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  • Ukraine War: Russia Refutes Claims of Recruiting Nigerians

    The Russian government has denied claims that it is recruiting Nigerian citizens to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, insisting that no government-backed programme exists to enlist Nigerians as soldiers in the war.

    At a press briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja, Andrey Podyelyshev, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, described recent reports alleging that Nigerians were being lured into military service as misleading and unconnected to official Russian policy.

    He stated unequivocally that Moscow does not support any such recruitment initiative and that any illegal activity involving recruitment would not be linked to the Russian state.

    According to the envoy, there is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians for combat in Ukraine. He said that while some Nigerians may be present in the conflict zone, their presence is not the result of a sanctioned Russian initiative.

    Podyelyshev urged that credible information be shared so that Russian law enforcement authorities can investigate any unlawful recruitment activities, reiterating that such acts—if they occur—are outside state policy.

    Ambassador Podyelyshev also addressed the broader Russia-Nigeria relationship, highlighting ongoing defence, economic, and educational cooperation between the two nations.

    He described security partnerships and military training discussions as positive areas of bilateral engagement, emphasizing Nigeria’s role as an important strategic partner for Russia in West Africa.

    The statement by the Russian envoy comes amid international media reports, including investigations by Western outlets, alleging that Africans from various countries had been lured to Russia under the promise of jobs or training but were subsequently pressured into military service in Ukraine.

    Russia has consistently dismissed these reports as unfounded or exaggerated, arguing that they are part of broader attempts to portray Moscow negatively in global discourse.

    The Nigerian government has not directly confirmed the specific allegations of recruitment cited in foreign media, but past official positions have consistently emphasised that Nigerians should not be recruited as mercenaries or foreign fighters for conflicts abroad, aligning with Abuja’s long-standing policy against such practices.

    As the Russia–Ukraine conflict continues into its fourth year, the issue of foreign fighters and mercenaries remains contentious, with various governments urging their citizens to avoid involvement in the war and scrutinizing reports of illegal recruitment networks.

  • NITDA, NYSC Strengthen Alliance to Expand Digital Skills Among Youths

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have reaffirmed their partnership to accelerate digital literacy and technology adoption across Nigeria, with a renewed focus on empowering young people at the grassroots.

    The renewed collaboration, officials said, is aimed at leveraging the nationwide spread of NYSC formations and the technical expertise of NITDA to bridge the country’s digital divide and improve employability among youths.

    Speaking during a strategic engagement in Abuja, the Director-General of NITDA said the agency was committed to embedding practical digital skills within the NYSC framework, noting that corps members represent a critical workforce for driving Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.

    According to him, the partnership will prioritise training in areas such as basic digital literacy, software skills, cybersecurity awareness, data analytics and emerging technologies, with programmes tailored to meet local needs across states.

    “Our collaboration with NYSC gives us a unique opportunity to reach young Nigerians in every community. By equipping corps members with relevant digital competencies, we are not only enhancing their personal development but also positioning them as digital ambassadors in their host communities,” he said.

    The NYSC Director-General, in his remarks, described the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the scheme’s mandate of national development and youth empowerment.

    He said the scheme was ready to integrate NITDA-supported digital programmes into orientation camps, community development service (CDS) activities and post-service entrepreneurship support.

    “Today’s corps members are tomorrow’s workforce and innovators. Strengthening their digital capacity will improve service delivery during the service year and create long-term economic value for the country,” the NYSC boss said.

    He added that corps members trained under the initiative would be encouraged to transfer knowledge to students, artisans and small business owners in their host communities, thereby multiplying the impact of the programme.

    Both agencies indicated that the partnership would also explore the use of online learning platforms, training-of-trainers models and public-private sector collaboration to scale the initiative sustainably.

    The engagement further reviewed progress made under previous joint programmes and identified new areas of cooperation, including digital inclusion for underserved communities and support for tech-driven community projects initiated by corps members.

    Observers say the strengthened NITDA–NYSC partnership underscores the Federal Government’s broader push to build a digitally skilled population capable of competing in the global economy while addressing youth unemployment at home.

  • FG Warns Mining Suspension Would Hurt Economy, Rejects Northern Governors’ Proposal

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, conveyed the government’s position in an exclusive interview with The Source on Monday in Abuja, through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori. The federal position, he said, is rooted in a careful assessment of both security and economic imperatives.

