidarity is not a passive sentiment; it is a deliberate choice to build a just world where no one is left behind,” Dr. Ezugwu added.
The organization called on individuals, institutions, and policymakers to lend their voices, resources, and platforms to ensure that the fundamental rights of refugees are protected and their hopes for a better future are kept alive.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and training infrastructure across the Nigerian Armed Forces.
During an official visit to Kaduna, Ambassador Aduda inspected the newly completed 100-bed Medical Interns Accommodation Facility at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (NARH).
The state-of-the-art complex features en-suite rooms, fully equipped common areas, recreational lounges, and an alternative solar power system—designed to provide a comfortable and sustainable living environment for medical interns.
Speaking after the tour, Ambassador Aduda expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facility, noting that dignified accommodation plays a critical role in improving the performance and morale of healthcare professionals within the Armed Forces.
“By investing in quality living conditions, we empower our interns to focus on their responsibilities without distraction, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for our gallant men and women in uniform,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored the importance of reliable infrastructure such as steady power supply and well-equipped communal areas to ensure an efficient, safe, and supportive environment for residents.
In a related development, Ambassador Aduda conducted an assessment visit to the Special Operations Forces Training Ground at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Camp Kabala. Accompanied by the Camp Commandant, Major General FS Etim, the Permanent Secretary inspected ongoing training exercises and facilities, commending the high standards of discipline and operational readiness demonstrated by the personnel.
He was joined on the tour by senior officials including Dr. Sunday Attah, Director of Army Affairs at the Ministry of Defence; Brigadier General GS Ogoh, Director of Medical Services at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, and other Ministry representatives.
These visits underscore the Ministry’s broader strategic vision to strengthen operational capacity and enhance the welfare of military personnel through sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital.
Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, frontline Chairmanship aspirant in the aborted North Central Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has, in a powerful Eid al-Adha message to Nigerian Muslims, congratulateed them for a peaceful celebration, urging continued prayers for visionary leadership and national renewal.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Ajiya congratulated Muslims across the country, particularly in the North Central region, on the successful celebration of Eid al-Adha, emphasizing the importance of the values it represents.
“On this sacred occasion of Eid al-Adha, I extend my warmest congratulatory message and heartfelt felicitations to all Muslims across Nigeria… May the peace, blessings, and mercy of Almighty Allah be upon you and your loved ones,” he stated.
Reflecting on the spiritual depth of the celebration, Ajiya highlighted the timeless example of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and sacrifice, noting its significance for both religious and national reflection.
“Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is a powerful reminder of the unwavering faith, obedience, and devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s will,” Ajiya said. “It is a time that calls on all of us—not just Muslims, but all Nigerians—to reflect deeply on the values of sacrifice, humility, and trust in divine guidance, especially in these trying times.”
Calling for a renewal of national hope, Ajiya appealed to Muslims to intensify their prayers for Nigeria’s healing, unity, and emergence of effective leadership.
“I call on all Muslims to continue to pray fervently for our nation—for healing, unity, and visionary leadership that will take us out of the shadows of insecurity, economic hardship, and disillusionment,” he urged. “Our collective prayers and actions are essential to birth a new Nigeria that aligns with our shared dreams of equity, justice, and progress.”
The PDP chieftain emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical juncture where sacrificial and morally grounded leadership is urgently needed.
“Nigeria today stands at a crossroads, and more than ever, we need leaders who embody the values of selflessness, sacrifice, and moral integrity—leaders who will serve with compassion and courage, just as Prophet Ibrahim submitted to the will of the Almighty without hesitation,” Ajiya stressed.
Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and to transformational leadership in the North Central region, Ajiya expressed confidence in a future shaped by inclusiveness and justice.
“As a loyal member of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a committed aspirant to the Chairmanship position in the North Central Zone, I reaffirm my dedication to the ideals of justice, inclusiveness, and transformational leadership. Together, we can build a future that reflects the yearnings of our people—a future where no Nigerian is left behind,” he declared.
Concluding his message, Ajiya called on Nigerians to uphold the spirit of sacrifice and unity beyond the festivities.
