The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduaje has resigned.
Ganduje, who is the former Governor of Kano State, said his resignation is as a result of health challenges, but did not elaborate.
In the resignation letter, he stressed the need for him to focus on his well-being.
Details later.
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP‑Nigeria) has advised Muslims to use the 1447 AH Hijrah New Year to build religious bridges. The new Islamic Year begins today, June 26, with the sighting of the crescent of new Muharram moon last night.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Guild, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik recalled that Prophet Muhammad’s journey of faith began in this month with the migration from Makkah to Madinah, signifying courage, conviction and community-building.
“On this auspicious occasion, we pray that Allah grants the Ummah guidance toward compassion, justice and unity.
“As commitment to renewed hope and positive transformation for ourselves and the Nigerian society, our collective interfaith mission is strengthened by our example of solidarity, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence.
“Muharram marks not only the beginning of the Islamic calendar but also a moment to reflect, resolve and rebuild. May this New Year usher in abundant blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.”
Abdulmalik called on interfaith media colleagues to inspire collaborative efforts in peace-building and national dialogue, even as he wanted them to renew their dedication to narratives of bridge building and not walls.
“Let this Hijrah New Year be a fresh opportunity to amplify stories of harmony, resilience and shared humanity in our diverse Nigerian landscape.”
He also called on policymakers, civil society and faith leaders to embrace this season as a rallying point for advancing policies that promote interfaith tolerance, equitable representation and peaceful coexistence.
“From all of us at GIMP‑Nigeria, we say: Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
1447 AH Mubarak.”
Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Major General Kevin Aligbe, has said that the world is becoming so complex now that Nigeria needs to get army commanders that think out-of-the-box In battlefield at all times.
He declared: “We (Nigerians) want commanders who can think out of the box, apply unconventional tactics, and deliver battlefield results that matter. This is the kind of transformation that strengthens not just the Army, but national security as a whole.”
The General was speaking at a week-long Manual Wargaming Workshop codenamed: Exercise MUNGAMA AIKI, in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The workshop, aimed to equip tactical commanders with practical skills in combat strategy and decision-making, is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA).
It brings together commanders from across Army formations for intensive manual wargaming drills an approach that removes digital limitations and fosters raw strategic thinking.
Major General Kevin Aligbe stressed the need for commanders to be agile, innovative and results-oriented, saying that the workshop is timely in view of the fact that Nigeria continues to face diverse and complex threats, ranging from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and cyber warfare.
According to the General, simulated battlefield scenarios would help sharpen participants’ judgment and response capabilities in real conflict situations.
Major General Aligbe also stressed the importance of using manual wargaming to assess operational plans prior to deployment an approach that could save lives, time, and resources.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership, which he said has continued to drive the Army’s professionalization efforts.
“Our duty is clear: to protect this nation. We must train harder, plan smarter, and lead better.”
In his welcome address, the Chief of Doctrine and Combat Development TRADOC NA, Major General Jamiu Jimoh, represented by Brigadier General Muhammed Abubakar described manual wargaming as an essential planning tool that enhances operational effectiveness, manages risk and fosters a unified planning language among commanders. He emphasized that the workshop will feature lectures, interactive discussions and practical sessions centered on the application of manual wargaming and the military decision-making process.
The workshop is structured as a “train-the-trainer” program, where participants will replicate the wargaming model in their respective units to raise operational planning standards at all levels.
Participants were drawn from Nigerian Army formations and training institutions. Major General Jimoh encouraged them to be fully engaged, open-minded and committed to transferring the knowledge gained to their respective commands for the benefit of national security.
The workshop runs until 27 June 2025 and is expected to contribute significantly to the Nigerian Army’s doctrinal evolution and field strategy development. It is being held at the Lt General Faruk Yahaya Manual Wargaming Centre, co-located within the TRADOC NA Complex.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sent a strong warning to traditional rulers and others that are directly and indirectly aiding criminals in any part of the State.
The governor, who personnelly visited the family of retired military officer, Major Joe Ajayi. who died in kidnappers’ den, specifically warned traditional rulers against allocating lands in their domain to questionable characters.
Speaking at the residence of late Major Joe Ajayi at Odo-Ape community, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the State today, June 25, the state Chief executive declared a total clampdown on criminal elements operating in the area and other parts of the state’s West Senatorial District.