    “The position of the Federal Government remains that there can’t be a blanket suspension of mining activities across the North because it will have far more adverse economic implications for the region and the nation,” Tomori said.

    Alake’s office stressed that mining forms a critical part of Nigeria’s economic diversification drive. Key industrial facilities—including lithium processing plants in Nasarawa, iron ore operations in Kaduna, and limestone supply chains for cement production—depend on continued mining output. A nationwide ban, the government argued, could disrupt these operations and weaken broader economic growth.

    Rather than impose a wholesale shutdown, the Federal Government said it favours a targeted security approach, deploying multiagency operations coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser to flush out criminal elements operating around mining sites.

    Alake’s office indicated that engagements with northern governors have led to a reconsideration of the earlier call for a blanket suspension, with consultations ongoing to refine collaborative security responses.

    The government also confirmed plans to conduct a comprehensive audit and revalidation of mineral licences and is fast-tracking the installation of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining sites, strengthen enforcement and curb illegal mining activities linked to criminal networks.

    The call for a six-month mining suspension emerged from a December 2025 communique by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, who argued that illegal mining had become a major source of financing for bandits and other non-state actors.

    The governors had simultaneously proposed the creation of a regional security trust fund, with each of the 19 northern states and their local governments agreeing to contribute ₦1 billion monthly to strengthen security operations against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

    While proponents of the suspension maintain that shutting down unregulated mining could help crack down on illicit networks, stakeholders in the mining sector have criticised the proposal, warning that it could worsen unemployment and undermine economic stability without guaranteeing improved security outcomes.

    Economic analysts say that reconciling security concerns with economic interests will require nuanced policy solutions—strengthening regulation, enforcement and community engagement rather than broad bans—to ensure that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector contributes to both security and growth.

  • PenCom Warns of Growing Retirement Crisis Among Informal Workers

    Nigeria faces a looming social and economic challenge as more than 75 million workers in the informal sector are projected to retire without any form of pension or structured retirement savings, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said.

    The Director-General of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, raised the concern in Abuja during the presentation of a licence to Awabah, an accredited pension agent under the commission’s newly introduced pension expansion framework.

    Oloworaran said the development underscores a major gap in Nigeria’s social protection system, noting that while pension reforms over the past two decades have stabilised retirement benefits for formal sector employees, the vast informal workforce remains largely excluded.

    According to her, Nigeria’s informal sector accounts for over 90 per cent of the national workforce, yet pension participation among this group remains negligible, leaving millions vulnerable to poverty in old age.

    She warned that the situation poses long-term risks not only to individuals but also to the country’s economy, as retirees without income support are more likely to depend on family members or government welfare systems.

    “When people retire without savings, the burden shifts to households and, ultimately, the state. This weakens economic resilience and deepens inter-generational poverty,” the PenCom boss said.

    Oloworaran explained that Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), introduced under the Pension Reform Act of 2004, had significantly improved pension administration by replacing unfunded liabilities with a regulated savings structure.

    She noted that the reform had led to the growth of pension assets to over ₦27 trillion and the registration of more than 10 million Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders, but stressed that the benefits had been concentrated mainly in the public and organised private sectors.

    To address the imbalance, PenCom is expanding the Micro Pension Plan (MPP) and deploying accredited pension agents to take pension services directly to informal workers, including traders, artisans, farmers, transport operators and small business owners.

    Oloworaran said the commission was also leveraging digital technology, mobile platforms and flexible contribution models to encourage voluntary participation, allowing contributors to save based on their income patterns.

    She added that pension contributions remain tax-deductible, describing the policy as an incentive designed to make long-term savings more attractive to self-employed individuals.

    Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Awabah, Mr. Tunji Andrews, said the firm’s accreditation would help bridge the gap between pension operators and informal workers who traditionally lack access to financial planning tools.

    He said Awabah’s model allows workers to make small, regular contributions while also accessing complementary benefits such as insurance coverage.

    Financial analysts say expanding pension coverage to the informal sector is critical to Nigeria’s long-term development, as it could enhance domestic savings, strengthen capital markets and reduce future social welfare pressures.

    They argue that without urgent and sustained action, millions of Nigerians risk entering retirement without financial security, a situation that could worsen inequality and strain public resources in the years ahead.

