Politics
Senate Security Summit: Stakeholders Push For Indigenous Solutions, …. Modern Technology, State Police To Tackle Insecurity
By George Mgbeleke
In a bid to combat the rising security challenges facing the nation, the Nigerian Senate held the South-West Zonal Security Summit, in Lagos, on Friday, where major stakeholders across security agencies, government, civil society, and traditional institutions renewed calls for the adoption of indigenous security solutions, advanced technology, and state policing as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, who is the Chairman of the South-West geopolitical zone interactive hearings of the 10th Senate’s ad-hoc committee on the National Security Summit, in his remarks charged Nigerians to collectively join hands to defeat insecurity.
Abiru, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions and Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to tackle insecurity effectively. He said, “While the South-West has not experienced the full brunt of terrorism as in some other regions, the rise in banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes across our states is deeply troubling.
“Our villages and farmlands have come under increasing threat; farmer-herder clashes have been on the increase, our highways have seen more daring incidents, and the disturbing spread of armed groups such as the reported Lakurawa incursion into parts of Kwara and Kogi underscores the urgent need for proactive measures. If decisive action is not taken, the danger could spill fully into the South-West geo- political zone.
“We must not allow the South-West to become a sanctuary for criminality or a battleground for those who seek to destabilise our nation. We must use every resource – human, material and technological – to defend our communities.
“No effort is too small in the quest to secure the South West Zone and our nation. Security is a collective responsibility. We must build trust, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activities promptly to our community leaders and security agencies,” he said.
Senator Abiru also urged the media to see the fight against insecurity as a national duty, noting that “We must promote narratives that strengthen unity, inspire confidence, and avoid framing our national challenges along ethnic or religious lines. Let us strive to paint a positive and reassuring picture of our country”, he admonished.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security architecture in Lagos State. He also called for a regional security framework, noting that security is essential not only for peace but also for economic stability.
He said, “As governors of this region, we must reaffirm our commitment to a regional security framework, which includes transforming Amotekun into a more unified, well-equipped, technology-driven command that can facilitate cross-state intelligence sharing and joint operations. Our traditional institutions – our Obas and community leaders – must remain central to this framework, as no one knows the heartbeat of local communities better than they do.
“Security is not just about keeping the peace; it is about ensuring our economic survival. When insecurity disrupts markets, farmlands, transportation, and investment, our GDP takes a hit, livelihoods crumble, and growth stalls. A region that cannot promise safety cannot promise prosperity either. That is why our strategy needs to be proactive, driven by intelligence, and deeply embedded in community involvement”.
Also speaking, Senator Ibrahim Jimoh, representing Ondo South and sponsor of the bill establishing the National Security Summit, stated that terrorism and insurgency require non-conventional approaches involving both military and civilian efforts. Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, also called for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to address insecurity in Nigeria.
During his presentation, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, emphasised the need to sustain the current moment, noting that security challenges are often local and require local solutions.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Alara of Ilara in Epe, Lagos, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, advocated community policing, the use of modern technology, a joint task force comprising all security agencies, expanded police recruitment, increased funding, better equipment and more employment opportunities to limit youth restiveness and associated threats.
He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had intensified collaboration with international partners but noted that weak structures at the grassroots continued to derail progress.
On his part, the Aare Onakankanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, maintained that state policing remains a key solution to tackling insecurity nationwide.
Representatives of civil society organisations, women, youths, and Christian and Islamic leaders also called for improved welfare packages for security operatives to motivate them to diligently discharge their duties without fear or favour.
Politics
President Tinubu Flags Off 2027 Campaign In Kaduna, Seeks Renewed Mandate
By Our Correspondent
The All Progressives Congress,( APC) has flagged off its campaign for the 2027 general elections on Saturday in Kaduna, with President Bola Tinubu seeking a second term on the strength of his administration’s record.
President Tinubu the declaration at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, saying that it was a great honour to return to the historic city where Nigeria’s early leaders converged before independence.
Tinubu thanked Kaduna voters for the victory they gave him in 2023, saying he had come to thank them and seek their mandate for a second term to fulfil his promises of prosperity, continuity and progress.
He dismissed opposition talk about hunger, saying “Who created it? They did. We are trying to eradicate it,” noting that his administration and APC governors now pay salaries regularly and are developing their states.
The President urged supporters to get their Permanent Voter Cards, (PVCs), and come out en masse on January 16, 2027 to re-elect APC at all levels. “Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more smuggling. We are ushering in a new era,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigerians elected Tinubu in 2023 not because he was richest or best speaker, but because the alternative was calamity, and he urged Kaduna people to renew APC’s mandate.
