News
Obi Tells Nigerians To Stop Honouring Corrupt Leaders
Obi Tells Nigerians To Stop Honouring Corrupt Leaders
Obi tells Nigerians to stop honouring corrupt leaders. Presidential front-runner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to stop celebrating individuals accused of looting public funds if the country must overcome poverty.
Obi made the call yesterday in Abuja while receiving members of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Obijuru Everest, during a courtesy visit.
He lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources, more than half of the country’s population still lives below the poverty line, attributing the situation to poor leadership choices and tolerance for corruption.
“We are poor because we have chosen to be poor. We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds, and yet we expect to grow,” Obi said.
The former governor of Anambra State recalled a conversation he had with political leaders in Indonesia, noting that the Asian country, which is similar to Nigeria in population and size, has made significant progress due to responsible leadership and investment in human capital.
According to him, Indonesian leaders advised that tackling corruption, investing heavily in education and healthcare, and empowering citizens would lead to economic growth.
He urged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process to ensure credible leadership.
“Join the fight for a great Nigeria. Stop worshipping those who steal your money, stop giving them titles, and stand up for what is right. Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from councillor to president, and you will see the country change,” he said.
Earlier, Everest said the association had been following Obi’s political journey and believed it was important to align with leaders who share their vision for national development.
He noted that artisans remain critical to Nigeria’s economy but have continued to face challenges due to lack of adequate government support and a conducive operating environment.
Everest disclosed that ASVAN, which has coordinators in all 36 states of the federation and over two million members, is advocating for a bill before the National Assembly to formally recognise and regulate the artisan sector.
He added that the association had also developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village that would enable artisans to produce high-quality finished products and compete favourably with their counterparts in other countries.

Peter Obi
According to him, the group has been engaging government authorities for land allocation for the project over the past three years but is yet to receive approval.
Everest expressed optimism that with proper recognition and support, Nigeria’s artisan sector could significantly contribute to national economic growth.
Federal Government
President Tinubu Mourns Soldiers, Civilians K1lled By Terrorists In Borno Community
President Tinubu Mourns Soldiers, Civilians K1lled By Terrorists In Borno Community
President Tinubu mourns soldiers, civilians k1lled by terrorists in Borno community. He described the attack as “a heartless assault on innocent citizens”.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to families of victims of the recent terrorist attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.
This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.
The president’s condolences followed an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on the community in the North-East state.
Mr Tinubu mourned the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel and civilians caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He described the attack as “a heartless assault on innocent citizens”.
“The attack by terrorists on helpless citizens is deeply saddening,” the president said.
He urged residents of Borno and other parts of the country not to succumb to fear.
Mr Tinubu commended the military for its swift response, which led to the killing of several terrorists and forced others to retreat.

Tinubu
“The swift response of our gallant troops demonstrates their resolve to defend the nation and protect innocent lives,” he said.
The president directed the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those abducted during the attack.
He also charged the armed forces to strengthen measures to protect civilians and prevent further attacks on military installations in the North-East.
Mr Tinubu prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and the friendly fire incident.
He also extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and Borno State government.
International
Indonesia Sets To Ban Use Of Social Media For Under 16s
Indonesia Sets To Ban Use Of Social Media For Under 16s
Indonesia sets to ban use of social media for under 16s
According to Ms Hafid, this will take effect from March 28.
The government of Indonesia has announced plans to ban children under 16 from owning accounts on several social media platforms, citing concerns about the risks they pose to children.
The announcement was made on Friday by Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Meutya Viada Hafid, in a post shared on her Instagram page.
According to Ministerial Regulation Number 9 of 2026, issued under the PP TUNAS, an Indonesian government framework aimed at protecting children in the digital space and regulating how online platforms operate, children below 16 will no longer be allowed to create accounts on “high-risk digital platforms.”
According to Ms Hafid, the law will take effect from March 28 and will be implemented in phases across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
She said the decision was prompted by increasing threats facing children online, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud and digital addiction, and noted that the policy is an “important step for the future of children.”
While acknowledging that the new rule might cause discomfort initially, Ms Hafid said the government could not remain silent while watching children face the risks of being online.
“We understand this step may cause concern at the beginning. But the government cannot stay silent when children’s future is at stake,” she said.

Indonesia Sets To Ban Use Of Social Media For Under 16s
Ms Hafid added that responsibility for protecting children online would not only rely on parents but also on digital platforms.
“Technology should humanise people, not sacrifice our children’s childhoods,” she said.
In a separate post, Ms Hafid mentioned that she had a discussion with Australia’s Communication Minister, Anika Wells, to cooperate and work with other countries to ensure online child safety.
This comes after Australia, in December 2025, banned children under 16 from having social media accounts and placed fines on platforms that fail to enforce the restrictions.
News
NAF, NDDC Strengthen Partnership To Advance Security, Development In Niger Delta
NAF, NDDC Strengthen Partnership To Advance Security, Development In Niger Delta
NAF, NDDC strengthen partnership to advance security, development in Niger Delta. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt as part of his operational tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units and key stakeholders across the Niger Delta.
During the visit, the CAS expressed appreciation to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, as well as the management and staff of the NDDC for the warm reception accorded to his delegation.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Commission, emphasising that the NDDC’s commitment to socio-economic development and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta aligns closely with the NAF’s objective of providing a secure environment necessary for national growth and prosperity.
The CAS highlighted the ongoing operational efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in the region, particularly in combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other activities that undermine economic growth and environmental sustainability. He noted that the NAF has enhanced its operational capabilities through the deployment of advanced platforms such as the T129 ATAK helicopters, which have proven highly effective in armed reconnaissance and joint operations aimed at neutralising criminal elements within the region.
Air Marshal Aneke further disclosed that the recent establishment of the 309 Composite Group in Eket, supported through collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and SEPLAT, has expanded the NAF’s operational footprint in the South-South region, thereby strengthening efforts to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure and support the Federal Government’s mandate to improve national oil production.

CAS Air Marshal Aneke
Responding, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its steadfast role in maintaining security and stability across the Niger Delta.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the NAF, noting that peace and security remain critical enablers of the Commission’s development initiatives in the region. Dr Ogbuku also acknowledged the strategic importance of the NAF’s operations in protecting vital oil and gas infrastructure and assured that the Commission would continue to support initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, personnel welfare and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
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