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Poverty, Hunger Fueling National Security Crises, Says CDS

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Poverty, Hunger Fueling National Security Crises, Says CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has warned that poverty and hunger have escalated beyond social issues, now posing serious threats to Nigeria’s national security.

Speaking at the opening of the 14th National Security Seminar in Abuja on Monday, Gen. Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, stressed that insecurity in the modern world is no longer solely defined by armed conflict, but also by widespread economic hardship, food insecurity, and social dislocation.

The seminar, themed “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria,” was organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively working to break the cycle of poverty and insecurity through key initiatives such as agricultural reforms, expanded social investment programmes, and targeted security interventions.

“There is a clear link between poverty and insecurity, which feeds a vicious cycle that stifles economic growth and worsens social vulnerabilities. Hunger and deprivation are not just humanitarian concerns; they are drivers of crime, violence, and national instability,” Ribadu said.

Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, echoed the need for a people-centred approach to security. He called for targeted solutions that address the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion.

Badaru emphasised the need for collective action, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges transcend borders and require broad collaboration.

The speakers unanimously agreed on the urgent need for a coordinated national response to economic hardship, warning that without deliberate intervention, hunger and poverty could continue to fuel unrest and weaken the country’s social fabric.

He said, “Insecurity today is not only defined by weapons but also by economic deprivation, food insecurity, and social dislocation. Hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges – they have become national security threats.

“The North Central region, particularly Benue State, once considered Nigeria’s food basket, is a clear example of how banditry, displacement, and farmer-herder conflicts have devastated agricultural productivity.”

Musa noted that the disruption of farming communities and illegal occupation of farmlands contributed to food inflation, displacement, and mass migration, thereby destabilising both the economy and national cohesion.

He called on communities to deny criminals and terrorists sanctuary by supporting intelligence gathering, timely reporting, and community vigilance.

The CDS called for urgent investment in grassroots agricultural development.

He urged the government and stakeholders to reposition farming as a noble and rewarding profession by enhancing access to credit, infrastructure, and market linkages.

He said: “With the migration of rural youth to urban centres, agricultural productivity is declining.

“We must make farming attractive again, not as a last resort, but as a national duty and a prestigious calling,’’ he added.

Musa also praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on financial autonomy for local governments, which he described as vital for responsive and community-driven development.

“I assure you, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in synergy with other security agencies and with the support of the people, remain resolute in overcoming all security threats,” he said.

“We must build a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, engage in productive livelihood, and enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

He commended the organisers for creating a strategic platform for critical dialogue on Nigeria’s security and developmental challenges.

Tinubu prioritises agric reform to end poverty – Ribadu

Represented by the Director of Defence Affairs at ONSA, Maj.-Gen. Peter Mala, Ribadu said that national security is a collective responsibility that demands a multidimensional and collaborative approach.

According to the NSA, there is a vicious cycle between poverty and insecurity, which hinders economic growth and exacerbates social vulnerabilities.

He said: “The Federal Government under President Tinubu has prioritised agricultural reforms, social investment programmes, and security sector interventions aimed at breaking this cycle.

“These efforts are visible through increased support for food security initiatives, enhanced law enforcement capacity, and infrastructure to support agricultural production and distribution.”

The NSA said that his office had continued to coordinate both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across the armed forces, intelligence services, security agencies, and relevant government and non-governmental actors.

He said in spite of the progress made, issues like unemployment, hunger, and youth disenfranchisement remain persistent and require deeper, long-term solutions.

According to Ribadu, the seminar presents an excellent platform for collective introspection and the sharing of ideas towards tackling the dynamic and multifaceted challenges confronting the nation.

He commended AANDEC for its commitment to national development and bringing together leaders of thought, security experts, policymakers, and citizens to chart a path forward.

…’Whole-of-society’’ approach key to end poverty – Badaru

Badaru said that only a “whole-of-society” approach could tackle pressing issues like hunger, poverty, and violence.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians and praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for their bravery and innovation in responding to security threats.

Badaru said the seminar served as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable solutions, foster dialogue, and promote inclusive approaches to national security.

He expressed confidence in the collective efforts of Nigerians to build a secure and prosperous future, where peace and stability reign supreme.

Badaru said the Defence Ministry remains committed to supporting innovative and inclusive approaches to national security.

“May our collective efforts continue to strengthen our path towards unity, resilience, and sustainable national security,” he said.

The President of AANDEC, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, underscored the need for sustained investment in education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion as critical non-kinetic responses to Nigeria’s deepening

Abdullahi said that hunger and poverty were not just humanitarian crises but strategic threats to national stability.

He stressed that neglecting the socio-economic well-being of the population creates fertile ground for instability and extremism.

Abdullahi said, “When millions suffer from hunger and poverty, they become vulnerable to exploitation by those with ill intentions.

“We must therefore invest in our people, especially in education, livelihoods, and skills development.”

“Economic initiatives that foster inclusion and bring communities together can be effective tools for peacebuilding, as they create an atmosphere of stability and discourage violence.”

He advocated for the creation of a dedicated vocational and leadership development centre for widows and children of fallen heroes, describing it as a necessary step in empowering vulnerable populations and promoting national healing.

Thenationonlineng.net

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BREAKING: KWAM 1 Writes Ogun Govt, Accuses Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Plot to Exclude Him From Awujale Selection

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Popular Fuji musician and Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM1, has written to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, alleging that he is being deliberately sidelined from the ongoing process to select the next Awujale of Ijebu land.

