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 *OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION*                                                                                                          *PRESS STATEMENT* PRESIDENT TINUBU CONSTITUTES INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE FOR STATE BURIAL OF FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee for the State Funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The Committee, which is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, is tasked with the responsibility of planning and coordinating a befitting state burial for the late elder statesman. Other Members of the Committee include the fo...

 Five Presidents to Attend Buhari’s Burial in Daura At least five presidents are expected to attend the funeral of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday in Daura. Buhari’s ex-aide, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed the development on Facebook. Buhari died Sunday in London after a prolonged illness. His remains will arrive in Nigeria by noon, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and top officials.

 Why marriages don’t work anymore – Blessing CEO Controversial relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO has opened up about the problems facing modern marriages. In a recent interview with Instablog TV, she attributed the failure of many marriages in the current generation to excessive talking and social media usage. According to her, the traditional community structures that once helped resolve marital issues are no longer effective in modern times. She noted that the exposure and independence that women have today can be both a blessing and a curse, as some women struggle to manage their independence and balance their relationships. The relationship therapist emphasized that a woman’s success can make her husband feel insecure, not because of her achievements, but because of the perceived threat to his masculinity. She advised women to remain soft and feminine, even in the face of success, noting that when women become too assertive or competitive, ...

 TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING ON THE BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (GCFR) BY MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, ON MONDAY, 14TH JULY, 2025   Gentlemen of the Press, good afternoon.   Following deliberations by the Federal Government on the burial arrangements for our departed former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, I am here to brief you on the outcomes of those discussions and the national programme of events that will follow.   To ensure a dignified and well-coordinated programme, the President has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the State Burial, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the family of the former President.   The Committee, is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON. Other members are:  i. Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy ii. Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Pla...

 More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say More than 100 migrants, including five women, have been freed from captivity after being held for ransom by a gang in eastern Libya, the country's attorney general said on Monday, Reuters reported. "A criminal group involved in organising the smuggling of migrants, depriving them of their freedom, trafficking them, and torturing them to force their families to pay ransoms for their release," a statement from the attorney general said. Libya has become a transit route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty to Europe via the dangerous route across the desert and over the Mediterranean following the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. Many migrants desperate to make the crossing have fallen into the hands of traffickers. The freed migrants had been held in Ajdabiya, some 160 km (100 miles) from Libya's second city Benghazi. Five suspected traffickers from ...

 "Today, I joined others in paying my last respects to His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland. His presence anchored the community for generations, and his legacy will continue to guide it. Although Oba Adetona’s passing is a great loss, the values he championed live on. My sincere condolences go to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the royal family, and the people of Ijebuland and Ogun State"- Gov. Sanwo-Olu.  More photos below. 

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT NEW DATE FOR THE SPECIAL FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SESSION IN HONOUR OF PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI TO BE ANNOUNCED   The special Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari will no longer be held as announced earlier, given the state funeral in his hometown, Daura, on the same day.   In addition, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the departed Nigerian leader.   The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will announce a new date after the funeral proceedings.   President Tinubu called for the special FEC session to honour his predecessor for his invaluable contributions to our country.   The remains of the former Nigerian leader will arrive from London tomorrow by noon, after which he will be committed to Mother Earth in his home town, in accordance with Islamic rites.   President Buhari died on Sunday in a L...

 PRESS STATEMENT FG DECLARES TUESDAY, 15 JULY, 2025 PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN HONOUR OF LATE FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI In futherance to the seven days of National mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a Public Holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development. “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opp...

 YEMI SOLADE APOLOGIZES FOR SLAPPING AFEEZ OWO 20 YEARS AGO Nollywood A-List actor, Yemi Solade, has offered apologies for slapping fellow actor Afeez Abiodun, popularly known as Afeez Owo, 20 years ago. Solade said they had just filming a movie at the outskirts of Ibadan and returned to their rented accomodation to find complete electricity outage. He said he and others complained to Afeez who was the production manager to do something about the situation but he didn't take them seriously. Then he landed Afeez a slap.  “Let me apologise to Afeez Abiodun," Solade said. "I slapped him once. So Afeez, I’m sorry, ma binu simi. It’s been a long time, like 20 years. I don’t like insults, and that could be my weakness."