“Any individual or group found aiding or abetting crime in any community will face the full wrath of the law.”
The Governor described the late officer as a true patriot who served the country with honour and dedication, saying that his death at the hands of criminals was not only heartbreaking but a call to action.
“I was personally touched when I heard about his death.
“It would be a disservice to his memory if we fold our arms and allow criminals to take over our land.”
Governor Ododo assured the people of Odo-Ape and the Kogi West that his administration would deploy all necessary resources to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that peace and security are restored to the area.
The governor stressed that the state government would no longer condone the unregulated influx of criminal elements masquerading as investors, even as he cautioned traditional leaders in the area against indiscriminate allocation of land to individuals whose identities and intentions are unclear.
Speaking on behalf of the family, younger brother of the deceased, Titus Ajayi thanked Governor Ododo for identifying with the family in their time of grief.
He said that the visit was a strong source of comfort and assurance that justice will be served.
The Adamawa State Government has withdrawn the title of ‘Waziri Adamawa,’ second-in-Command to Lamido Adamawa, from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying that he is not an indigene of the Emirate.
A circular, dated June 20, 2025 and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, explained that Atiku who hails from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom is no longer eligible to hold a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The few worded circular reads:
“Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the state by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms.
“E.g, all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts; while those of Mubi Emirate Council, must be indigene of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state.”
Thousands of herbalists and traditional religion practitioners across Anambra State have unanimously endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for second-term ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
The endorsement came during a statewide gathering held in Awka, where members of the traditional spiritual community discussed recent legislative actions affecting their practice and addressed public misconceptions about the government’s stance on traditional institutions.
The herbalists, drawn from all 21 local government areas, used the occasion to sensitise members on the provisions of the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law. The law, passed in January, aims to distinguish legitimate traditional practitioners from criminal elements operating under the guise of native medicine.
The State Coordinator of Native Doctors and Spiritual Material Sellers, Daniel Ejie praised Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and inclusiveness.
“The Homeland Security Law is a bold and timely intervention.
“It has not only sanitised our practice but has given native doctors legal recognition and legitimacy.
“We were once wrongly associated with criminals, but Governor Soludo has restored our dignity by officially acknowledging our role in society.”
He commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for sponsoring and passing the bill, noting that it had instilled a renewed sense of pride among genuine practitioners.
“We also applaud the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, youth empowerment, digital governance, and his efforts to create a lawful environment for all professions—including indigenous ones. For these reasons, we fully endorse his re-election.”
The event featured chants, drumming, and public declarations of support, as the practitioners expressed confidence in Soludo’s leadership and commitment to preserving Igbo culture and values.
Responding, the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Ikenna Ofodeme, assured the traditionalists of continued government support.
He dismissed rumours of government opposition to traditional institutions, stressing that Soludo remains a strong advocate for the protection and regulation of indigenous practices in modern governance.
“The Soludo administration is inclusive and deeply rooted in the promotion of Igbo culture.
“The recent legislation formally organises and recognises native doctors’ operations in Anambra.
“It draws a clear line between cultural preservation and criminal abuse.”
He said that Governor Soludo swiftly signed the bill into law, further demonstrating his commitment to cultural inclusion and public safety.
President Donald Trump of the United States of America has expressed his anger with Israel which dropped bomb in Iran a few hours after he brokered the truce between the two feuding countries.
Trump said that he was “really unhappy” with Israel, warning that it should not drop fresh bombs.
“Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had earlier vowed to order “intense strikes” on Tehran.
He accused Iran of firing missiles in violation of a ceasefire agreed to after 12 days of war.
Katz asked the military to “continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran” in light of “Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States.”
However, Iran denied the claim, saying that missiles had been fired at Israel before the ceasefire took effect.
Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar is currently fuming over what he called “Tinubu’s Curious Classmate.”
In a statement today, June 24, Atiku threw a barrage of questions to President Bola Tinubu which he said “Nigerians deserve answers to.”
The former Vice President recalled that during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Mechanisation Programme in Abuja yesterday (June 23), President Tinubu made a revelation that a certain Mr. Alex Zingman was his classmate at Chicago State University (CSU).
He said that rather than evoking confidence, the claim has triggered more questions than answers, “particularly regarding the President’s long-contested academic history.”
