The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called for a collaborative effort in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

Speaking at the 6th Edition of the Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) 2024 in Abuja, General Musa admitted that while progress has been made by Nigeria’s Armed Forces, much still needs to be done to curtail the threat of terrorism and banditry in the country.

In his keynote address, General Musa highlighted the global nature of security threats and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to creating a safe environment for economic and social development.

He stressed the necessity of collaboration among all sectors, saying: “No single institution can solve these challenges in isolation.

“We aim to mitigate these threats and foster a conducive environment for growth,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of civil-military relations, citing the recent floods in Maiduguri as an example where troops were deployed for search-and-rescue missions, which helped strengthen trust between the military and the community.

The CDS also noted the significance of regional collaboration, emphasising Nigeria’s leadership in the ongoing African Military Games as a platform for unity in tackling insecurity across the continent.

“Through sports, African countries have come together to address insecurity as a united front,” he said.

The event, organised by Economic Digest Magazine in collaboration with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), recognized individuals and institutions for their contributions to Nigeria’s safety and security.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education for Nigerian children.

Tinubu made the reaffirmation on Thursday during a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysée.

He outlined plans to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through innovative return-to-class initiatives and skills development programmes.

President Tinubu also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive framework that ensures school-age children re-enter classrooms, emphasizing the role of motivation and skill acquisition in the initiative.

“In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” the President added.

Accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President stressed that Nigeria’s developmental potential hinges on a well-educated populace.

“The insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, but we are gradually repopulating the classrooms. And we need skills development to bridge the gaps,” the President stated.

President Tinubu further highlighted the notable progress in enhancing security across Nigeria, employing “kinetic” strategies as part of the peace-building process.

“With some more effort, we will be able to get some level of stability. We had a very good harvest this year. And as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply,” he said.

In response, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s vast growth potential and the importance of investing in educational initiatives.

He reflected on his formative experiences during a six-month internship at the French Embassy in Nigeria, including visits to Lagos and Kano.

President Macron and Brigitte Macron expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their State Visit, promising to elevate the France-Nigeria partnership to new heights.

The Nigerian Super Eagles have experienced a significant dip in the latest FIFA men’s rankings, falling eight places to 44th globally.

The rankings were released on Thursday via FIFA’s official website, marking a challenging period for the three-time African champions.Previously positioned 36th in the world, the Super Eagles also slid from fourth to fifth place on the African continent.

This decline reflects a challenging month for the team, which failed to secure a win in its two matches during November.

The West African side recorded one draw and one loss, contributing to their fall in the rankings.Despite Nigeria’s drop, other African powerhouses have maintained their positions, with Morocco retaining the top spot on the continent.

The Atlas Lions, who achieved a historic semi-final finish at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, continue to demonstrate consistency. Following Morocco are Senegal in second place, Algeria in third, and Egypt, which climbed to fourth, ahead of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles’ performances in November highlighted key areas for improvement.

They first played out a draw in a friendly match before suffering a defeat in a crucial game, which dented their prospects in both the rankings and team morale.

Analysts have pointed to tactical inefficiencies and defensive lapses as contributing factors to the team’s recent struggles.

This decline in ranking is a cause for concern for many Nigerian football enthusiasts.

The Super Eagles are traditionally one of Africa’s strongest teams, boasting a rich history that includes three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles.

However, inconsistent results and an inability to deliver in crucial moments have raised questions about the team’s readiness for upcoming tournaments, including the next AFCON.

On the brighter side, this ranking update could serve as a wake-up call for the team and coaching staff.

With preparations for major tournaments underway, the Super Eagles have an opportunity to regroup, address weaknesses, and rediscover their winning form.

A strong showing in future international matches could help the team regain its footing in the global rankings.Globally, the FIFA rankings continue to be dominated by elite teams from Europe and South America.

African teams like Morocco and Senegal, however, have shown that the gap is narrowing, providing inspiration for the Super Eagles to rise again.

Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Nigeria responds to this setback in the coming months.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warmly received Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the historic Invalides memorial complex in Paris.

This marked the first official state visit by a Nigerian president to France in over two decades, symbolizing a renewed focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

The visit commenced with a formal ceremony in the courtyard of the Invalides, where the two countries’ national anthems echoed across the iconic landmark.

Tinubu’s two-day trip aims to foster economic partnerships between France and Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country.

The meeting comes at a crucial time for both nations.

France, under Macron’s leadership, has sought to redefine its relationship with African nations since his election in 2017.

This effort has taken on greater urgency following a series of military coups and growing anti-French sentiment in several former colonies, which have significantly reduced Paris’s influence in Africa.

