Author: Antiketu Musa

  • SEO Headline:International Women’s Day: Anambra First Lady Nonye Soludo Urges Stronger Political Participation and Empowerment for Women!

    SEO Headline:International Women’s Day: Anambra First Lady Nonye Soludo Urges Stronger Political Participation and Empowerment for Women!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist)| Sele Media

    AfricaThe First Lady of Anambra State, Nonye Soludo, has called for stronger commitment to women’s empowerment and increased female participation in governance, emphasizing that meaningful development in Africa cannot be achieved without the active involvement of women.Speaking during activities marking International Women’s Day in Awka, the state capital, Soludo urged governments, institutions, and communities to move beyond rhetoric and implement practical measures that enable women to thrive socially, economically, and politically.She stressed that women occupy a central role in families and communities, noting that empowering women directly strengthens households and contributes to sustainable national development.“Women hold a vital place in the heart of society and humanity. Their voices and contributions must be recognized and amplified in leadership, policy making, and community development,” she said.Soludo also encouraged women to actively participate in politics and decision making processes, describing the era when politics was perceived as a male dominated arena as outdated. According to her, broader female representation in governance would help address persistent gender inequalities and socio-cultural barriers affecting women across Nigeria.She further highlighted the need to confront issues such as gender based discrimination, harmful cultural practices, and economic marginalization that continue to limit opportunities for many women.The Anambra First Lady reiterated that empowerment should extend beyond symbolic gestures to include education, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship support, and leadership opportunities that enable women to reach their full potential.Her remarks align with ongoing advocacy efforts across Nigeria and Africa aimed at strengthening women’s participation in governance, business, and community development.Across the continent, policymakers and development advocates increasingly recognize that women’s empowerment is closely linked to economic growth, social stability, and inclusive governance. Initiatives supporting women’s entrepreneurship and political participation have been widely promoted as essential tools for sustainable development.International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, serves as a global platform to highlight women’s achievements while drawing attention to the challenges that still hinder gender equality world wide.Soludo’s message echoes the broader global call for accelerated action toward gender parity, urging African societies to create enabling environments where women can lead, innovate, and shape the future of their communities.

    Sources:The Cable; Vanguard; THISDAY; Punch Newspapers; Anambra Daily.

  • Africa Nigerian Army Honours Fallen Troops Killed in Borno Counter Insurgency Operations!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media

    Africa Nigerian Army Honours Fallen Troops Killed in Borno Counter Insurgency Operations!

    The Nigerian Army has conducted a solemn burial ceremony for soldiers who lost their lives during counter insurgency operations in northeastern Nigeria, paying tribute to their service and sacrifice in the fight against extremist violence.The fallen troops were killed while participating in military operations in Borno State, the epicentre of Nigeria’s long running insurgency involving extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter factions. The soldiers were part of the ongoing counter terrorism campaign under Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigerian military’s joint task force responsible for combating insurgent activity across the Northeast.According to military authorities, the burial ceremony was conducted with full military honours, reflecting the armed forces’ recognition of the soldiers’ courage and dedication in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Senior military officials, fellow servicemen, and family members attended the ceremony, where prayers and tributes were offered for the deceased.Military spokespeople emphasized that the sacrifices made by the fallen personnel underscore the risks faced daily by troops operating in conflict zones. They reiterated the Nigerian military’s commitment to sustaining operations aimed at restoring stability and dismantling insurgent networks across the region.For more than a decade, northeastern Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges from insurgent groups responsible for attacks on military installations, civilian communities, and humanitarian facilities. While the Nigerian military has recorded several operational successes in recent years including the recovery of territories and the neutralization of militant commanders sporadic attacks and ambushes continue to pose threats to troops deployed in remote areas.Security analysts note that the ongoing counter insurgency effort requires sustained coordination between military forces, intelligence agencies, and local communities to prevent insurgent regrouping and ensure lasting peace in affected areas.The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to continue operations until insurgent violence is decisively defeated, while calling on Nigerians to support security forces through cooperation and credible information sharing.As the nation mourns the fallen soldiers, military authorities stressed that their legacy will remain a reminder of the commitment and bravery required to safeguard national security.

    Sources:Channels Television; Premium Times; Daily Trust; The Guardian Nigeria; Nigerian Army official communications.

    Tags: Africa Nigerian Army Honours Fallen Troops Killed in Borno Counter Insurgency Operations,

  • Africa Iran Urges Azerbaijan to Expel Israeli Presence Amid Rising Caucasus Tensions and Alleged Foiled Attack!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media

    Africa Iran Urges Azerbaijan to Expel Israeli Presence Amid Rising Caucasus Tensions and Alleged Foiled Attack !