 BUHARI: NORTH-WEST STATES DECLARE TUESDAY AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY Governors of the seven north-west states in Nigeria have declared Tuesday as a national holiday in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari who died on Sunday in London. “The Northwest Governors Forum receives with shock and deep sorrow the news of the passing of our beloved former President, General Muhammadu Buhari," said Chairman of the North-West Governors Forum and Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda. Buhari’s body is expected to arrive in Katsina, his home state, on Tuesday at around 12 noon, with burial rites scheduled for 2 pm, according to Islamic rites. “We call on all Nigerians to join us in prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Radda said. "He lived a life of service, integrity, and sacrifice for the betterment of Nigeria.

 In a heartbreaking development, the body of 19-year-old Delhi University student Sneha Debnath was found under the Geeta Colony flyover in the Yamuna river on Sunday, a week after she went missing. Sneha, originally from Sabroom in Tripura, was studying at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College in Delhi. Her disappearance had sparked major concern in both Delhi and Tripura, and her tragic death has shocked many. A suicide note was later found in her hostel room by her family. In the handwritten note, Sneha wrote that she felt like a “failure and burden” and had decided to end her life by jumping off Signature Bridge. She clearly mentioned there was no foul play and that it was her own decision. The note has been handed over to the police and is now part of the official investigation. Sneha was last heard from on the morning of July 7, when she told her mother she was going to drop a friend at Sarai Rohilla Railway Station. However, it was later found that she never met her friend and ins...

 San Rechal Gandhi, a 26-year-old model and former Miss Puducherry (2022), tragically died by suicide in Puducherry on Sunday. She passed away during treatment at JIPMER Hospital after being moved from a government hospital and a private facility. Rechal had reportedly consumed a large number of tablets while visiting her father’s home. Police say that initial investigations suggest financial stress and personal struggles may have driven her to take the extreme step. She had recently sold her jewellery to manage her expenses and had also sought financial help from family members. A suicide note was found at the scene, in which Rechal stated that no one should be blamed for her death. Given her recent marriage, authorities have ordered a Tahsildar-level inquiry to ensure all aspects are thoroughly examined. Known for her active presence in the modelling industry, Rechal’s sudden death has shocked many in Puducherry and beyond. Police have confirmed that further investigations are un...

 ‎PRESS RELEASE POLICE CRUSH TWO MAJOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SYNDICATES, ARREST 11 SUSPECTS, RESCUE MULTIPLE VICTIMS. In a bold and coordinated crackdown on organised human trafficking, the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled two major syndicates operating within the country, rescuing multiple victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals, while arresting a total of eleven (11) suspects across two states.  Recently, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Zone-13 Police Command executed a precision-led sting operation, targeting a deeply rooted child trafficking and baby factory network. The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects from various locations, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56). These individuals, during interrogation, confessed to active involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities functioning as baby factories. Their cri...

 Court Stops Ibas from Inaugurating New Rivers Services Commission Members A Rivers State High Court has barred Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas from inaugurating new members of the Rivers State Services Commission, pending judgment in a suit by suspended officials appointed by Governor Fubara.  The claimants argue their removal was unlawful and without due process. Judgment is set for September 29, 2025. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: 🚨 Court Stops Ibas From Swearing In New Rivers State Services Commission Members 🚨 A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has temporarily blocked retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Sole Administrator) from inaugurating the newly confirmed chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission. The court’s decision comes as it prepares to deliver judgment in an ongoing lawsuit.   ⚖️ What’s the Case About? Justice Frank Onyiri issued the order after hearing final arguments in a case filed by the suspended Chairman and members ...

 Sofiat Okeowo’s Killers Sentenced Three Years After Ritual Murder Three years after 16-year-old Sofiat Okeowo was murdered for ritual purposes in Ogun State, justice has been served. An Ogun High Court sentenced Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi to death by hanging, and Lukmon Abdulgafar to life imprisonment. The convicts lured and killed Sofiat, beheaded her, and attempted to burn her head for money rituals. The state government hailed the ruling as a victory for justice and a warning against ritual crimes.

 South Africa Suspends Police Minister Over Crime Links President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu over alleged ties to organised crime. A judicial probe will investigate claims that he interfered in political killing cases and had links to a drug cartel. Mchunu denies the allegations. Law professor Firoz Cachalia is acting minister.