“I urge us all to reach out to the less privileged, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and embrace the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and submission to the will of Allah in all our dealings,” he said.
“May this Eid bring peace to our communities, healing to our nation, and renewed strength to our democracy. Eid Mubarak to you and your families.”
Ajiya’s message resonates as a call for spiritual, ethical, and political renewal at a time when many Nigerians are yearning for hope and change.
A formidable alliance of civic and pro-democracy organizations has emerged in Nigeria with the unveiling of a sweeping national policy agenda aimed at tackling the country’s deepening food insecurity and growing fears of democratic regression. The U.S.-based Big Thumb Network (BTN), in collaboration with the Indigenous Food and Allied Processors Association Network (IFAPAN) and Save Democracy Mega Alliance (SDMA), formally launched their movement during a major roundtable in Lagos on May 29, 2025.
Held at the Excellence Hotel in Ikeja, the event marked a significant milestone in a campaign that its organizers hope will reshape Nigeria’s political and socio-economic trajectory. The date — the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumption of office — was chosen deliberately to underscore the coalition’s dissatisfaction with the current administration’s record and to reclaim the spirit of Nigeria’s now-discontinued Democracy Day.
Jeremy Osezua, convener of Big Thumb Network and a U.S.-based governance advocate, addressed the gathering virtually. He described the state of the nation in stark terms, noting that “the symbolic theme of today’s event captures the essence of our mission.” According to Osezua, “Nigeria is enduring tribulations of hunger, insecurity, and the drift toward one-party tyranny.” He warned that the Tinubu administration, barely two years in office, was already resorting to “Machiavellian repression of opposition parties,” adding, “The people must rise, organize, and change the direction of our country.”
The roundtable was not merely symbolic but was attended by a range of civic and political actors from across Nigeria’s ideological spectrum. These included former state commissioners, civil society activists, religious leaders, opposition politicians, and representatives from various labor and good governance groups.
Among the key speakers were noted writer and apostolic activist Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, labor rights advocate Barrister Affiong Affiong, former Ogun State commissioner Dr. Kehinde Sogunle, political analyst Dr. Dayo Kayode, and several others who offered grim assessments of the national condition and called for urgent, coordinated action.
Comrade Tony Akeni of the Save Democracy Mega Alliance and Okhaimon Aiyegbeni AA Omonhinmin of IFAPAN, both of whom co-convened the roundtable, signed a communique at the event’s close that critics say reads as both an indictment and a manifesto.
The communique expressed deep concern over what it described as the government’s lack of vision, stating, “Tinubu’s reform is nebulous, headless, heartless, elitist and fiendish.”
The communiqué accused the administration of having no coherent policy framework, which it said has resulted in a pattern of “afterthought actions” rather than deliberate planning. “Its most prominent achievement,” the communique continued, “is the pauperization of Nigerians and the plunging of life expectancy to the lowest ebb ever recorded by concerned rating institutions across Africa and the globe.”
Another thread running through the communiqué was the criticism of what the coalition sees as President Tinubu’s obsession with securing a second term. “Tinubu’s obsession with 2027 re-election politics has overshadowed realistically addressing socioeconomic issues that have turned Nigerians into scavengers in their country,” it read. Citing the administration’s “voodoo economic policy,” the communique painted a bleak picture of an economy in freefall and a populace left adrift.
The roundtable called for the immediate formation of a broad-based coalition of patriotic actors to “rescue Nigeria from the current insensitive and experimental policies of the Tinubu Administration, which have reduced Nigerians from citizens to laboratory rodents.”
Despite what they described as the president’s attempt to weaken opposition forces through mass defections and propaganda campaigns led by his “emilokan ululationists,” the coalition declared its confidence in the people’s ability to reclaim Nigeria through the ballot box in 2027. “Nigerians will decide the outcome of the 2027 general elections, not the spurious algebraic conspiracy between the federal electoral body and the judiciary,” the communique asserted.
Food insecurity dominated much of the discussion. According to the coalition, Nigeria experienced the largest spike in acute food insecurity anywhere in the world in 2024, with 31.8 million Nigerians facing near-famine conditions.