  • Bauchi Governor’s Outreach to Iran Signals Strategic Push for Economic Diplomacy, Investment Diversification

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has intensified Nigeria’s sub-national engagement in international economic diplomacy, leveraging Iran’s National Day celebrations in Abuja to advocate for deeper trade and agricultural linkages between Africa’s largest economy and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    Delivering goodwill remarks at the 47th anniversary of Iran’s National Day, hosted by the Iranian Embassy, Governor Mohammed framed the event as more than ceremonial engagement, casting it instead as an opportunity to expand Bauchi’s economic horizons and position the state as a hub for strategic cooperation.

    While Nigeria’s federal foreign affairs apparatus continues to manage formal diplomatic ties, Mohammed’s presence — at a function led by a third foreign government — signals a growing trend of sub-national governments directly courting foreign partners to attract investment, technology transfer and trade opportunities.

    “Away from all the shenanigans and bad impressions here and there, Iran has remained a friend of the downtrodden,” the governor said, dismissing what he described as negative narratives and emphasizing Iran’s role in grassroots empowerment abroad.

    Economic Engagement Through Agriculture and Minerals

    In a departure from typical political diplomacy, Governor Mohammed highlighted concrete areas for collaboration — notably in agriculture, livestock and solid minerals — underscoring Bauchi’s vast arable land and Iran’s technological expertise.

    He revealed that an Iranian firm is poised to develop a lead and zinc project in Bauchi, home to Nigeria’s largest deposits of these minerals, with plans to establish a full value chain rather than exporting raw ores.

    The governor also alluded to ongoing talks with Iranian investors in agricultural technology and livestock development, specifically mentioning artificial insemination and productivity enhancement in cattle rearing — a critical area given Nigeria’s perennial food security challenges.

    This orientation aligns with ongoing efforts by Bauchi to attract foreign investment across sectors. For example, previous engagements by the governor have included hosting foreign diplomatic delegations to secure investment and expand economic cooperation, reinforcing the state’s open and friendly business environment for international partners.

    Broader Diplomatic and Strategic Context

    The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, used the occasion to reaffirm Tehran’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria, describing the country as a “reliable partner for sustainable development” and a focus of Iran’s Africa policy.

    His remarks highlight a broader geopolitical recalibration in which Iran seeks to deepen ties with African partners amid continued Western sanctions and complex global realignments. Africa’s large markets and agricultural potential offer Tehran avenues to diversify export markets and attract reciprocal investments.

    Analysts say Nigeria stands at a strategic crossroads to benefit from such overtures, particularly in technology transfer, industrial cooperation and agricultural value chain development — provided that structural challenges such as foreign exchange stability and regulatory clarity are addressed.

    Governor Mohammed’s outreach also comes at a time when Bauchi State has been positioning itself as an investment destination, following a robust Economic and Investment Summit that earlier attracted billions of dollars in commitments across multiple sectors.

    Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Sub-National Diplomacy
    Nigeria’s federal foreign policy emphasises mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement. In comments at the event, a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated these principles, noting expanding trade between Nigeria and Iran in energy, manufacturing and agriculture, and stressing the complementary nature of their economies.

    Governor Mohammed’s strategic use of a national celebration to further economic ties reflects a growing role for state governors in economic diplomacy — where traditional diplomatic channels may not fully capture sub-national potentials and sectoral interests.

  • ADC Steps Up Grassroots Mobilisation in Yobe Ahead of 2027 Polls

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its political drive in Yobe State, unveiling a robust strategy aimed at challenging the hegemony of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Addressing journalists at the commissioning of newly established party secretariats across Damaturu, Tarmuwa, and Bursari Local Government Areas, ADC leader in Yobe State and former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri, outlined plans to deepen grassroots engagement and build an alternative political platform capable of wresting power from the APC both within the state and nationally.

    Waziri described the inauguration of the zonal and local government offices as a critical component of the party’s structural expansion and mobilisation strategy. He stressed that consolidating a strong presence at the ward and grassroots levels was pivotal to challenging the ruling party’s decades-long dominance in Yobe politics.

    “Our party is determined to challenge the status quo and, by God’s grace, we are going to change it. We are laying the groundwork across Yobe and beyond. This is a new chapter for politics in the state,” Waziri said, underscoring the need for sustained engagement with youths and other key demographic groups.