According to Atiku, a basic review of publicly available information showed that Mr. Alex Zingman, “a Belarusian businessman whose name features prominently in controversial dealings across Africa — including allegations of arms trafficking and financial improprieties in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo — is listed in various reports as being born in 1966.
“By the year 1979, when President Tinubu claims to have graduated from CSU, Mr. Zingman would have been only 13 years old.
“Are we now to believe that the Guinness Book of Records missed the story of a 13-year-old Belarusian prodigy graduating from an American university alongside Bola Ahmed Tinubu?”
Atiku said that even more troubling is the President’s casual association with a man whose international reputation is mired in scandal.
“This leads us to ask, with the solemn weight of patriotism and the urgency of truth:
“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why a man born in 1966 is being paraded as your classmate who graduated in 1979. Were you taught in the same classroom or in different decades?
“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know if the Alex Zingman of global infamy — the arms-linked tycoon — shares the same seat in your memories or only in a script of fiction.
“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why the mystery around your academic record deepens with every attempt to clarify it. Who truly walked the halls of Chicago State University with you?
“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why, since you claim to have presented a certificate from Government College, Lagos to gain entry into Richard Daley College in 1973, no classmate from that institution has ever spoken of sharing a desk with you.
“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know how a school founded in 1972 could issue you a certificate dated 1970—unless you were a lone prophet of a school yet unborn.
“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why you have not proudly unveiled a single verifiable classmate from your supposed years in Government College, Lagos or Government College, Ibadan or Chicago State University, the way other leaders do with ease and pride.
“Mr. President, your oath of office binds you not just to protect our nation but to honour its truth. The Presidency is not a sanctuary for secrets — it is a platform for integrity. And as such, Nigerians await not tales of Alexes from distant lands but proof, clarity, and the simple dignity of facts.”
Bello AdokeFormer President Goodluck Jonathan is set to preside over the official launching of a Book written by his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke.
The book, titled: “OPL 245: Inside Story Of The $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block,” is scheduled to be launched on July 10, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua center in Abuja.
The inside story of the OPL 245 saga began with the award on April 29, 1998, of its contract under General Sani Abacha’s rule to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, backed by then Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete, who secretly held shares, through a discounted $20 million signature bonus under Nigeria’s Indigenous Concession Programme.
Located offshore, about 150 kilometre from the Niger Delta, it’s estimated to contain about nine billion barrels of oil.
In July 2001, President Oludegun Obasanjo’s government revoked Malabu’s licence and awarding it to Shell, which had farm‑in rights (40 percent).
Former President GoodluckShell entered arbitration even as Malabu challenged the revocation. A 2006 out‑of‑court settlement temporarily restored OPL 245 to Malabu, contingent upon paying a now‑raised $210 million signature bonus.
In 2010, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration reaffirmed OPL 245 to Malabu and in April 29, 2011 Federal Government of Nigeria brokered a “Resolution Agreement” in which Shell & Eni deposited about $1.092 billion, plus a $208 million signature bonus, into a JP Morgan escrow in London.
Malabu then sold its entire 100 percent share and dropped disputes with the government and Shell/Eni.
The government then disbursed $1.092 billion to Malabu, with Shell and Eni each taking 50 percent of the block.
Some activists and None Governmental Organizations raised eyebrows and argued that the $1.1 billion paid to Malabu was a disguised bribe to insiders, thereby depriving the Nigerian treasury.
However, cross-border investigations were conducted during which time Italy (Milan), the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, Nigeria’s EFCC, and US/Dutch authorities all launched probes.
At the end of the investigations in 2021, Italy (Milan) Middlemen that were convicted were acquitted and Shell & Eni were cleared based on “no case to answer.”
In June 2022, Nigeria had sued JP Morgan for negligence over escrow release and the case was dismissed.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria went ahead to charge Dan Etete and Mohammed Adoke in 2017.
But in March 2024, the no‑case submissions by many defendants including Adoke were upheld by the Federal Capital Territory’s High Court.
OPL 245 held massive value in development and could translate into billions in revenue for Nigeria.
The deal had stirred public anger over perceived misappropriation of funds meant for Nigeria’s development.
It exposed how political appointments, insider ownership, and inconsistent policy across administrations could drive legal battles and corruption risk.
So, Adoke’s upcoming Book is likely to address the OPL 245’s journey, from its Abacha-era award to Malabu, through revocation, global arbitration, a $1.3 billion transaction, and multiple legal proceedings that symbolized deep-rooted issues in Nigeria’s oil governance, including transparency, accountability and the strategic hijacking of national assets.
