News
Senate holds closed door screening with acting COAS, Lt Gen Oluyede
The Senate, on Wednesday, held a closed-door screening session for the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The screening was conducted by the Senate Committee on the Army, chaired by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, in Room 211 of the Senate New Building.
The screening follows President Bola Tinubu’s formal nomination of Oluyede for confirmation as the Chief of Army Staff, a request conveyed in a letter to the Senate on Tuesday.
Opening Remarks
In his opening statement, Senator Yar’Adua underscored the critical role of the National Assembly in fostering peace, order, and good governance, especially in the area of national security. He described the screening process as an important step toward fulfilling constitutional obligations.
“This screening exercise is a demonstration of our commitment to uphold the laws of the Federation and the constitutional principles guiding national security,” Yar’Adua said.
Focus on Security Challenges
Yar’Adua highlighted the numerous security challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of criminal activity. He commended the armed forces for their dedication to addressing these issues but emphasized the need for strong leadership to overcome persistent threats.
“This screening aims to evaluate the nominee’s professional skills, strategic vision for national security, and ability to address the country’s pressing security issues. We will also assess his proposals for improving military funding and the welfare of personnel,” Yar’Adua added.
Closed-Door Deliberations
Given the sensitive nature of the discussions, the committee opted to conduct the screening behind closed doors. During the session, Yar’Adua urged Lt. Gen. Oluyede to outline his vision for bolstering Nigeria’s security framework and enhancing the military’s ability to tackle both internal and external threats.
“The security of our nation is paramount, and this exercise provides an opportunity to chart a path forward under the leadership of the nominee,” Yar’Adua stated.
Next Steps
The Senate Committee on the Army is expected to compile its findings and recommendations from the screening and present them to the full Senate for further legislative consideration. This step will determine whether Lt. Gen. Oluyede will be confirmed as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The process highlights the Senate’s commitment to ensuring that key military appointments align with the country’s security needs and constitutional provisions.
By Francesca Hangeior
President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child, even as he said plans have been concluded to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency to coordinate all issues affecting Nigerian children in a unified and focused manner.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.
The event was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said his administration is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.
“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.
“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.
“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.
“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.
He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.
“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.
Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.
“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.
“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio-emotional learning into our national curriculum.
“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.
The board disclosed that it is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates over issues relating to examination irregularities.
Recall that over 1.9 million applicants participated in the just-concluded exercise.
JAMB also disclosed that 80 suspects across the country are currently under interrogation for examination fraud, with Anambra State leading the pack with 14 suspects.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated this on Friday while officially releasing the 2025 UTME.
He also disclosed that while 467 underage candidates met the prescribed minimum score, 50 were engaged in cheating scandal.
A press conference to this effect is ongoing.
Details coming…
The Oloba of Oba-Ile in Akure North Council Area of Ondo State, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, Otutubiosun 1
has joined his ancestors.
Oba Agunbiade who passed on Friday morning reigned for 39 years .
He was aged 84 years.
Sources told newsmen that traditional announcement of the monarch’s demise is however being awaited.
Details shortly…
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