 PRESS RELEASE  Health Minister Pays Surprise Visit to FMC Abuja After Outcome of Viral Video Investigation, Orders Additional Emergency Care Reforms Following the release of the report of the investigative panel he ordered in response to a viral video that sparked public outrage over poor emergency service delivery at the Federal Medical Centre,  Abuja, Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako paid an unannounced assessment visit to the emergency unit of the hospital. The video, widely circulated online, showed an accident victim brought to  the hospital by a good Samaritan only to face delays and apathy at the  emergency unit. Dr. Salako, during the visit, engaged directly with frontline medical personnel and the Chief Medical Director at the Emergency ward, asking critical questions about the hospital’s preparedness, infrastructure, and workforce capacity in handling emergencies. "You are in the eye of the storm, b...

 PRESS RELEASE PASSING ON OF FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI: A GREAT LOSS TO THE ENTIRE NATION- MATAWALLE  The Honourable Minister of of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, extend his heartfelt condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London, and described his passing as a significant loss for the nation, particularly at a time when Nigeria could greatly benefit from his leadership style. He noted the important strides made in the defence sector under Buhari’s administration, particularly in empowering the Nigerian military to combat insecurity. Minister Matawalle expressed that the loss is huge, not only for the Buhari family but for the entire nation that he served with unwavering dedication and commitment. He emphasized that during his tenure, President Buhari demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the development and progress of Nigeria. He highlighted that President Buhari will be remembered for h...

 PRESS RELEASE THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION, SURV. ADAMU ADAJI, MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn. The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji, joins the President, the Federal Government, and all well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away in London on Sunday, 13th July 2025. Describing the late President as a man of deep personal discipline, clarity of conviction, and austere commitment to national order, Surv. Adaji remarked that Nigeria has lost a towering figure whose life’s arc spanned decades of public service both in uniform and under democracy.  “President Buhari was not one for flamboyance or excessive speech. His strength lay in restraint, in principle, and in his ability to stand firm even when it was not politically convenient to do so,” the DG said. President Buhari's contribution ...

 Tribute to Late President Muhammadu Buhari It is with profound sorrow that my family and I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a true statesman, patriot, and servant-leader who dedicated his life to the service of our great nation. His tenure was marked by unwavering commitment to duty, courage in the face of adversity, and an abiding sense of responsibility to the Nigerian people. Former President Buhari will be remembered for his steadfast efforts to restore discipline in governance, and pursuit of security and stability during some of the most challenging periods in our national history. His administration championed infrastructural development, advanced agricultural reform, and sought to lay the groundwork for self-sufficiency and national pride. He possessed the rare ability to inspire calm amidst uncertainty and to lead with quiet resolve. His integrity, simplicity, and personal discipline set him apart as a leader whose actions often spoke louder than wo...

 AISHA BUHARI: "MY HUSBAND ASKED ME TO BEG NIGERIANS FOR FORGIVENESS BEFORE HIS DEATH" Aisha Buhari, wife of the late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that her husband left her with a heartfelt message to pass on to Nigerians. “Ever since he left office, he often told me that if he passed away before me, I should kindly ask Nigerians to forgive him for any wrongs he might have committed during his time in power. He always reminded me that he was only human  capable of both good and mistakes. That’s why I’m here today, begging all Nigerians to please forgive him before he is finally laid to rest.”

 BENUE ASSEMBLY MOVES TO REGULATE SOARING RENT PRICES  14th July, 2025    In a significant move aimed at addressing the growing concern over the high cost of rent in Benue State, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, and Hon. Gbenda Terver have convened a stakeholders’ meeting to chart the way forward. The gathering is scheduled to hold on July 15, 2025, and will include landlords, house agents, and a select group of tenants. The meeting, which is expected to be highly consultative, will provide a platform for participants to discuss the underlying causes of escalating rental prices in the state. Citizen Television Newsroom learnt that, lawmakers hope that the dialogue will shed light on key challenges faced by both property owners and tenants, and help shape a fair regulatory framework. According to the lawmakers, the Benue State House of Assembly is on the verge of taking a final decision to implement legislation aimed at regulat...

 BUHARI'S BURIAL POSTPONED TO TUESDAY AS REMAINS SET TO ARRIVE IN KATSINA BY NOON 14th July, 2025   In a post on his X handle Monday afternoon, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to the late president, announced that Buhari’s body is now expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, with burial scheduled to take place in Daura at 2 p.m. the same day. “The body of the late President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive in Katsina at 12:00 noon tomorrow, with funeral according to Islamic rites scheduled to take place in his hometown of Daura by 2:00 PM on the same day,” Ahmad said. Similarly, Empowered Newswire reported that logistics arrangements to bring the body back home today had fallen through. Informed sources in London told the newspaper that the earliest opportunity for the flight to make it to Nigeria is Tuesday, late in the morning or early afternoon. This is based on several arrangements ongoing now in London, including flight timing from UK airports, hospital ar...

