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The Presidency has described the recent letter from United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu as further evidence that the Tinubu administration is making progress, particularly in the area of security and its relationship with the United States.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He was reacting to Trump’s letter praising Tinubu’s leadership and anti-terrorism efforts.

Bwala said the letter reflected the growing recognition of the administration’s achievements, insisting that the government’s engagement with the United States was already producing positive results.

“Fact speaks for itself. That’s what it is. The letter is further proof of the progress we are making,” he said.

He added that the government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and improving security would continue regardless of whether such recognition was publicly expressed.

“Does it mean if there was no letter, we will stop? No. Because we are already engaging and communicating with them,” Bwala stated.

Drawing an analogy, he said, “If you are in a relationship with a lady, and then because of the relationship, you write a letter encouraging her, or she writes a letter encouraging you, then you feel further strengthened but it does not stop your commitment.”

Trump, in a letter dated July 6, 2026, commended Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and other security challenges in Nigeria. The letter was released on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In the letter, Trump thanked Tinubu for his earlier correspondence and praised his efforts to address insecurity, particularly attacks on Christian communities.

“Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities and it is a true honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” Trump wrote.

The US president also described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as crucial at a time when conflict had spread across West Africa and other parts of the world.

“Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities and it is a true honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” Trump wrote.

The US president also described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as crucial at a time when conflict had spread across West Africa and other parts of the world.

“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat,” he said.

Trump further disclosed that the United States had deployed its elite Special Operations Forces to train members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and strengthen their operational capabilities.

“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” he added.

The letter comes amid expanding security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. Last November, both countries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-headed by their National Security Advisers to coordinate intelligence sharing, training and joint operations against terrorist groups.

The growing partnership has coincided with recent security gains by Nigerian authorities, including the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity. President Tinubu had praised the operation, stressing that no ransom was paid.

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Top dignitaries, including serving governors and federal lawmakers, were in attendance on Wednesday at the graduation ceremony of Jazmyne, the daughter of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the Southampton University where she bagged a Bachelor of Laws (Upper Second-Class Honours).

In a post shared on his Facebook Page, the FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said Wike, alongside his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, as well as other dignitaries, attended the ceremony where his daughter formerly graduated from the UK university.

Also present were Adamawa State Governor,  Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, PDP Presidential Candidate,  Prof Sandy Onor,  PDP BoT Chairman,  Senator Mao Ohuabunwa,  Deputy National Chairman (South), Aaron Chukwuemeka, and  APC governorship candidate in Rivers State,  Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

Others were the Executive Director of Projects for the South South Development Commission, Hon Marcus Nle Ejii, House of Reps member,   representing Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency of Rivers State,  Hon Victor Obuzor and publisher of This Nigeria Newspapers,  Eric Osagie and others.

See photos below:

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Spain midfielder, Gavi, has leapt to the defence of Leandro Paredes after he was attacked by the Argentina midfielder following the World Cup final.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second World Cup title, but the celebrations were overshadowed by an ugly confrontation involving players from both sides following the final whistle.

Barcelona star Gavi was among those caught up in the clash after he was shoved by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes during the heated exchanges.

Paredes first grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat during the fracas. Gavi then ran towards them and hit Parades from behind. Reacting, Parades push Gavi to the ground by putting his hand in the Spaniard’s face.

Nahuel Molina also “thumped” Rodri as he was running by to celebrate Spain’s triumph, while Thiago Almada was involved, too.

FIFA have since launched an investigation into their behaviour, which could have serious consequences for the players involved.

However, during Spain’s celebrations back home, Gavi was asked for his take on the chaos and left many surprised as he called for leniency towards Argentina’s stars.

‘No, to tell you the truth, I don’t think he (Leandro Paredes) should be suspended,’ he told Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE.

‘I understand it’s not a good image for children, but I think there’s also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive.

‘The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that’s it. In the end, I think it’s all football, and it has to be that way.’