General News
No Compulsory Military Training for Youths – Defence Minister Clarifies
The Federal Government has dismissed reports that it plans to introduce compulsory military service for Nigerian youths, clarifying that there is no intention to enforce mandatory enlistment.
The clarification was made on Friday by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), who spoke during the presentation of a book titled Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths. He was represented at the event by Col. George Usibe, Deputy Director of Special Duties.
“The Federal Government has no policy to introduce mandatory military service in Nigeria at present,” the minister stressed, noting that suggestions to the contrary were unfounded. Instead, Gen. Musa reiterated that the country’s military will continue to operate as a professional volunteer force, supported by existing civic service programmes.
Gen. Musa highlighted that youth engagement in national development continues through established initiatives such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which aims to foster national unity and expose young Nigerians to diverse cultures across the country.
He said security challenges like insurgency and terrorismcan nott be resolved solely through manpower increases. Instead, the minister stressed that effective governance, strong institutions, and trust between citizens and the government are essential pillars in confronting insecurity.
While Gen. Musa acknowledged the value of structured national service in promoting unity, discipline and civic responsibility, he emphasised that any future policy in this area would need to align with constitutional provisions, economic realities, and institutional capacity.
The minister also noted that the ongoing national conversation on youth service provides an opportunity for scholarly and public input, but insisted the government is not pursuing compulsory military conscription at this time
The Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV) has officially commenced broadcast on DStv Channel 197 as part of a special Lenten arrangement on the Premium platform.
In a letter dated February 20, 2026, and signed by Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, on behalf of CTV, the station announced that DStv offered the channel a special Lenten slot to mark the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, sacrifice, and charity observed by Catholics worldwide.
According to the statement, CTV became operational on DStv on February 17, 2026; a day before Ash Wednesday, describing the development as a “special gift for Catholics” to help foster the spiritual spirit of the Lenten season.
Beyond DStv Channel 197, CTV is also available on GOtv Channel 115, expanding its reach to Catholic faithful and other viewers across Nigeria.
The station explained that its presence on DStv during Lent will serve as a pre-qualification phase toward securing a permanent channel on the platform. The management noted that continued carriage would depend largely on viewership numbers recorded during the 40-day broadcast window.
CTV has therefore appealed to Catholic faithful across dioceses and parishes to support the initiative by tuning in and encouraging families and friends to watch the channel throughout Lent.
“This Lent: Watch Catholic Television on DStv Channel 197,” the statement urged, expressing hope that the season would foster unity among believers.
The announcement has been circulated to Catholic clergy nationwide with a request that it be communicated during masses and shared widely within parish communities.
Disaster/Tragedy
TRAGEDY ON BENIN-LAGOS EXPRESSWAY AS FRSC MARSHAL, DRIVER DIE IN BACK-TO-BACK CRASHES
A Federal Road Safety Corps rescue operation turned deadly Thursday on the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Edo State claiming the lives of a marshal and a driver in back-to-back crashes.
The tragedy unfolded around the Oviobogie axis in Ovia North East Local Government Area. FRSC personnel responded to an initial accident. While attending victims an oncoming vehicle slammed into the scene. The driver killed in the second crash had reportedly been present at the first incident where marshals were carrying out the rescue.
Motorist Iyobor blamed the initial wreck on trucks parked indiscriminately along the expressway.
Edo FRSC Sector Commander Cyril Mathew confirmed the sequence. According to him It began with an initial crash that drew marshals and emergency responders While rescue efforts were ongoing another vehicle rammed into the scene and hit those assisting.
The FRSC marshal involved in the rescue and a driver at the scene died Mathew added.
Tensions boiled over post-crash as some motorists accused FRSC of causing the accident and attacked personnel sparking chaos.
General News
EDO PARA-WEIGHTLIFTER EDOMWANDAGBON WINS FIRST GOLD FOR HOST STATE AT NIGER DELTA GAMES
Edo State Para-Weightlifter Philomena Edomwandagbon set the pace at the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City by clinching the very first gold medal for the state.
Edomwandagbon outstanding performance in the 67kg category is a testament to resilience strength and unwavering determination.
However by mounting the podium as champion she has not only secured a proud moment for Team Edo but has also set the tone for what promises to be an inspiring and successful outing for athletes at this prestigious regional competition in its second edition.
Meanwhile with her golden moment on this historic feat Team Edo has truly begun on a winning note and this is just the beginning.