Ayinde, in a petition dated January 8, 2026, accused the Fusengbuwa ruling house next in line to produce the monarch of taking actions that allegedly violate the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State. He claimed the moves were designed to disenfranchise him from contesting for the revered throne.

The letter, written on his behalf by his lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, was addressed to Governor Abiodun and outlined what the Fuji star described as procedural irregularities in the selection process.

According to the petition, the contest for the Awujale stool has attracted over 60 aspirants, with Ayinde formally declaring his interest. However, the Fusengbuwa family has maintained that KWAM1 is not a member of the ruling house and is therefore ineligible to participate in the exercise.

Before writing to the governor, Ayinde had approached the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode, seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from continuing with the selection process. The court, however, dismissed the application, ruling that it lacked merit. The musician later withdrew the suit without publicly stating his reasons.

In his latest letter, Ayinde disclosed that the Ijebu Ode Local Government, via a letter dated January 6, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, had approved the commencement of the selection process by the ruling house.

He expressed surprise that while members of the Fusengbuwa family were preparing for a general meeting, the family’s Public Relations Officer, Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, allegedly issued a notice directing aspirants to collect nomination forms and appear before a screening committee.

The screening committee, according to Ayinde, is chaired by Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga. He further alleged that the directive fixed the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026, while also stating that the process would be conducted by delegates to be selected at a meeting scheduled for January 10, 2026.

Ayinde argued that the sequence of events was confusing, contradictory, and contrary to established laws guiding traditional chieftaincy matters in Ogun State.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ogun State Government nor the Fusengbuwa ruling house had officially responded to the allegations.

Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Awujale succession process and provide updates as the story unfolds.

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“Do Not Test Trump’s Resolve”: US Issues Fresh Threat To Nigeria

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A United States Congressman, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has warned Nigeria not to take the resolve of President Donald Trump with levity, adding that the US president remained steadfast in his bid to protect Christians in Nigeria, while reiterating the false allegation that Christians have continued to face prosecution in the West African country.

Moore’s warning came days after the US president issued another military action in Nigeria, adding that he would not be carrying out a single operation in Nigeria if the alleged Christian persecution continues in the country.

The threat came days after the United States launched a military strike in Sokoto, targeting some terrorist hideouts in the country. The strike affected other states such as Niger and Kwara.

However, Trump, in an interview with The New York Times, published on Thursday, January 8, while responding to questions about a US military strike carried out in Nigeria on Christmas Day, said: “I’d love to make it a one-time strike. But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” Trump said.

Moore took to social media to reiterate Trump’s second threat to the country and warned Nigeria against overlooking the threat. His warning did not sit well with many Nigerians, who took to the comment section of the post and expressed their views about his claim. Below are some of their comments:

Omolayo accused the US of bombing a Christian country, Venezuela, and stealing its oil: “What about Venezuela, which is 80% Christian? Trump doesn’t care about Christians, but I grudgingly welcome his presence in the northern part of Nigeria.”

Umar Yusuf Dayyabu knocked the US: “The same US that just finished bombing a Christian country (Venezuela) and is currently stealing their oil is now claiming to want to save Christians in Nigeria. The US only wants our natural resources, that’s it.”

Amadu Yahuza accused the Trump administration of imperialism: “Let’s be clear: if the U.S. is claiming to defend Christians in Nigeria but simultaneously tightens visa access for Nigerians broadly, including Christians, that is not solidarity, it’s hypocrisy. Trump’s statements about Nigerian Christians are political branding, while visa restrictions, federal actions, and international messaging are geopolitical moves.”

Garvy accused the lawmaker of turning a blind eye to the killing of Christians in the US: “I guess you were blind to Christians murdered right in front of your nose in Salt Lake City, and you were blind to that. Suppose their lives don’t matter, right?”

You can read more reactions on X here:

 

 

 

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Buhari’s Ex-Minister Pantami Breaks Silence Over Alleged Wedding Plan With Aisha Buhari

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False claims linking former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, with former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, have been dismissed after an independent verification found the story to be entirely fabricated.

The rumour, which spread rapidly across Facebook and X, alleged that the two were planning a marriage and circulated alongside an image described online as a pre wedding photograph.

The post gained wide traction after several users pointed to Aisha Buhari’s completion of her Islamic mourning period following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2025.

Public figures also reshared the image, drawing thousands of comments and reactions and fuelling speculation among social media users.

A fact check carried out by PRNigeria found no credible evidence supporting the claim. Reviews of the verified social media accounts of both Pantami and Aisha Buhari showed no statements or references linked to any marriage plan. Searches across reputable news platforms also returned no matching reports.

Further forensic analysis subjected the viral photograph to InVid verification and artificial intelligence detection tools. The assessment confirmed that the image was digitally manipulated and generated through artificial means, with faces inserted into a wedding-themed template.

Pantami addressed the allegation directly in a phone conversation with PRNigeria.

“It is shocking that anyone would fabricate such a rumour. President Buhari is a father figure to us, and we regard his widow as a mother. The claim is baseless and impossible,” he said.

Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to the late president, also rejected the story on his Facebook page in Hausa.

“The story being circulated that Hajiya Aisha Buhari has agreed to marry Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami is an outright lie. There is absolutely no truth in it whatsoever,” Ahmad wrote.

Additional context emerged from a recently released biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole and launched at the State House in December 2025. The book records Aisha Buhari as stating clearly that she has no intention of remarrying, citing family responsibilities and a desire for a quieter public life.

The former president died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. He married Aisha Buhari in 1989 and is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. Speculation around her personal life increased online after she completed the traditional mourning period in November 2025.

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