Tinubu urges Universities To Combat Insecurity With Technology

Tinubu urges universities to combat insecurity with technology. He said the world has gone beyond physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace criminals.

President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to develop technological tools necessary to enhance the detection and tracking of security breaches in the country.

Mr Tinubu made the call on Saturday at the  26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st combined convocation ceremony of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) in Makurdi.

Represented by Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Mr Tinubu said combating  insecurity in the 21st century has gone beyond the physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace criminals.
The president said that the world has advanced to a level that the country needs her universities to develop technology to help address the lingering security challenges.

“My administration is also not unaware of the security challenges faced by this university and is determined to continue to do its best to make all institutions of learning across the country conducive and safe for all learners and managers of educational institutions.

“Let me throw a challenge to our academics who need to work and develop tools and materials necessary to enhance the detection and tracking of security breaches to make our country safe.

“The combat of insecurity in the 21st century has gone beyond the physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace crime perpetrators.

“Our universities should therefore be engaged in research aimed at the production and utilisation of drones and other technology-driven solutions to help combat the menace of insecurity on our campuses and beyond.

“The Nigerian military is doing an excellent job in this direction, and we shall continue to support them in all ramifications,” he said.
Mr Tinubu stated that his administration would continue to give education a priority with improved funding through capital appropriation and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He, however, urged the managers of the universities to be accountable and prudent in the application of the resources available to them.

The president described universities of agriculture as specialised universities that must also key into the agriculture and livestock transformation effort of his administration for maximum impact.

“The concept of agriculture as a food producing tool cannot continue to be relegated to the subsistence level if we are to ensure food security for our people.

“Commercial and mechanised agriculture must become our way of life.

Tinubu

“The training of manpower in agriculture, collaboration with organisations, and the development and release of improved crop varieties by the university should be consistent to align with the policy of my administration to tackle and address national food insecurity.

“The title of the convocation lecture “The Complex Relationship Between Insecurity and Food Systems in Nigeria” is well chosen to enlighten everyone on the menace of food shortfalls and its complexities.

“Once again, I commend the various collaborators who have continued to interface with the university towards the actualisation of the federal government agenda for national self-sufficiency in food production and job creation and enjoin you to do even better,” he said.

He commended the efforts of the JOSTUM management to bring in innovations and development in spite of the global economic recession and insecurity being experienced around the world, including Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu said that the FG realised that education and security were the best tools for development and civilisation in any society.

The president congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their wealth of knowledge in contemporary skills in agriculture to provide services and expertise that would create wealth for them. and employment for youths.

Women To Take Charge, Not To Wait For Leadership Roles: TUC

Women to take charge, not to wait for leadership roles. She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.

The chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Women’s Commission, Sandra Ogbonna, has urged women to take deliberate steps towards leadership through proactive action rather than waiting for opportunities.

Mrs Ogbonna made this call at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration with the theme “Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority” in Abuja on Saturday.
She stated that leadership positions must be actively pursued, as they are not freely given.

Mrs Ogbonna noted the persistent gender gap in leadership, noting that in spite of women’s contributions, decision-making spaces remain dominated by men.
She called on women to equip themselves with knowledge, support one another, challenge barriers, and advocate for policy reforms that promote inclusivity.

“We must break self-imposed limitations and take our rightful place in leadership,” she said, encouraging women to engage in governance and politics.

She also urged members of the TUC Women’s Commission to participate actively in discussions and decision-making processes.

The secretary of the commission, Uche Ukachukwu, underscored the importance of resilience and leadership in advancing women’s empowerment.
Ms Ukachukwu stressed that women’s achievements must never be overlooked.
“The knowledge we gain in spaces like this is invaluable, you may not realise its significance now, but one day, you will,” she said.

She reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to celebrating women’s contributions and urged attendees to reflect, learn, and continue pushing for gender equality.
“Resilience is key to overcoming obstacles and making a lasting impact,” she added.

The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT chapter, Grace Ike, called on women to be intentional in supporting one another, stressing that mere lip service will not drive progress in gender parity.

Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged the support she received from women like the union’s secretary but emphasised that such support must be based on merit rather than emotion or gender solidarity.