Shettima listed gains in Kaduna, including Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Federal University of Education, Zaria, vocational institutes in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf with over 4,000 graduates, and NELFUND support for students.
He said Tinubu has identified with the North for years, recalling how he gave political succour to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, supported Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and stood behind late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019, describing Tinubu as a man of honour.
Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said Kaduna is the spiritual centre of Northern politics and that all northern governors were present to show support.
Yari said Tinubu’s economic record, from exchange rate reforms to subsidy removal and trade balance, shows improvement, adding that APC will campaign with its records in infrastructure, health, education and cash transfers.
Yari declared, “Northern Nigeria is 101 per cent for you, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by God’s grace.”
Governor Uba Sani, who welcomed guests, paid tribute to Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their love for Kaduna and the North, saying Renewed Hope Agenda has brought massive interventions in transport, education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
Sani recalled that Tinubu defied security advice to travel to Birnin Gwari in December 2022, and has now fulfilled his promises, with N117 billion released for the 123km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road abandoned for over 40 years, and restoration of security on the corridor.
He also cited ongoing Zaria-Soba-Pambegua road, the $865 million Kaduna Metropolitan Red Line with $300 million already mobilized, N84 billion NELFUND benefit to North-West students, and 95 percent completion of N740 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway.
Sani challenged the “so-called Northern candidate” to show track record of 200km of road while in office, noting that over 1,000km of roads have been constructed in the North under Tinubu and Shettima.
He warned supporters to be vigilant, alleging opposition has upgraded its campaign “from Facebook and Twitter to AI.”
Politics
APC Flags Off 2027 Campaign In Kaduna, Tinubu Seeks Renewed Mandate. From Cyril Mbah, Abuja. The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday flagged off its campaign for the 2027 general elections in Kaduna, with President Bola Tinubu seeking a second term on the strength of his administration’s record. Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, President Tinubu said it was a great honour to return to the historic city where Nigeria’s early leaders converged before independence. Tinubu thanked Kaduna voters for the victory they gave him in 2023, saying he had come to thank them and seek their mandate for a second term to fulfil his promises of prosperity, continuity and progress. He dismissed opposition talk about hunger, saying “Who created it? They did. We are trying to eradicate it,” noting that his administration and APC governors now pay salaries regularly and are developing their states. The President urged supporters to get their Permanent Voter Cards, (PVCs), and come out en masse on January 16, 2027 to re-elect APC at all levels. “Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more smuggling. We are ushering in a new era,” he said. Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigerians elected Tinubu in 2023 not because he was richest or best speaker, but because the alternative was calamity, and he urged Kaduna people to renew APC’s mandate. Shettima listed gains in Kaduna, including Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Federal University of Education, Zaria, vocational institutes in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf with over 4,000 graduates, and NELFUND support for students. He said Tinubu has identified with the North for years, recalling how he gave political succour to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, supported Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and stood behind late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019, describing Tinubu as a man of honour. Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said Kaduna is the spiritual centre of Northern politics and that all northern governors were present to show support. Yari said Tinubu’s economic record, from exchange rate reforms to subsidy removal and trade balance, shows improvement, adding that APC will campaign with its records in infrastructure, health, education and cash transfers. Yari declared, “Northern Nigeria is 101 per cent for you, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by God’s grace.” Governor Uba Sani, who welcomed guests, paid tribute to Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their love for Kaduna and the North, saying Renewed Hope Agenda has brought massive interventions in transport, education, healthcare, agriculture and security. Sani recalled that Tinubu defied security advice to travel to Birnin Gwari in December 2022, and has now fulfilled his promises, with N117 billion released for the 123km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road abandoned for over 40 years, and restoration of security on the corridor. He also cited ongoing Zaria-Soba-Pambegua road, the $865 million Kaduna Metropolitan Red Line with $300 million already mobilized, N84 billion NELFUND benefit to North-West students, and 95 percent completion of N740 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway. Sani challenged the “so-called Northern candidate” to show track record of 200km of road while in office, noting that over 1,000km of roads have been constructed in the North under Tinubu and Shettima. He warned supporters to be vigilant, alleging opposition has upgraded its campaign “from Facebook and Twitter to AI.”
By our correspondent
As the 2027 election draws close, the All Progressive Congressive,(APC) on Saturday flagged off its campaign for the 2027 general elections in Kaduna, with President Bola Tinubu seeking a second term on the strength of his administration’s record.
The President who made this declaration at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, President said it was a great honour to return to the historic city where Nigeria’s early leaders converged before independence.
