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EXCLUSIVE: Presidency Charges Nigerian Guild Of Editors N16.5million To Meet Tinubu At Banquet Hall In ‘Disgraceful Outing’

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Sahara Reporters gathered that the editors and media executives coughed up the large sum because the Banquet Hall in Aso Rock had been commercialized.

The Guild of Editors of Nigeria had a “disgraceful outing” at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday where the group paid N16.5million for the Banquet Hall and met with President Bola Tinubu, Sahara Reporters has learnt.

Sahara Reporters gathered that the editors and media executives coughed up the large sum because the Banquet Hall in Aso Rock had been commercialized.

Hence, on the following day, the meeting continued at the NAF Conference Centre in Kado, Abuja.

“This is also because the presidency wouldn’t allow Tinubu to go out of the Villa and hold events. This has been the case since the coup plot by some military personnel was reported,” a top source informed Sahara Reporters.

It will be recalled that the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) used the Banquet Hall at the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock Villa) in Abuja for the opening session of their 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2025) on November 12, 2025.

President Bola Tinubu had declared the conference open and addressed the gathered editors at the event, which was also attended by other top government officials and media executives.

The event on the second day, November 13, 2025, was held at a different venue, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre.

“The Guild of Editors of Nigeria had a disgraceful outing at the Presidential Villa where the group met with President because the presidency wouldn’t allow Tinubu to go out and hold events since the coup plot was exposed in a Sahara Reporters’ report. The event cost the Guild of Editors N16.5million as the Banquet Hall has been commercialized,” the source explained.

President Tinubu had on Wednesday tasked media practitioners to fulfil their responsibility as the Fourth Estate of the Realm towards nation-building and the sustenance of democracy.

President Tinubu also declared that his administration would consider the requests from the Guild for media tax relief and other interventions that would ensure the sustainability and vibrancy of the media.

The President spoke at the 21st Nigerian Guild of Editors Annual Conference (ANEC) 2025, with the theme, Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: Role of Editors, in Abuja.

He commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors for the commitment of its members to sustaining democracy and national development, urging them to shape public discourse in a constructive manner that strengthens the bonds that hold the nation together.

“This conversation is necessary as we continue to build institutions that are transparent, resilient and trusted by our citizens. Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession. It has been an instrument of national awakening. From early newspapers that challenged colonial injustice to the principled voices that kept hope alive during the dark days of the military dictatorship,” Tinubu stated.

In October, Sahara Reporters reported how at least 16 senior military officers were detained by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

A coup d’état is an overt attempt by a military organization or other government elites to unseat an incumbent person or leadership.

While the Nigerian military in a statement claimed the detention of the officers was linked to “repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation”, top sources revealed that they were actually arrested over a coup plot.

A senior official of the Defense Intelligence Agency involved in the arrest told Sahara Reporters that the officers led by an Army Brigadier General were planning to stage a coup and take over government from “selfish politicians”.

He said the coup attempt was thwarted after an intelligence gathering by the DIA and sister agencies.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson. They have started doing secret meetings on how to overthrow the President and other top government officials,” the source had told Sahara Reporters.

Another source added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was cancelled because of the coup attempt.

 

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FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.

The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.

He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

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Shettima Steps Aside from Official Duties After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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