    Political analysts note that the ADC’s efforts reflect growing opposition momentum within northern states, where the party has also launched chapters and pledged strong opposition to the APC in neighbouring regions. For example, the ADC in Borno State recently declared its intent to provide vigorous opposition to the ruling party as part of a broader northern coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.

    The ADC leader announced that a nationwide membership registration and validation exercise would commence within the next fortnight, preceding local government and state congresses as well as the party’s non-elective national convention. The initiative, he said, is aimed at boosting internal participation and ensuring transparency ahead of the general elections.

    Observers say the ADC’s push in Yobe — a state where the APC has traditionally maintained a strong political hold — marks a significant test for opposition parties in the North-East. Recent figures from the APC indicate an ongoing membership drive, with state leadership reporting tens of thousands of registered party members as part of its own mobilisation push ahead of 2027.

    Meanwhile, ADC supporters have been urged to remain steadfast and actively deepen the party’s outreach across all local government areas, signalling a long-term effort to reshape the political landscape in a region historically dominated by a single political entity.

  • 17-Year-Old SS3 Student Dies After Alleged Bullying Assault in Yobe School

    A 17-year-old final-year secondary school student has died following an alleged assault by his classmates at a government secondary school in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    The deceased, Hassan Ahmadu, a Senior Secondary School (SS3) student of the Government Science and Technical College, succumbed to injuries after being attacked on Sunday in what sources described as a bullying incident involving fellow students.

    Family members confirmed that Hassan was taken home and buried the same day in his hometown, Gadaka, in Fika Local Government Area. The circumstances leading to the attack are still under investigation by authorities.

    Police Open Investigation

    The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, saying a police investigation has commenced to determine the precise cause of the student’s death.

    “Yes, we are aware of the incident, and an investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain what led to the death of the student,” SP Abdulkarim told our correspondent.

    Allegations of Bullying Surface
    A teacher at the school, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that Hassan had been subjected to bullying by some of his classmates for some time before the fatal incident. According to the teacher, Hassan pleaded with his attackers to stop, but they allegedly persisted, leaving him seriously injured.

    “The whole school was shocked by what happened,” the teacher said, adding that suspected students have been handed over to police by school authorities.

    Calls for Safety Measures

    The incident comes amid rising concerns over violence and unrest in secondary schools across parts of Nigeria, prompting civil society groups and parents to call for enhanced student protection and strict anti-bullying policies.

    Education stakeholders have urged school authorities and the state government to strengthen counselling services, peer-support systems, and enforce disciplinary frameworks to prevent recurrence of such tragic events.

    When contacted, the Yobe State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Abba Idriss Adam, said he would provide an official response to our correspondent in due course.

  • Tinubu–US Military Engagement: A Strategic Pivot in Nigeria’s Security Diplomacy

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday welcomed a senior United States military delegation at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, underscoring a deepening partnership between Abuja and Washington on security cooperation amid escalating terrorism and insurgency threats across Nigeria and the Sahel.

    The delegation, led by General Dagvin R. Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), arrived at the State House alongside the U.S. Charge d’Affaires in Nigeria, Keith Heffern.

    They were received by President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s top military chiefs in a meeting described by State House officials as an opportunity to “recalibrate and deepen mutual cooperation” on counterterrorism strategies.

    The visit takes place against the backdrop of significant developments in joint U.S.–Nigeria military engagement. Earlier this week, U.S. authorities confirmed that a small contingent of U.S. military personnel has been deployed to Nigeria, marking the first acknowledged presence of American forces on Nigerian soil since U.S. air operations against Islamic State affiliates in late 2025.

    While officials have been cautious not to disclose the exact role or size of the team, AFRICOM has stated it brings “unique capabilities” aimed at augmenting Nigeria’s counterterrorism effort. Nigerian government sources indicate that the cooperation will centre on intelligence sharing, reconnaissance, and operational support.

    Strategic Context: A Shift in Security Paradigm

    Analysts suggest the meeting reflects a strategic shift in Nigeria’s external security engagements, moving beyond traditional bilateral support toward integrated partnerships with global powers.

    Nigeria has long wrestled with a complex network of armed groups — from Boko Haram in the northeast to affiliates of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) — whose sustained attacks have destabilised large swathes of the country and neighbouring states.

    The U.S. military engagement comes amid increased pressure on Abuja to demonstrate tangible progress against these insurgencies. Recent joint sessions between U.S. lawmakers and Nigerian legislators have focused heavily on insecurity, kidnappings, and broader governance issues — highlighting a growing legislative interest in aligning U.S. foreign assistance with Nigerian security outcomes.