 FG ORDERS IMMEDIATE REFORMS AT FMC ABUJA AFTER VIRAL NEGLIGENCE VIDEO 14th July, 2025    The Federal Government has ordered urgent reforms at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, following a viral video that showed acc+dent victims being denied timely medical attention.  The footage sparked public outrage and allegations of negligence, prompting an investigation. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, issued the directive during an unscheduled visit to the hospital on Sunday.  He confirmed receiving the investigative panel’s report and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the emergency unit, engaging with frontline staff and evaluating the hospital’s capacity to respond to emergencies. “You are in the eye of the storm, responsible for saving lives. Even if you’ve done one million things right, one mistake is what the public will remember,” Dr. Salako told the staff. As an immediate step, he ordered the increase of casualty offi...

 "We Took The Political Bullets While They Looted The Resources" — Former El-Rufai Social Media Influencers Cry Out In a revealing and emotional outcry, former social media influencers and loyal supporters of the Nasir El-Rufai administration have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as betrayal and neglect during and after the former governor’s tenure. The ex-influencers, who were instrumental in defending and promoting the El-Rufai administration both online and offline, now say they were sidelined while some political appointees allegedly enriched themselves with public resources. "While we were busy defending the administration on all fronts, online and offline, some of El-Rufai’s political appointees were enriching themselves with public funds," they said.  Throughout the administration’s lifespan, these digital foot soldiers said they endured personal and professional risks, including severe criticism and political attacks. However, they claim th...

 🇬🇧🇺🇸 The President of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump, accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Melania Trump, will be hosted by His Majesty The King for a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 17th September to 19th September 2025.

 Buhari ordered the massacre of young Southeasterners he branded IPOB. He was a total waste as Nigeria’s president for 8years—- Omoyele Sowore Human activist, politician and social commentator , Sowore has opined that as a President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari was a total waste of space!, stating that the during Buhari’s tenure, Nigeria experienced 8 years of terrible policies, deepened poverty, weaponized insecurity, and hollow leadership.  Sowore asserted that the late President Buhari promised change, but delivered catastrophe. He made several other claims against Buhari which he posted in his official twitter account  “Muhammadu Buhari slaughtered hundreds of Shiites, men, women, and even children. He ordered soldiers of the Nigerian Army to open fire on peaceful EndSARS protesters waving the Nigerian flag. “He ordered the massacre of young Southeasterners he branded IPOB. He disobeyed court orders, jailed critics arbitrarily, destroyed the economy, and ruin...

 Imo Govt gives herdmen July 24 deadline to end open grazing The Imo State Government has issued a directive to herders across the state to end open grazing on or before July 24, 2025, as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and safeguard public order. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Anthony Mgbeahurike, during a stakeholders’ meeting with cattle breeders and herders held in Owerri. “The government has provided critical support in the past, including free cattle vaccination against anthrax,” he stated. “However, we can no longer tolerate unchecked roaming of livestock which disrupts urban life and causes tension” As part of the new regulatory efforts, Alhaji Shuaibu was officially recognized by the government as the new leader of cattle herders in the Imo state. Dr. Mgbeahurike charged him with the responsibility of ensuring full compliance with the state’s grazing directive among all herders. In reponse’ the leader of Cattle ...

 A precious 1-year-old Ohio girl lost her life in a dog attack despite her mother trying to stop it. Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Department deputies were called to a home in Dover Township on July 2nd. The initial 911 call was silent. However, dispatchers were able to speak with the mother during a second call. She informed dispatchers that their family dog had fatally attacked her 1-year-old daughter, Blakely Blosser.  When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Blakely suffering multiple bites to her face and throat.  Blakely's mother said they were just walking into the home when the family pit bull suddenly attacked Blakely. She stated she attempted to stop the attack but was unsuccessful. Deputies noted that the mother did appear to have defensive wounds.  The mother told deputies the dog had never attacked anyone but had exhibited signs of aggression towards other dogs. According to reports, the dog was not immediately confiscated but rather put down by Blak...