International
Nigeria’s Military Action In Benin Reflects Tinubu’s Commitment To Democracy, Says Onanuga
Nigeria’s Military Action In Benin Reflects Tinubu’s Commitment To Democracy, Says Onanuga
Nigeria’s military action in Benin reflects Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, says Onanuga. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said Nigeria’s swift military support to Benin Republic following a foiled coup attempt, alongside the successful rescue of 100 abducted students in Niger State, reflects President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to defending democracy and improving national security.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday night, Onanuga explained that Nigeria’s response to last week’s attempted coup in Benin Republic was prompt, well-coordinated and carried out strictly at the request of the Beninese authorities.
“What happened on Sunday and what happened today only showed that this government is committed to protecting democracy, not just in Nigeria, but also among our neighbours.
“And what you have also seen in the release of the Papiri children is that our security people, the armed forces, the air force, the ground troops, they are up to the task of helping to protect this country,” he said.
He disclosed that the President of the Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, personally sought Nigeria’s assistance when the coup plot unfolded.
“The government of Benin, President Talon’s government, sent two notifications to Nigeria, actually in quick succession, because the first one was that Nigeria should send fighter jets to help them dislodge the coup plotters. And after that was done, they again requested ground troops,” Onanuga said.
According to him, the intervention aligned with ECOWAS protocols and President Tinubu’s longstanding advocacy for democratic governance within the West African subregion.
“Since he came in in 2023, he’s been the greatest advocate of democracy in the West African sub-region… Whatever command he gave to our military to support Benin is in consonance with that. That is what he believes in,” he said.
Addressing claims that President Talon had not openly acknowledged Nigeria’s support, Onanuga dismissed the suggestion, insisting appreciation had been shown. “I also read some accounts where he acknowledged Nigeria’s support. He needed Nigeria, and it was wise for them to have called on Nigeria to help them.”
He contrasted the Benin operation with Nigeria’s internal security challenges, noting that combating terrorism and banditry at home is far more complex.
“The internal war is more of an asymmetric war… You have ragtag bandits and terrorists sometimes holding our people as shields,” he said.
Onanuga explained that this reality makes military operations within Nigeria more delicate. “You have to be very careful not to go and bomb those they are holding as collateral. It’s different. These are like a guerrilla force. Even the almighty America couldn’t fight guerrillas in Afghanistan,” he added.
On the kidnapping of students from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Onanuga confirmed that 100 abducted students had been rescued, noting that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“We have wound all of them out. We are hoping the others will soon be released. Security agents are making all kinds of efforts to get those children out,” he said.
Asked whether ransom was paid, he declined to comment.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about security people and the way they do their work. All I am aware of is that they got the children out… This is the result that really matters,” he said.
He also avoided commenting on the legality of ransom payments, saying, “I don’t want to talk about the modus operandi of security people. They have a way of getting results.”
Citing official figures, Onanuga noted that more abductees remain with the terrorists. “The final figure they gave was that 215 students and 12 teachers were abducted. We are grateful that we have 115 students and 12 teachers remaining,” he said.
He added that the National Security Adviser had earlier explained how the rescue operations would proceed.
“The NSA said those children will be released in batches. I’m sure they must have found a way around it. I’m not a security man, I don’t want to talk about security,” he said.
Onanuga dismissed speculation about the identity of the abductors, describing those operating in the area as terrorists.
“Generally, the people operating along that axis are terrorists. Either they belong to Ansaru and all these gangs, or they are just terrorists operating there,” he said.
Military Action In Benin Reflects Tinubu’s Commitment To Democracy
He also spoke about the President’s directive to withdraw police escorts from VIPs, stressing that implementation was already underway.
“The IG came out to say he has withdrawn them… about 12,000 policemen doing VIP work. I rarely see policemen outside like before,” he said.
According to him, some security personnel still seen around prominent individuals are not regular police officers.
“There are those they call spy policemen. They wear police-like uniforms, but they are not really part of the workforce of the Police,” he said.
Onanuga concluded that the Tinubu administration’s actions at home and across the sub-region demonstrated both capacity and resolve.
“This government is committed to protecting democracy and our security people are up to the task of helping to protect this country,” he said.
Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana
Today, the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums, once again, in celebration of a milestone achievement with the completion of the international terminal and the commencement of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.
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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was on ground, and officially declared the airport ready for international operations.
Ibom Air
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying, “I am indeed proud to be an Akwa Ibomite.”
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Economy
NISER, NiDCOM Validate Diaspora Study To Strengthen Policy Framework For National Development
NISER, NiDCOM Validate Diaspora Study To Strengthen Policy Framework For National Development
The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has commenced the validation workshop for a major diaspora study titled, “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development.”
The workshop, held at BON Hotel, Octagon, Jahi, Abuja, brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, members of the National Assembly Committees, diaspora experts, professional bodies, development partners, members of the media, and representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with its diaspora community and maximizing their contributions to national development.
Delivering her welcome address, the Director-General of NISER, Antonia Taiye Simbine, described the study as a critical step toward evidence-based policymaking and sustainable diaspora engagement.