Tinubu thanked Kaduna voters for the victory they gave him in 2023, saying he had come to thank them and seek their mandate for a second term to fulfil his promises of prosperity, continuity and progress.
He dismissed opposition talk about hunger, saying “Who created it? They did. We are trying to eradicate it,” noting that his administration and APC governors now pay salaries regularly and are developing their states.
!
The President urged supporters to get their Permanent Voter Cards, (PVCs), and come out en masse on January 16, 2027 to re-elect APC at all levels. “Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more smuggling. We are ushering in a new era,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigerians elected Tinubu in 2023 not because he was richest or best speaker, but because the alternative was calamity, and he urged Kaduna people to renew APC’s mandate.
Shettima listed gains in Kaduna, including Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Federal University of Education, Zaria, vocational institutes in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf with over 4,000 graduates, and NELFUND support for students.
He said Tinubu has identified with the North for years, recalling how he gave political succour to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, supported Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and stood behind late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019, describing Tinubu as a man of honour.
Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said Kaduna is the spiritual centre of Northern politics and that all northern governors were present to show support.
Yari said Tinubu’s economic record, from exchange rate reforms to subsidy removal and trade balance, shows improvement, adding that APC will campaign with its records in infrastructure, health, education and cash transfers.
Yari declared, “Northern Nigeria is 101 per cent for you, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by God’s grace.”
Governor Uba Sani, who welcomed guests, paid tribute to Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their love for Kaduna and the North, saying Renewed Hope Agenda has brought massive interventions in transport, education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
Sani recalled that Tinubu defied security advice to travel to Birnin Gwari in December 2022, and has now fulfilled his promises, with N117 billion released for the 123km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road abandoned for over 40 years, and restoration of security on the corridor.
He also cited ongoing Zaria-Soba-Pambegua road, the $865 million Kaduna Metropolitan Red Line with $300 million already mobilized, N84 billion NELFUND benefit to North-West students, and 95 percent completion of N740 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway.
Sani challenged the “so-called Northern candidate” to show track record of 200km of road while in office, noting that over 1,000km of roads have been constructed in the North under Tinubu and Shettima.
He warned supporters to be vigilant, alleging opposition has upgraded its campaign “from Facebook and Twitter to AI.” Flags Off 2027 Campaign In Kaduna, Tinubu Seeks Renewed Mandate.
F
Politics
Sea Incursion: Senate Demands Urgent Shoreline Protection As Ayetoro Community Faces Extinction
By our correspondent
Senate on Thursday called for immediate and comprehensive shoreline protection to save Ayetoro community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State from being wiped out.
The call followed a motion moved on Thursday by Senator Dayo Faduyile (Ondo South) on the urgent need to save the historic coastal community from sea incursion.
Presenting the motion, Faduyile told the Senate that homes, livelihoods, cultural heritage and public infrastructure in Ayetoro are being progressively destroyed by ocean surges, with recent reports indicating that about 80 per cent of buildings in the community have been lost to the sea.
He said the destruction has devastated schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship and traditional institutions, displacing thousands and disrupting fishing and other economic activities.
“Continued destruction of homes and community infrastructure has displaced families, threatened access to safe water and healthcare and put the future of the historic community in grave uncertainty,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed concern that previous shoreline protection interventions have faced implementation challenges, including reported delays in earlier Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) contracts, necessitating verification of project status, expenditure and outstanding obligations.
He noted that the scale of the crisis exceeds the capacity of residents and requires urgent intervention by the Federal Government, Ondo State Government, relevant development agencies and international development partners.
Faduyile added that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has indicated that substantial financial resources are required to address the crisis, underscoring the need for adequate funding, sound engineering and sustainable protection measures.
He warned that further delay may result in additional loss of lives, property and livelihoods, while exposing vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and the elderly, to worsening humanitarian and environmental conditions.
The Senate, in its resolutions, called on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Environment, the NDDC and other relevant agencies, to work with the Ondo State Government and OSOPADEC to implement an adequately funded shoreline protection programme for Ayetoro.
It also called for a transparent review of all ongoing shoreline protection contracts for the community, including their funding status, outstanding obligations and completion timelines, and for necessary remedial action to be taken.
The upper chamber urged the Federal Government to explore budgetary provisions and climate adaptation financing to support sustainable coastal protection, including construction of embankment where technically appropriate, and restoration of essential community infrastructure.
It further urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, safe water, healthcare and temporary shelter for residents whose homes and livelihoods are threatened.
The Senate mandated its Committees on Environment, Niger Delta Development, Ecology and Special Duties to liaise with relevant ministries and agencies on implementation and report back within four weeks.
It also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation of its resolutions and report accordingly.
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