    Diplomacy Meets Security:
    Implications for Nigerian Sovereignty

    President Tinubu’s administration has consistently framed foreign military cooperation within the context of sovereignty and self-determination, emphasising that Nigeria retains full command of its security agenda. In previous months, Washington’s pointed criticisms over Nigeria’s handling of religious persecution allegations had strained diplomatic ties, prompting Abuja to reaffirm that its forces target armed groups irrespective of religious identity.

    Despite these tensions, the decision to host U.S. military representatives at the State House signals a willingness by both capitals to prioritise operational collaboration over contention — a stance that could have far-reaching effects on regional security architecture in West Africa.

    Looking Ahead

    The administration is expected to issue a joint communique outlining specific areas of cooperation once talks conclude. Observers will be watching closely to see how this partnership translates into concrete actions on the ground and whether it influences broader regional mechanisms aimed at combating insurgency and transnational crime.

  • Natural Skincare: How Henna and Tomato Can Improve Facial Health

    As interest in natural and affordable skincare continues to grow, many people are turning to traditional home remedies made from simple ingredients. One such remedy is a facial treatment made from henna powder and fresh tomato, believed to support healthy skin and improve facial appearance.

    The treatment, commonly shared in households, combines natural cleansing and nourishing properties, making it appealing to those seeking alternatives to chemical-based skincare products.

    Ingredients Needed

    • One tablespoon of henna powder

    • A small amount of water or milk

    • One fresh tomato, blended or mashed

    How to Prepare and Apply

    Mix the henna powder with a small quantity of water or milk until a smooth paste is formed. Add the blended tomato and mix thoroughly.

    Apply the mixture gently to the face and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Users are advised not to let it dry completely, as henna may irritate the skin if left on for too long.

    Rinse off with lukewarm water and apply a moisturizer to keep the skin soft and hydrated.

    Reported Benefits

    • Users of the natural treatment say it may:

    • Improve skin brightness and smoothness

    • Help reduce excess oil and acne
    Cleanse and hydrate the skin naturally

    Safety Advisory

    Skincare experts recommend conducting a patch test before use, especially for people with sensitive skin. The treatment should be used in moderation to avoid irritation.

  • Nigeria, Turkey Agree to Expand Bilateral Ties in Trade, Defence

    Nigeria and Turkey have expressed readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and security as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties and confront emerging global and regional security challenges.

    This commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level bilateral meeting between senior officials of both countries in Abuja, where discussions centred on expanding investment opportunities, enhancing defence collaboration and boosting people-to-people relations.

    Speaking at the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the partnership between Nigeria and Turkey had grown steadily over the years and now required strategic expansion to reflect current economic and security realities.

    Tuggar noted that Turkey had become an important trading partner, particularly in construction, manufacturing, energy and defence equipment, adding that Nigeria was keen on attracting more Turkish investments to support industrial growth and job creation.

    “Nigeria is committed to building mutually beneficial partnerships that promote trade, technology transfer and security cooperation. Turkey remains a strategic partner with significant potential for expanded engagement,” he said.

    On security cooperation, the minister emphasised the need for sustained collaboration in defence training, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts, especially as Nigeria continues to address insurgency, banditry and transnational crime.

    In his remarks, the Turkish delegation leader and Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Burak Akçapar, said Turkey was prepared to strengthen defence and security ties with Nigeria while exploring new trade and investment opportunities.

    Akçapar disclosed that Turkish companies were interested in expanding operations in Nigeria’s infrastructure, agriculture, mining and renewable energy sectors, noting that Nigeria’s large market and regional influence made it a key partner in Africa.

    He added that Turkey was open to supporting Nigeria’s security architecture through capacity building, defence technology cooperation and joint initiatives aimed at combating terrorism and organised crime.

    According to him, enhanced security cooperation would also create a stable environment necessary for economic growth and sustained foreign investment.

    Both sides agreed on the need to activate existing bilateral frameworks and explore new agreements to boost trade volume, which has witnessed steady growth in recent years.

    They also underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange and private sector participation in strengthening long-term relations between the two countries.

    The meeting concluded with a pledge to convene follow-up technical sessions to finalise priority areas of cooperation and accelerate implementation of agreed initiatives.

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