The communiqué blamed this crisis on a combination of factors: armed conflicts, terrorism, rampant corruption, wasteful governance, and systemic economic mismanagement. The coalition also pointed to a particularly harrowing phenomenon — the mass displacement and loss of life resulting from environmental disasters and violent land grabs by armed herdsmen and insurgents.
In what was perhaps the most damning section of the document, the roundtable declared that “the bloodletting by hordes of land-grabbing killer Fulani herdsmen and Islamic terrorists… is a crime against humanity and civilization.” It accused key elements of the military and political elite of enabling these atrocities by providing cover and impunity, stating that such actions constitute a direct affront to both Christian and Muslim moral teachings.
As Nigeria now holds the unenviable status of having the largest population of people living in extreme poverty, the coalition emphasized that the current food crisis is not simply a natural disaster but “a symptom of domestic governance failures.”
The communiqué ended on a somber but urgent note, warning that unless “swift, practical, purposeful and sustainable interventions are undertaken by government at all levels,” Nigeria will plunge into a humanitarian and economic catastrophe.
Despite the grim tone, organizers were adamant that the Lagos summit marked only the beginning of a broader mobilization. Plans are already underway to hold similar policy roundtables in each of the remaining five geopolitical zones. The ultimate aim is to produce a national charter for food security, democratic reform, and citizen empowerment to be presented not only to the Nigerian government but also to international development partners and regional bodies.
In his closing remarks, Omonhinmin stated, “This is not just about 2027. This is about saving our people — from hunger, from dictatorship, and from despair. We will not be silenced.”
With civil society regaining its voice and opposition forces preparing for a long road to 2027, the coalition behind the Big Thumb Network may become a defining player in Nigeria’s evolving political story. The message from Lagos was clear: the people must act — and they must act now.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed H.E. Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has concluded a two-day working visit to key military institutions in Kaduna State, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot (CED), Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited (BETSL), and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Accompanied by senior military officials, including Major General M.L.D. Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division; Major General A.K. Ibrahim, Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy; and Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, Commandant of AFIT, the Minister engaged with personnel and observed the advancements in military training and production.
In his remarks to journalists following the visits, the Minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning from foreign military procurement to local production of combat vehicles, arms, ammunition, and other military equipment. This transition marks a significant step toward self-reliance, enhancing national security.
“The ongoing efforts in training, local production, and refurbishment of military assets are commendable,” the Minister stated. “During my inspections, I witnessed the impressive capabilities in repairing and refurbishing damaged Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, tanks, and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). New combat platforms, including Buffalo APCs, MRAPs, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance UAVs, are being developed in our workshops. Some of these assets are already being redeployed to operational theaters.”
He praised the Armed Forces for their innovative initiatives and highlighted the essential role of Training, Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) in achieving operational excellence. He called for continued collaboration between military institutions and increased investment in military RDI to enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on imported hardware.
Badaru also noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities, referencing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law. This legislation aims to facilitate the local production, repair, refurbishment, and supply of military hardware and ordnance for the armed forces and other security agencies.
He stressed the importance of ongoing support for institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy, AFIT, CED, and BETSL to ensure the development of skilled, competent, and dedicated military personnel and enhance defense production capabilities.
In a sweeping nationwide tour aimed at revitalizing the Nigeria Police Force Airwing, the recently appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Airwing, CP Martin Nwogoh, embarked on a series of high-level courtesy visits to strategic stakeholders in the aviation industry and within the Nigeria Police hierarchy.
These engagements, held between May 14 and May 22, 2025, are a continuation of CP Nwogoh’s effort to drive forward the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s agenda to reposition the Airwing as a formidable aerial surveillance and tactical support unit.
The visits, which spanned Lagos, Osogbo in Osun State, Enugu, and Lafia in Nasarawa State, were focused on fostering collaborative partnerships in aircraft maintenance, technical training, drone deployment, and infrastructure development. The CP used the engagements as platforms to rally for support, share the IGP’s vision, and cement critical partnerships to ensure continued airworthiness, operational sustainability, and training advancements for the Airwing.