Femi Soneye Quits NNPCL Just When Ovation Is Loudest, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye demonstrated the essence of the saying that one should quit when the Ovation becomes loud or loudest.
Earlier today, June 21, Soneye announced his voluntary resignation from the nation’s oil giant. He gave as reason for his action, his desire to have more time to attend to family matters and other issues.
In a statement which he addressed to his colleagues both in the media and public relations body, Soneye expressed gratitude to the NNPCL in particular and Nigeria in general for the opportunity offered him to serve. He promised to remain loyal and committed to the ideals of the company, even while outside its operation fueld.
The statement goes thus:
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the unwavering support, professionalism, and genuine commitment you’ve shown in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC Ltd story over the past 20 months. Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable.
I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.
This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence.
It has been a profound honour to serve both the company and our country and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd. I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals both within and outside the organisation with whom I have worked.
I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.
With sincere appreciation,
Olufemi Soneye.
Dated June 21, 2025.
Femi Soneye was virtually brought from America where he was residence and practicing journalism and its paraphernalia, to come and head the image making section of the company in October 2023. His appointment was greeted with both hope and doubt about his ability to cleanse and or defend the image of the company. Hope by those who had close relationship with him before then, and doubt by those watching from distance.
As a matter of fact, when he was brought from America and appointed as Chief Corporate Communications Officer to replace GarbaDeen Muhammad, he was tasked with boosting brand penetration, strategic communications, crisis management, and stakeholder relations. He was expected to elevate NNPCL’s communications to become a proactive “business enabler” through transparent storytelling, digital engagement and stakeholder trust-building.
It is for all such innovative outing that he earned, among others, NIPR Spokesperson of the Year (overall) – 2025 after previously winning Distinguished Spokesperson – Oil & Gas in 2024. He also won Triangle International Image Maker of the Year, for reshaping NNPCL’s public image.
Soneye was named among Top 10 Perception Managers for 2024 by The Top10 Magazine. He was celebrated by GOCOP for his NIPR win and impact in strategic communications.
As he dropped the gauntlet today and moved on, Soneye has a gargantuan success story to tell as regard the strategic contributions at NNPCL. He literally humanized NNPCL’s messaging, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery revival, reducing opacity and building public trust.
He optimized digital outreach to increase engagement and expand reach via 360° branding and advocated for proactive crisis response structures to preserve reputation in turbulent times .
Femi Soneye blended extensive global journalistic experience, military communications from his U.S Air Force tenure, and strategic corporate communications. Since October 2023, he spearheaded a transformation of NNPCL’s communications, making it more transparent, engaging, trusted and earned multiple prestigious recognitions and industry acclaim.
And who is Femi Soneye?
Olufemi Oladipo Soneye was born on October 29, 1974 and graduated from McLay College in Sydney, Australia in year 2000. He earned a Diploma in International Studies from Montgomery College, Maryland, USA from 2005 to 2006.
He was certified in Health & Applied Sciences at the Community College of the Air Force between 2008 and 2010, completed multiple professional development programs across London, Brussels, Paris and Italy, focusing on leadership, strategic communications, data protection and intelligence analytics.
He began journalism in 1999 with Independent Sports Weekly in Lagos, Nigeria and switched over as reporter to Sydney’s Leader Newspapers in 2000.
His roles in the United States of America include Business Sales Manager at Comcast Cable (2007) and Health Services Management Officer at the U.S. Air Force’s 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, where he also edited the “Air Force One” newsletter between 2009 and 2015.
Soneye held editorial and investigative journalism roles globally, covering corporate governance, economic and energy sectors, including the CBN and NNPC (pre-transformation).
He is a founding member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Nigeria, and a past President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), National Association of Black Journalists (USA) and Society of Professional Journalists, amongst others.
Femi Soneye really brought into play demonstrably redefined communication excellence at NNPCL, shaping a more transparent, credible, and stakeholder-aligned narrative, while winning top industry accolades. His strategies have helped transform not just the company’s image, but also its influence and public trust.
After achieving all such Laurels, what else would he be waiting to achieve, except perhaps to continue to build on them?
It’s not far from the truth to say that Femi Soneye came to NNPCL, saw, conquered and left when the Ovation Is growing to deafening point!