News
Tinubu Urges CSOs to Prioritise National Interest, Reject Harmful Foreign Influence
By Francis Wilfred
President Bola Tinubu has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria to align more closely with the Federal Government’s development agenda and place national interest above all other considerations. He also cautioned civic groups against accepting foreign funding that could undermine the country’s sovereignty, security and development objectives.
The President made the call on Wednesday while addressing participants at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit held in Lagos. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said CSOs should move beyond being seen merely as critics of government and become active partners in promoting sustainable development, accountability and good governance.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” the President described civil society groups as critical stakeholders in national development. He commended their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other emergencies, noting that their interventions demonstrated patriotism and commitment to the welfare of citizens.
According to a press statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media to the SGF, the President stated that the concept of “Nigeria First” does not imply isolation from the international community but rather prioritising policies, partnerships and investments that directly benefit Nigerians. He said development efforts must be inclusive, climate-resilient and future-oriented, while being driven by purposeful collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector.
The President noted that the summit’s theme aligns with the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its eight priority areas, including economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, industrialisation and improved governance.
He stressed that CSOs have an important role to play in achieving these goals and ensuring better outcomes for citizens.Tinubu identified food security as one of the major areas requiring closer collaboration between government and civic organisations. He warned that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and increased flooding in parts of Southern Nigeria could threaten agricultural production and livelihoods. He therefore urged CSOs to support climate-smart agriculture, assist farmers and fishermen, and advocate the protection of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems.
The President also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as key strategies for reducing poverty. He pointed to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate-related industries, saying stronger partnerships among governments, businesses and civil society organisations could create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youths and women.
On governance and accountability, Tinubu assured participants that his administration welcomes constructive criticism and public oversight. He encouraged CSOs to strengthen their engagement in budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing and social accountability initiatives that can improve service delivery and enhance public trust in government institutions.
He further called for greater collaboration in healthcare and education, noting that climate change continues to worsen public health challenges, including the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera. The President cited reforms being implemented under the Federal Government’s HOPE Governance Programme, supported by the World Bank, to improve transparency, financing and workforce management in primary healthcare and basic education.
Tinubu, however, warned civil society organisations to be cautious in accepting foreign funding, insisting that national interest and ethical considerations must guide their decisions. He also cautioned against the unchecked proliferation of CSOs, saying it could create opportunities for criminal and unethical actors to infiltrate the civic space.
Reaffirming his commitment to structured engagement with civil society, the President urged participants to produce actionable resolutions from the summit and announced plans to convene a national summit of CSOs in Abuja later this year.
By Abigail David
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the victims if security forces moved closer to their hideout.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, scheduled to air on Friday, Musa said the kidnappers were using the children as bargaining chips to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
According to the minister, the bandits warned that any attempt by troops to rescue the captives through force would result in the execution of all the abducted children.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Musa also called for tougher punishment for bandits and kidnappers, expressing support for the death penalty as a deterrent against rising insecurity.
He argued that weak laws have encouraged criminal activities, stressing that offenders must face severe consequences to discourage others from engaging in kidnapping and banditry.
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Senate of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has commended Vice-Chancellor Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman for measures it said have improved security and restored peace on the university campus.
The commendation was made during an emergency Senate meeting, where members praised the university management for initiatives aimed at strengthening campus security and creating a stable environment for academic activities.
According to the Senate, the prevailing atmosphere reflects significant progress in maintaining order and supporting the institution’s academic objectives. Members also pledged continued support for the management’s efforts to advance the university.
Responding, Prof. Usman thanked the Senate for the recognition, describing the achievements as the result of teamwork involving the university management, Senate and staff. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, institutional discipline and quality service delivery while positioning the university as a globally competitive institution.
The vice-chancellor also informed the Senate that an allegation involving a lecturer from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology had been referred to the university’s reconstituted Examination Misconduct Committee for investigation in line with institutional regulations. The university has not announced the outcome of the inquiry.
The Senate also approved the establishment of a Centre for Continuing Education, subject to ratification by the University Council, and endorsed the undergraduate academic calendar for the 2026/2027 academic session. Under the approved calendar, returning students are scheduled to resume on 12 October 2026, while newly admitted students are expected to resume on 26 October 2026.
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command says it has concluded its investigation into the death of Mariam Usman, a staff member of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School in Ugbamaka, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and arrested three suspects who will be charged in court.
Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said in a statement issued in Lokoja on Wednesday that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) carried out the investigation following the incident.
According to the police, Usman died on June 25, 2026, after she was allegedly assaulted in separate incidents linked to disciplinary action she had taken against a pupil.The command alleged that Abdullahi Isiaka assaulted the teacher at her residence on June 17 over the disciplinary measures involving his 11-year-old son.
Police further alleged that Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo assaulted the victim later that day while she was on her way to a mosque, and that Ojonojima Mary allegedly assaulted her again at the school on June 18. Police said the victim was treated at Grace Clinic in Ugbamaka before being referred to Eleojo Clinic in Okpo, where she later died.
The command said its investigation established what it described as a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide against the three suspects, who are expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi commended the investigators and urged residents to resolve disputes through lawful means while supporting police efforts with timely information.
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