Engagement with Caverton Group: Consolidating Technical Collaboration
CP Martin Nwogoh visited the Caverton Group Headquarters in Lagos where he was warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer, Captain Rotimi Makajola. In his welcome address, outlined Caverton’s operational footprint spanning aviation and marine services, with emphasis on training and maintenance capabilities.
During the CP Martin Nwogoh, CP Airwing’s Visit to Airfirst Mainatance and Engineering Limited Lagos Recently
Highlighting their deep expertise in aircraft maintenance, Captain Makajola expressed Caverton’s readiness to partner with the Police Airwing by integrating police engineers into their maintenance programs.
In his response, CP Nwogoh expressed deep appreciation for Caverton’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and technical proficiency, acknowledging that the collaboration would be instrumental in actualizing the IGP’s vision to restore grounded aircraft and roll out drone operations nationwide. According to the CP, this synergy would ensure that criminal elements find “no hiding place” as the Airwing regains its full operational strength.
The CP was taken on a guided tour of Caverton’s maintenance hangars, drone assembly hall, logistics facilities, and training classrooms.
Captain Makajola, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed Caverton’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police in achieving aviation excellence.
Commissioner of police Airwing Pays Courtesy Visit to Caverton Helicopters in Lagos
Strategic Engagement with Lagos State Police Command
In a related engagement, CP Nwogoh paid a courtesy visit to CP Oluhundare Jimo, the 41st Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
In his address, CP Nwogoh decried the dire state of the Airwing’s hangar infrastructure in Lagos, calling for collaborative efforts to refurbish it in line with the IGP’s revamp directive.
He emphasized the strategic importance of aerial coverage in addressing Nigeria’s complex security terrain, citing the ongoing patrols on the Kaduna–Abuja highway as a successful deployment model and raised the urgent need to operationalize the IRS helicopters.
CP Jimo pledged unwavering support to the Airwing’s revitalization effort, expressing confidence in CP Nwogoh’s capacity to lead this transformation. He acknowledged the Airwing’s critical role in national security and promised to discuss the need for aerial surveillance in Ikorodu with the proactive Lagos State Governor.
Consolidating Aviation Training Partnerships: Visit to Aero Consult ATO
At the Aero Consult Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) in Lagos, CP Nwogoh was received by Mr. Christopher A. O., the Accountable Manager, who introduced the Aero Consult management and outlined the organisation’s aviation programs and capabilities. The meeting marked another milestone in the CP’s mission to consolidate partnerships with aviation training institutions.
CP Nwogoh emphasized the crucial role of aviation in effective crime fighting and security operations, reiterating the IGP’s directive for robust training and retraining of Airwing officers. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Aero Consult’s application for formal partnership with the Police Airwing to build technical capacity.
Mr. Christopher expressed appreciation for the CP’s historic visit and reiterated Aero Consult’s readiness to support the Police Airwing in any capacity.
Lecture and Facility Tour at the Lagos Airwing Hangar
On May 14, 2025, CP Nwogoh delivered a lecture and conducted a facility inspection at the Lagos Airwing Hangar. DCP A. Razaq welcomed the CP and gave a detailed briefing on recent achievements and prevailing challenges, including poor accommodation, absence of a functional power generator, vehicle shortages, and general disrepair of the hangar premises.
CP Nwogoh praised the resilience of the officers and pledged immediate action, starting with the provision of a power generator upon his return to Abuja.
The CP emphasized the strategic importance of the Lagos Hangar as the first in the country and assured the personnel of its full restoration. He outlined the IGP’s broader agenda to revive grounded aircraft, deploy drones, reinforce discipline, and improve welfare across the Airwing.
The CP also toured key facilities including the dilapidated AIG’s Office, library, stores, pilot rooms, avionics section, and administrative areas, reaffirming his resolve to overhaul Airwing infrastructure Nationwide in line with the IGP’s directive.
Strengthening Ties with Airfirst and Aviation Stakeholders
Furthering technical collaborations, CP Nwogoh paid a courtesy visit to Airfirst, an MRO service provider, whose Abuja office currently operates out of the Police Hangar. Discussions centered on integrating the Airwing into Airfirst’s Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO), which would enhance the operational sustainability of Police aircraft.