    PlotsIran’s military has warned neighboring Azerbaijan to remove any Israeli presence from its territory, arguing that such ties threaten regional stability and could escalate security risks across the South Caucasus.The statement, issued by an Iranian military spokesperson, urged Baku to “expel the Zionists” in order to prevent insecurity from spreading and to safeguard both Azerbaijani and Iranian national security interests. The warning came amid escalating diplomatic friction between the two countries following Azerbaijan’s claims that it had disrupted several alleged terror plots linked to Iranian operatives. Space War and Alleged Iranian Plots and Security Concerns Authorities in Azerbaijan said their security services recently foiled multiple planned attacks targeting strategic and symbolic sites in the country. According to officials, the disrupted plots allegedly included plans to strike the Baku Tbilisi Ceyan oil pipeline an important energy corridor transporting crude oil to global markets as well as the Israeli embassy and Jewish community sites in Azerbaijan. Reuters Investigators reported that suspects linked to the operation attempted to smuggle explosives into the country, and several individuals have been detained or placed on international wanted lists in connection with the case.The allegations have further strained relations between the two neighboring states, which already share a complicated geopolitical history shaped by competing regional alliances and security concerns.Drone Incident Deepens Diplomatic Rift tensions escalated further earlier this week when drones struck Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, damaging infrastructure at Nakhchivan International Airport and injuring civilians, according to Azerbaijani authorities. Baku accused Tehran of carrying out the attack and summoned Iran’s ambassador in protest. Iran has denied responsibility for the drone incident, suggesting instead that the attack may have been staged as a provocation by Israel or other actors seeking to inflame tensions between the two countries.Strategic Alliance with Israel. Israel maintains close diplomatic and defense ties with Azerbaijan, including cooperation in intelligence and military technology. The partnership has long drawn criticism from Tehran, which fears that Israeli influence near its northern border could enable intelligence operations against the Islamic Republic. Space War Azerbaijan, however, has previously rejected accusations that foreign forces operate from its territory against Iran, insisting that it does not allow its soil to be used to launch attacks on neighboring countries.Wider Regional Implications The latest dispute unfolds against the backdrop of broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and surrounding regions, where conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and their allies have intensified in recent weeks.Analysts say the confrontation between Tehran and Baku highlights how global rivalries are increasingly intersecting with regional politics in the Caucasus, a strategic corridor linking Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.While both sides have exchanged sharp accusations, diplomatic observers warn that continued escalation could destabilize the region and threaten vital energy and trade routes.

    SourcesReuters, AFP, Vanguard Nigeria, Punch Nigeria,Euronews, Al-Monitor.

  • Nigerian Army Honours Fallen Troops Killed in Borno Counter Insurgency Operations!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    Nigerian Army Honours Fallen Troops Killed in Borno Counter Insurgency Operations

    The Nigerian Army has conducted a solemn burial ceremony for soldiers who lost their lives during counter insurgency operations in northeastern Nigeria, paying tribute to their service and sacrifice in the fight against extremist violence.
    The fallen troops were killed while participating in military operations in Borno State, the epicentre of Nigeria’s long running insurgency involving extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter factions. The soldiers were part of the ongoing counter terrorism campaign under Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigerian military’s joint task force responsible for combating insurgent activity across the Northeast.
    According to military authorities, the burial ceremony was conducted with full military honours, reflecting the armed forces’ recognition of the soldiers’ courage and dedication in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Senior military officials, fellow servicemen, and family members attended the ceremony, where prayers and tributes were offered for the deceased.
    Military spokespeople emphasized that the sacrifices made by the fallen personnel underscore the risks faced daily by troops operating in conflict zones. They reiterated the Nigerian military’s commitment to sustaining operations aimed at restoring stability and dismantling insurgent networks across the region.
    For more than a decade, northeastern Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges from insurgent groups responsible for attacks on military installations, civilian communities, and humanitarian facilities. While the Nigerian military has recorded several operational successes in recent years including the recovery of territories and the neutralization of militant commanders sporadic attacks and ambushes continue to pose threats to troops deployed in remote areas.
    Security analysts note that the ongoing counter insurgency effort requires sustained coordination between military forces, intelligence agencies, and local communities to prevent insurgent regrouping and ensure lasting peace in affected areas.
    The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to continue operations until insurgent violence is decisively defeated, while calling on Nigerians to support security forces through cooperation and credible information sharing.
    As the nation mourns the fallen soldiers, military authorities stressed that their legacy will remain a reminder of the commitment and bravery required to safeguard national security.

    Sources:
    Channels Television; Premium Times; Daily Trust; The Guardian Nigeria; Nigeria Army official communication.

  • Jigawa Women Rally Behind DSS Over Controversial Walida Abdulhadi Case!

    Jigawa Women Rally Behind DSS Over Controversial Walida Abdulhadi Case!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media

    AfricaHundreds of women in northern Nigeria’s Jigawa State staged a solidarity march in support of the Department of State Services (DSS), expressing confidence in the agency’s handling of the widely discussed case involving Walida Abdulhadi.The demonstration, held in parts of Jigawa, drew participants from various women’s associations and community groups who carried placards and chanted slogans backing the DSS. The protesters said the march was aimed at countering what they described as misinformation circulating about the agency’s alleged involvement in the circumstances surrounding Abdulhadi’s reported abduction.The case has attracted significant public attention after claims emerged that Abdulhadi was abducted by an operative linked to the DSS. The allegations sparked debate across social media and within civil society circles, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from security institutions.However, organizers of the solidarity march said the demonstration was intended to reinforce public trust in Nigeria’s intelligence and security structures. According to participants, the DSS should be allowed to conduct investigations without undue pressure or speculation.“We believe the DSS is a professional institution capable of investigating the matter thoroughly,” one of the protest leaders said during the rally. “Our aim is to support lawful institutions and encourage due process.”Local authorities maintained a visible presence during the demonstration to ensure order, while the march proceeded peacefully through designated routes.The DSS has not publicly disclosed extensive details about the case but has previously indicated that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law while addressing security concerns.Analysts say the development reflects growing public engagement around accountability within Nigeria’s security sector, especially when allegations involve state institutions. Civil society groups have meanwhile continued to call for clarity on the circumstances surrounding Abdulhadi’s disappearance and the role of any individuals connected to the security services.As the situation evolves, observers note that transparency in the investigation will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring justice for all parties involved.

    Sources:Daily Trust, Premium Times, Channels television, Newspaper.