Author: Nationalmonitor

​The delicate balance of religion and politics in Nigeria has once again taken center stage as a fresh, heated debate erupts over the All Progressives Congress (APC) same-faith presidency. With political stakeholders across the country quietly laying the groundwork for the 2027 general elections, internal factions and external observers are deeply divided on whether President Bola Tinubu should retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket. The controversial strategy, which first paired Tinubu with Vice President Kashim Shettima, remains a highly sensitive flashpoint in a nation historically accustomed to ethno-religious balancing at the highest levels of governance. ​Proponents of the same-faith arrangement within the…

​World football governing body FIFA has issued an official update on the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot standings, confirming that France captain Kylian Mbappé has edged ahead of Argentina skipper Lionel Messi. Following the conclusion of a thrilling quarter-final stage, both global superstars find themselves deadlocked at the top of the scoring charts with eight goals each. Mbappé drew level in the goal-scoring metric after finding the back of the net in the 60th minute of France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco, setting up a blockbuster conclusion to the tournament’s individual prize. ​Despite the identical goal tallies, FIFA clarified that Mbappé…

​In a major breakthrough for national security, a coordinated joint task force has successfully rescued the 44 schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted from their classrooms in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims, who were violently seized on May 15, 2026, by suspected Ansaru terrorists, spent 56 traumatic days in captivity before being freed. The successful rescue has triggered spontaneous celebrations across Oyo State, bringing an end to nearly two months of agony and sleepless nights for the victims’ families. ​The high-stakes rescue mission was a meticulously planned, intelligence-driven operation that spanned more than a month.…

In a bold move to industrialise Zamfara State and unlock its vast mineral wealth, Governor Dr Dauda Lawal has officially commissioned a multi-billion-naira lithium mining and processing plant located in Boko village, within the Moriki Emirate of Kaura Namonda Local Government Area. The state-of-the-art facility, which represents an investment of over 200 million US dollars, marks a historic turning point in the state’s quest to move beyond raw mineral exportation and embrace full-scale local processing, value addition and industrial development. The commissioning ceremony drew a large gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, investors, community leaders and mining industry stakeholders who…

Infinix has officially announced Nigerian music sensation Qing Madias the face of its all-new HOT 70 Pro, marking the beginning of an exciting campaign that celebrates creativity, individuality and fearless self-expression.​ The partnership brings together one of Africa’s fastest-rising music stars and one of the world’s most youth-driven smartphone brands, united by a shared belief that young people should have the freedom to express who they are, push boundaries and shine unapologetically.​ Over the past two years, Qing Madi has become one of the defining voices of a new generation of African music. With hit records, millions of streams across…

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal P.hD has launched a landmark agricultural intervention programme in Zamfara State with the distribution of over 120 truckloads of fertilisers and essential farm inputs to smallholder farmers across the state as part of preparations for the 2026 wet-season farming cycle. The official flag-off ceremony was held yesterday Friday 11th of July at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, the state capital, drawing a large turnout of farmers, traditional rulers, agricultural extension workers and government officials who gathered to witness what the governor described as a turning point in the state’s quest…

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola a.k.a Yayi, has commended the traditional rulers in Yewaland, for rejecting a huge cash offer allegedly made by the governorship candidate of a faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu, during his consultative meeting with the Yewa Traditional Council at Ilaro. In a statement issued on Thursday, Senator Adeola described the reported action of the monarchs as a demonstration of integrity and a reaffirmation of Yewaland’s collective resolve this time around to support the aspiration of Ogun West Senatorial District to produce the…

We, Founding Leaders of the Otoge Movement, have watched with deep concern the recent attempts by a certain G15 group to appropriate the identity and legacy of the Otoge movement while simultaneously engaging in actions that we believe undermine the very principles upon which the movement was built. The Otoge movement was not created to serve the ambitions of politicians. It was a historic, people-driven movement championed by millions of Kwarans, home and abroad, who voted for accountable leadership, development, and better life outcomes. No individual, pressure group, or political bloc can lay exclusive claim to that collective struggle. It…

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal, PhD, has declared that the passage and signing of the State Police Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly will transform governors from mere figureheads into truly empowered Chief Security Officers of their states. Lawal made the remarks on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while speaking as a panellist at the Arise News Town Hall meeting, themed “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” held at the Thisday Dome in Abuja. During the session, the Zamfara governor laid bare the paradox facing state governors; while constitutionally…

The leadership of the Institute of Security Nigeria on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Ayokanmi Matemilola (Oluyalo Otileta VII) to express appreciation for royal support and to formally invite the monarch to the Institute’s 19th Annual International Security Conference scheduled for later this year. Leading the delegation, the Deputy President and Chief Executive of the Institute, Barrister Adebayo Akinade, DFISN, described the visit as one of honour and strategic engagement, noting that traditional institutions remain critical partners in Nigeria’s security architecture. Accompanying him were…