Osogbo Visit: Appeal for Infrastructure Development
On May 16, 2025, CP Nwogoh visited Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, where he met with the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad. The visit focused on the Police helipad in Osogbo, which currently lacks a hangar and technical facilities. CP Nwogoh emphasized the need to deploy pilots, engineers, and necessary equipment to activate operations at the site.
CP Umar pledged to communicate the importance of the facility to the State Governor and to seek his support in establishing a fully functional hangar and associated infrastructure.
Tour of Enugu Airwing Facility and Visit to International Helicopter Flying School
CP Nwogoh’s tour also took him to Enugu, where he inspected the Airwing facility established in 2014 under the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime. Although the hangar includes accommodation and office space for pilots and engineers, it has remained underutilized due to the absence of personnel and equipment. CP Nwogoh met with the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the state Commissioner of Police to discuss deployment plans. Both pledged their full support, with the Governor promising assistance once operations commence.
The CP also visited the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) located at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. He was received by the Rector, Captain F.S. Ma’aji, who detailed the school’s achievements, including the graduation of 30 students, facility upgrades, and international training engagements, such as the recent graduation of eight Burkina Faso military personnel.
Captain Ma’aji recounted the school’s founding in 2012 and praised the performance of its pioneering students, many of whom are now senior Police Airwing officers. He proposed the conversion of 12 fixed-wing pilots to helicopter pilots and highlighted the school’s advanced training equipment, including simulators and Robinson helicopter maintenance capabilities.
In his response, CP Nwogoh commended the school’s contributions to aviation training and reaffirmed the IGP’s directive on retraining and up-skilling police pilots. He expressed strong interest in the proposed conversion training and noted the need for continued collaboration to enhance the Police Airwing’s human capital.
A Vision for Transformation
Throughout the multi-city tour, which concluded on Thursday, May 22 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, CP Martin Nwogoh demonstrated a clear vision and unwavering commitment to transform the Nigeria Police Airwing into a world-class aerial support unit as directed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D. His strategic engagements with technical partners, training institutions, and police commands are laying the groundwork for a modern, responsive, and professional aviation wing.
The partnerships initiated during this tour reflect a broader determination to restore all grounded helicopters, deploy drone technology, and ensure that no part of Nigeria is beyond the reach of law enforcement. As CP Nwogoh continues his tour, more updates are expected as the Airwing edges closer to a new era of operational excellence and national security support.
The former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Presidential standard bearer for the Labour Party, ( LP) His Excellency, Peter Gregory Obi, has lifted five young Kaduna State entrepreneurs with various sums of money to expand their businesses.
The five individuals were among the participants who excelled at the Kaduna small and medium scale enterprises exhibition, tagged SMES HUB Programme organized by Hassan Adamu during the weekend at the ancient power house of the Northern Nigeria.
Obi who was invited as a special guest at the event aimed at showcasing the ingenuity of the youths and their determination to be entrepreneurial or business owners was represented by the National Coordinator of Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko.
The five recipients of Obi’s empowerment supports were a lady chef, Ummu Kurthum of the Qrusty’s Dishes & Pastries who emerged first position, Aminu Ahmed Nu’uman who is in culinary business with the business name, Sufac Food Industry took Second Position while the third position went to Joel Tirom Muah, equally a lady whose business name is Pherobies & perfumes.
The consolation prices went to Moses Ojo whose interest is footwear and goes with the business name MO Footwears & Appeals and Hajara Jafar Muhammad another female participant whose business name is Gimbiya Integrated Firm.
Obi who in his usual way would not want the price values disclosed appreciated the efforts of the participants in trying to stand on their own without waiting for government and urged them to remain determined in their strive to be self employed.
He equally praised the organizer of the f kaduna SMES HUB Programme for the initiative stressing that it was a good platform to get the best skills out of the youths and put them into positive engagements so that they can believe in themselves.
The youths who exemplified various business ideas and innovations were happy with the show of love, kind gesture and award of prices by Peter Obi through the Obidient Movement.
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