General News
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE LAUNCHES DIGITAL SYSTEM, DECLARES END OF PHYSICAL FILES
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has declared that the era of physical file carrying is over, announcing the commencement of digital efficiency within the ministry. He made this declaration during the official launch and “Go-Live” of the Enterprise Content Management System at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja on Tuesday.
Minister Musa stated that the launch represents more than just a new software application. “We are witnessing a fundamental shift in the way we conduct the business of national security,” he said. He emphasized that while technology provides the tool, staff dedication is the driver, urging all personnel to embrace the new system with an open mind. He linked the initiative to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which identifies digital transformation as a critical pillar for national growth.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, commended the Ministry for the launch, describing it as an initiative that will stand the test of time. “Any occasion that strengthens efficiency, accountability and secure information management within the Civil service is a welcome one,” she stated. She noted that for the Ministry of Defence, effective record management is essential given its core mandate of national sovereignty and security. She confirmed that this milestone places the Ministry on track to meet the Federal Government’s directive for full digitalisation of work processes by the 31st of December, 2025.
“The deployment of ECMS 1Government Cloud marks the fundamental shift of how government business is conducted,” Walson-Jack said. She explained that through this system, the Ministry will benefit from secured digital records, automated workflows, electronic approvals, and interoperability. “Decision making will now be driven by timely access to timely information rather than delayed by the physical movement of files,” she reiterated.
The Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, stated that the launch is a critical step towards greater efficiency, transparency, and collaboration. He described the 1Government Cloud ECMS as a sovereign solution designed to centralize content, enhance document security, and empower staff. “Our objectives enable every user to work efficiently, securely, productively thereby improving service delivery to Nigerians,” Professor Adeyanju added.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, said the launch marks a pivotal transformation from a paper-based to a fully digital, paperless environment. “This is a direct call to modernised way of doing things,” he stated. He emphasized the strategic importance of the move, noting that efficiency in defence operations directly impacts national security. “By adopting ECMS we are ensuring that the movement of files, processing of approvals are timely and sensitive data are done with speed, accuracy and maximum security,” Pheelangwa said.
The Permanent Secretary also acknowledged the instrumental collaboration with Galaxy Backbone, which provided the technical expertise and infrastructure resilience needed to support the high demands of a paperless ministry. He outlined the expected transformative benefits, including improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.