Nigeria, on the other hand, faces economic challenges, including skyrocketing inflation and surging food prices, which make foreign investments and partnerships essential for its recovery and growth.

Macron’s office emphasized that the visit presents a significant opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria.

Paris is particularly keen on strengthening ties with English-speaking African nations, a strategy designed to diversify its partnerships on the continent amid strained relations with some Francophone countries.

Nigeria, with its vast market potential, natural resources, and youthful population, represents a strategic partner for France’s renewed focus on Africa.

Tinubu’s administration has prioritized economic reforms and is actively seeking foreign investment to address Nigeria’s fiscal deficits and infrastructure gaps.

The president’s visit underscores his government’s commitment to building international partnerships to drive economic recovery and create opportunities for Nigerians.Macron and Tinubu are expected to hold discussions on a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change.

Both leaders will also explore opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investments, with a particular focus on sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture.

This historic visit not only signifies a new chapter in France-Nigeria relations but also highlights the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy in Africa.

By strengthening ties with Nigeria, France hopes to bolster its relevance on the continent, while Nigeria looks to leverage the partnership for economic advancement.

The self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, is set to face terrorism-related charges in May 2025. This timeline was disclosed by Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation.

Laaksonen confirmed that the date for presenting possible charges had been determined by the Päijät-Häme District Court. “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed.

The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025,” he stated.

The senior detective added that Ekpa and Finnish authorities have the option to request a re-evaluation of his case within two weeks.

“In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.

Simon Ekpa, a prominent secessionist figure and a key advocate of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, has been a controversial figure in Nigeria and the diaspora.

His activities, particularly through social media, have been linked to incitements of violence in the southeastern region of Nigeria, where IPOB agitates for the creation of an independent Biafran state.

Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa alongside four others last Thursday on suspicion of engaging in terror-related activities.

These allegations include incitement to violence, public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, and financing terrorism.

Ekpa’s remand was officially sanctioned by the Päijät-Häme District Court. His detention highlights growing international scrutiny of his activities, which many argue have exacerbated instability in southeastern Nigeria.

In recent years, Ekpa has used his online platforms to promote the controversial “sit-at-home” orders in the region, which have led to widespread disruptions, violence, and economic stagnation.

This arrest marks a significant development in the legal challenges facing Ekpa. While IPOB leadership had distanced itself from his activities, he has maintained his stance as a key figure advocating for Biafra’s secession.

His arrest has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the Finnish government’s action as a step toward curbing violent rhetoric, while others see it as an infringement on freedom of expression.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Finnish authorities are yet to disclose the full scope of the evidence against Ekpa. As May 2025 approaches, this case will likely draw international attention due to its implications for counterterrorism efforts and the broader geopolitical ramifications of separatist movements.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has described Liverpool as his team’s “most difficult” opponent in the UEFA Champions League, following their 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Italian tactician acknowledged the strength of the Premier League giants and credited them for their deserved victory in a fiercely contested encounter.

The match saw Liverpool emerge victorious with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo. Ancelotti’s side struggled to break through the relentless Liverpool defense in a game marked by high-intensity play and dramatic moments.

Both Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah missed penalties, adding further intrigue to a thrilling night of European football.

Reflecting on the performance, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort despite the loss. Speaking to Movistar after the game, he admitted that facing Liverpool at Anfield posed a unique challenge.

“It was a difficult match, as we knew it would be,” Ancelotti remarked. “Anfield is the most difficult stadium in Europe to play in, and Liverpool proved once again why they are such a formidable opponent.

”Ancelotti praised his players for their competitive spirit but noted that the turning point came after the penalty, which disrupted Real Madrid’s rhythm.

“We competed well until the penalty incident,” he explained. “However, after that, we dropped a bit in level.

It was a moment where we needed to stay sharp, but it affected our momentum.

On the counter-attacks, we could have been more effective and created better opportunities.

”Despite the disappointment of the loss, Ancelotti remained optimistic about his team’s overall performance. “I liked the team’s attitude and effort,” he said. “Competing at this level against Liverpool, the most difficult rival in Europe, is always a challenge.

They played with intensity, and in the end, they deserved to win.

”Liverpool’s victory underlined their ability to perform on the grandest stage, with Mac Allister’s strike showcasing his technical brilliance and Gakpo continuing his impressive form in front of goal. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to regroup and address areas of improvement as they prepare for the remainder of their European campaign.

For Ancelotti, the loss serves as a reminder of the high standards required to compete at this level, particularly against a team like Liverpool, renowned for their energy, discipline, and home advantage at Anfield. Both teams are expected to remain contenders in the competition, setting the stage for more dramatic encounters in the future.