She stated that the validation workshop reflects the collective commitment of stakeholders to advancing Nigeria’s development through informed engagement with the diaspora community, noting that the large turnout of experts and partners underscores the importance of the exercise and the value attached to evidence-driven policymaking.
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Simbine explained that NISER, as Nigeria’s foremost policy research institution, is mandated to provide rigorous, evidence-based policy recommendations that address critical socio-economic challenges confronting the country. She said the Institute works closely with relevant MDAs as well as national and international partners in fulfilling this mandate.
According to her, the diaspora study aligns directly with NISER’s core responsibility of providing policy solutions to national development challenges and was undertaken in partnership with NiDCOM as part of a shared commitment to leveraging research for national progress.
She noted that Nigeria’s diaspora community remains one of the country’s most strategic assets, contributing significantly through annual remittances exceeding 20 billion US dollars, making Nigeria one of Africa’s top remittance-receiving countries.
Beyond remittances, she emphasized that Nigerians abroad contribute immensely through knowledge transfer, skills development, innovation, technology transfer, specialist expertise, mentorship, and international networks that continue to support Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
However, she pointed out that despite this enormous potential, several challenges continue to hinder effective diaspora engagement, including policy inconsistencies, limited institutional coordination, trust deficits, regulatory bottlenecks, and inadequate frameworks for channeling diaspora expertise into national priorities.
Simbine explained that the study was conceived to provide empirical insights into the dynamics of diaspora engagement and to propose practical and implementable policy measures for better integration of diaspora contributions into Nigeria’s national development agenda.
She further stated that the validation workshop is expected to refine and strengthen the study’s findings through expert input, enhance stakeholder consensus on critical diaspora-related issues, generate actionable strategies, and support the development of an improved framework for integrating diaspora professionals into national planning and implementation.
She urged participants to actively engage in robust discussions, noting that the quality of deliberations and stakeholder contributions would significantly influence the final output of the study and shape future diaspora policies in meaningful ways.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the Nigerian diaspora as one of the most vibrant, intelligent, resourceful, and globally exposed communities across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
She stated that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to break barriers across medicine, science and technology, public service, entrepreneurship, as well as the orange and blue economies, making them critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s development journey.
Dabiri-Erewa explained that the workshop provides a strategic opportunity to assess diaspora contributions, identify challenges, and explore stronger opportunities for engagement and investment.
NiDCOM
She stressed that for NiDCOM, the focus remains on moving from remittances beyond consumption to remittances for investment, where diaspora contributions are strategically directed toward sustainable development, wealth creation, and national transformation.
According to her, the thematic focus of the validation workshop is clear: to professionally interrogate the findings of the six-continent survey for authenticity, accuracy, and relevance, while jointly refining the policy recommendations to serve as a practical roadmap and framework for engaging Nigeria’s global diaspora.
She highlighted key areas requiring urgent attention, including structured diaspora engagement, streamlined policy coordination and coherence, creation of investment-friendly ecosystems, technology transfer and innovation, and the development of comprehensive data-driven policies.
The NiDCOM Chairman further urged stakeholders to use the platform to reduce brain drain, actualize brain gain, and foster brain circulation for the benefit of national development.
Also speaking, the Head of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Abuja Office, Mr. Adamu Yusuf, commended the initiative and described the validation workshop as a significant step toward harnessing the immense potential, expertise, and contributions of the diaspora community.
He noted that the validation process reflects a collective commitment to ensuring that the study outcomes are credible, inclusive, and reflective of stakeholder realities and aspirations.
Yusuf emphasised that the diaspora remains a vital partner in knowledge transfer, investment, innovation, institutional growth, and sustainable development.
He encouraged participants to engage openly, contribute constructively, and generate practical recommendations that will strengthen the final report and support effective implementation of its outcomes.
He also commended the organisers, facilitators, researchers, and participants for their dedication and collaborative spirit in advancing the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, represented by Dr. Liman Idris Mohammed, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at National Hospital Abuja, underscored the importance of diaspora collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and professional development.
Mohammed stated that the NMA places great importance on Nigerian medical practitioners in the diaspora and deeply appreciates their contributions toward improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
He noted that upon receiving the invitation to the workshop, the President of the NMA showed strong interest in the study and directed the Association to actively participate, recognising its relevance to the future of healthcare delivery in the country.
According to him, the findings of the workshop will be presented to the NMA President and carefully reviewed to determine how the recommendations can be applied within the Association and across the broader health sector to improve medical services in Nigeria.
He explained that even before the study was conceptualized, there were already practical examples of successful diaspora contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector. He cited the establishment of major medical facilities in Abuja and Lagos by Nigerian professionals who acquired expertise abroad and returned to invest in the country.
He also referenced a medical doctor from the Association who studied In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in the 1990s and successfully established the practice locally in Nigeria, noting that today IVF services are widely available across the country.
Mohammed stressed that Nigerian professionals often excel beyond the systems where they acquired their training, demonstrating the immense capacity and excellence of Nigerian medical practitioners globally.
He called for stronger utilisation of the expertise of Nigerian medical professionals abroad, emphasising the need for continuous knowledge exchange, professional collaboration, and what he described as “the circulation of skills” between home and the diaspora.
E-signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun mnipr
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols (NIDCOM) Abuja.
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)
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