International
Dabiri-Erewa Hails Anosike’s Historic NBL Sweep
Dabiri-Erewa Hails Anosike’s Historic NBL Sweep
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated E.J Anosike on his remarkable achievement as the Finals MVP of the 2026 National Basketball League (China) Season.
In a statement issued by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described Anosike’s accomplishment as historic, noting that he is the first player in the history of the league to win all major accolades, including the NBL Championship (2026), Finals MVP (2026), Regular Season Scoring Leader (2024), Best International Player (2025), two-time All-Star (2025, 2026), and All-Star Slam Dunk Champion (2026).
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She commended his consistency, discipline, and outstanding performance, stating that his achievement reflects the resilience and excellence that Nigerians continue to demonstrate on the global stage.
Dabiri-Erewa
According to her, “Anosike’s journey is a powerful testament to hard work, focus, and determination. His record-breaking accomplishments have not only brought pride to Nigeria but have also set a new standard of excellence in international basketball.”
The NiDCOM Boss further noted that his success serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians, particularly aspiring athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with dedication and confidence.
E-signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun (mnipr),
Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
(NiDCOM)
Education
FG Applauds Saudi Arabia For 50-Students Petroleum Scholarship Offer, Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties
FG Applauds Saudi Arabia For 50-Students Petroleum Scholarship Offer, Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for offering fully funded scholarships to 50 Nigerian students in petroleum and mineral studies, describing the gesture as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital development and a testament to the enduring bilateral relationship between both nations.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the commendation while receiving the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Monday, 27 April, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the scholarship initiative, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s priority to strengthen critical sectors of the economy through capacity building. “This is not just a scholarship programme; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, particularly in key sectors such as petroleum and solid minerals that are central to our economic growth and diversification,” the Minister stated.
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He highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that the programme is expected to be sustained annually, thereby creating a long-term impact. “The fact that this initiative is designed to be continuous, with 50 Nigerian students benefiting year after year, makes it even more impactful. It guarantees a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for our critical industries,” he said.
Idris further assured Ambassador Al-Balawi of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and to fast-tracking existing agreements between the two countries. “We are committed as a government to deepening this partnership and ensuring that all existing agreements, including the pending Memoranda of Understanding in broadcasting and other sectors, are fully implemented for mutual benefit,” he said.
The Minister also used the occasion to convey Nigeria’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, expressing hope for peace and stability. “Let me also take this opportunity, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, to express our solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this time of tensions in the Gulf region. We sincerely hope for continued peace, stability, and diplomatic resolution of all issues,” he stated.
Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador Al-Balawi conveyed the Saudi leadership’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his show of solidarity, noting that it reflects the strength of relations between the two nations.
He announced that the scholarship offer was conveyed through an official communication from the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and that the package includes tuition, travel tickets, accommodation, and monthly stipends. “This initiative reflects the genuine and strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. It is about real cooperation and real investment in the future of Nigerian youth,” Ambassador Al-Balawi said.
Saudi Arabia
Ambassador Al-Balawi also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, describing Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as key regional economic powers with vast partnership potential.
Those present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Director, Public Communications and National Orientation, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, the Director, Production, Publications and Documentary, Mr. Okunnu Ibidapo; the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, alongside other senior officials of the Ministry.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
27th April, 2026
NIDCOM: Another Rescued Nigerian Returns From Cairo
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has received another rescued Nigerian victim of human trafficking and labour exploitation, Mrs. Busola Victoria Alale, who returned to the country from Cairo on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Alale, a 41-year-old indigene of Ogun State, was received at the airport in Lagos by the Head of Lagos office, Mr. Dipo Odebowale on behalf of Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Her return was made possible through an anonymous philanthropist who heard her cry and offered to help by bearing all expenses for her return which cost some millions of naira
Speaking upon arrival, Alale recounted her ordeal, describing the inhumane conditions she endured while working as a domestic staff in Cairo.
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According to her, she was subjected to excessive working hours, often starting work at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until 4:00 a.m. the following day without rest, moving between multiple employers within a single day. She said the agent who trafficked her collects all her earnings.
She explained that prior to her trip, she operated a small frozen foods business which collapsed, prompting her decision to seek opportunities abroad.
However, she expressed deep regret over her decision to travel, noting that the promises of a better life turned out to be deceptive.
Alale advised Nigerian youths, particularly young women, to be wary of offers of lucrative jobs abroad, especially domestic work opportunities in some foreign countries, which may expose them to exploitation and abuse.
She expressed appreciation to the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the anonymous donor who bore all expenses to get her back and the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Cairo, Amb. Adesoye for facilitating her rescue and safe return to Nigeria.
NiDCOM
The Commission reiterates its warning to citizens against irregular migration and unverified job offers abroad.
NiDCOM also urges Nigerians to seek proper guidance and verify employment opportunities through appropriate government channels before travelling while noting that traffickers need to be continuously exposed and arrested.
E-signed:
Abdur-Rahman Balogun Head: Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit. (NiDCOM)
Crime
Emefiele: Witness Narrates How $6.23b Was Moved From CBN Coffers To Fund Foreign Observers Of 2023 Election
Emefiele: Witness Narrates How $6.23b Was Moved From CBN Coffers To Fund Foreign Observers Of 2023 Election
A witness, Chinedu Eneanya on Monday, April 27, 2026 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, a total sum of $6.23billion was allegedly siphoned from the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria under the guise of funding foreign election observers.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Emefiele on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence.
Eneanya, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, as the 13th prosecution witness, PW13, told the court that he was part of the team assigned to investigate the allegations against the defendant.
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According to him, investigations revealed that the sum of $6.23 billion was removed from the coffers of the CBN purportedly for the funding of foreign observers for the 2023 general election.
He further stated that individuals connected with the movement of the funds were invited and interviewed during the course of the investigation, while relevant documents authorising the release of the funds were recovered from the CBN.
The witness added that findings from the investigation showed that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were forged to facilitate the release of the funds.
He disclosed that forensic analysis conducted on the documents confirmed that the signatures attributed to the two officials were not genuine.
Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, Eneanya told the court that five CBN officials who signed the internal memo relating to the transaction were suspended by the bank.
Earlier in the proceedings, Burkaa had applied for the foreclosure of the prosecution’s case should it fail to present its remaining two witnesses at the next adjourned date, alleging a pattern of delay aimed at frustrating the defendant.
Emefiele
Responding, Oyedepo opposed the application, stating that the prosecution was not attempting to delay proceedings but was facing challenges in securing the attendance of the remaining witnesses, who are said to be outside the court’s jurisdiction in Benin-City and Lagos.
He urged the court not to shut out the prosecution from presenting its case.
Justice Muazu advised both parties to reserve their arguments on the application until the stage of final addresses. He also directed the prosecution to liaise with the court registrar to facilitate the issuance of subpoenas for the witnesses.
The matter was subsequently adjourned till Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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