General News
SECURITY IS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY, MATAWALLE REAFFIRMS
The Minister of State Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has stated that the security of the nation is a collective responsibility that requires the active involvement of all citizens, communities, and stakeholders. He made this statement when the National Forum of Former Legislatures paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters Ship house, Abuja.
In a press release signed by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, Matawalle informed that safeguarding the nation goes beyond the efforts of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces alone but depends greatly on public cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, and community vigilance. Chukwu stated that the minister acknowledged that managing national security is a complex task especially in the light of evolving threats across different parts of the country. In a statement, Matawalle said, “public concerns and criticisms are understandable within a democratic society, the importance of situating these challenges within their proper historical and operational context is paramount.”
Furthermore, Chukwu noted that the minister said under the current administration, the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies continues to confront these security challenges through renewed strategies, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, operations, and sustained capacity building. These efforts are aimed at protecting lives and securing communities. Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government commitment to strengthening national security through sustained collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government and noted that addressing Nigeria security challenges requires a holistic approach that combines kinetic operations and non-kinetic strategies such as intelligence sharing and effective legislative oversight. He stressed the need for the experience and institutional knowledge of former Legislatures in shaping policies that promote peace, stability, and national cohesion. He commended the forum for its continued interest in national security matters and assured them of the ministry’s readiness to work closely with them and relevant institutions to ensure a safer and secure Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation Honourable Raphael Nnanna Ibekwe said that they are in the ministry to identify with its giant strides and are aware of the challenges being faced by the ministry and also that security is a collective responsibility. Hence they are using this opportunity to call on Nigerians to support the ministry, the government, and security agencies in making sure that emergency security threats are flushed out. In a statement, Ibekwe said, “they are urging the Ministry to remain focused on its mandate in discharging the Agenda of the President.” He pledged that they are on the visit to lend themselves to the ministry in any way they can be of assistance in making sure that Nigeria is a secure place especially in the non-kinetic approaches as they have capable hands within them, such as security experts who can be of immense assistance. They encouraged the Honourable Minister of State to do better and that this day they have come to identify with him because of his credentials before now.
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.