“Without even questioning my competence, she supported me simply because she believed in women. But beyond that, we must ensure that the women we support are capable.

“We should not blindly follow someone just because she is a woman. Let us do our due diligence, and if she is competent, why not support her?” Ms Ike stated.

She criticised women who refuse to support other women due to personal interests, describing them as obstacles to real progress.
She cited an instance within the NUJ where some men were more willing to back a female candidate than certain women, one of whom openly opposed her candidacy.

“The men said, ‘Women don’t support women,’ but we proved them wrong. However, one woman insisted that unless it was her preferred candidate, she would never support another woman.

“Ironically, this same woman now holds a leadership position, despite once fighting against another woman’s rise,” Ms Ike revealed.

Calling for a shift from performative activism to measurable action, she urged women to evaluate their impact before each Women’s Day celebration.

“We must not just gather every year to talk. By 2026, we should be able to point to tangible achievements from 2025. How many women did we uplift? Who did we empower? If we do not have results, then we are merely running in circles,” she said.

Ms Ike proposed initiatives such as legislative advocacy, gender-sensitive laws, and lobbying for special seats for women in political and decision-making spaces.
She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.

“It is not about having millions. Have you given a woman ₦20,000 to start a petty trade? Have you given ₦5,000 to help someone start a small recharge card business? These are the real actions that change lives,” she argued.

She warned against hypocrisy in the women’s movement, vowing to expose those who claim to support gender equality but work against it in private.

“If I were to conduct investigative journalism, I would visit people’s homes and ask about them. That is how we will identify those who merely hold microphones and talk but do nothing for women,” she added.

Ms Ike called for a new, action-driven movement, suggesting that the phrase “women supporting women” might be too long and instead advocating for “She for She” as a rallying call.

TUC

“At the current rate, gender parity will not be achieved until 2158. This delay is unacceptable. We must act decisively. Enough of the talk—let’s make women’s support intentional and impactful,” she declared.

The FCT chairman of the TUC commission, Paul Audu, called for urgent action to dismantle barriers preventing women from occupying leadership positions.

He praised the resilience and dedication of women across all sectors, emphasising their role in national development.
Mr Audu acknowledged that in spite of some progress, leadership spaces remain disproportionately occupied by men.

“Talent is not gendered! Competence knows no chromosomes! Yet, systemic barriers continue to hold back the incredible potential of our women,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the trade union movement’s commitment to equality, stressing that empowering women strengthens workplaces, policies, and society as a whole.

“This is not just about fairness; it’s about progress,” he declared, urging intentional efforts to create space for women in decision-making roles.
He urged everyone to accelerate change by challenging the status quo and actively dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement.

Mr Audu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to being a driving force for gender equality, stating that real progress will only come when women’s voices are heard at the highest levels.

Presidency Described Atiku’s Claims On EFCC Probe, Sanwo-Olu “Baseless”

Presidency described Atiku’s claims on EFCC probe, Sanwo-Olu “baseless”. The Presidency has described as “baseless” claims by the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, that he was being targeted for investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A statement signed by Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday said Atiku’s claims are “false and reflecting a troubling patter of relying on social media gossip.”

On Thursday, Atiku claimed that the EFCC was probing him in connection with financial activities involving the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In a statement on Friday, Onanuga described Atiku’s claims as baseless and misleading.

The Presidency dismissed the allegations as Atiku’s “desperate attempt” to remain politically relevant through unfounded accusations and social media gossip.

“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to the unfounded allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claims to be the subject of an EFCC investigation regarding unsubstantiated financial dealings involving Lagos State. “These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance.

It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant.

The statement explained that President Tinubu does not have time for gossips, as he is busy addressing national challenges. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.

The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.
Atiku was advised to take leadership responsibilities and quit the desperate search for attention.

“Atiku’s allegations are infantile and a transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks. His repeated attempts to drag the Presidency and now the Lagos State Government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amid his fading attempt to cobble a coalition.

Atiku, Sanwo-Olu

“Since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.

“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities Nigeria urgently needs. “Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence.

Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law.

“The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention.”